Universal M18 / Hurth Transmission

[Thos. Kober]

Submitted by Thos. Kober of Annapolis MD on 04/23 at 07:37AM regarding Catalina 27.This may sound like a really dumb question but, I recently purchased a 1985 Catalina 27 with a Universal M18 diesel and a Hurth Transmission. I can not find where to add and check transmission fluid. Where are these located and from which access is it best reached? Also my fuel filter appears to be a type of screw on filter (like an oil filter), How often should this be changed? Can I assume this filter does not separate water like a Racor? Can this be purchased from a West Marine/BoatUS type store. Also, has anyone added a separator in conjunction with the type of filter? Any help would be appreciated ...

 

[Tom]

Dip stick

There's a good internet site(www.marinedieseldirect.com) that has a picture of your engine (link below). The "dipstick" looks like a regular bolt on the top of the transmission, aft of the engine. The bolt has a mark for the full postion, so loosen the bolt, take it out, wipe it with a clean cloth, then place it back into the hole & withdraw to see where the fluid is on the small stick. Don't screw the bolt in at all before measuring.You can order the Universal fuel filters (secondary filters) from Torresen as well (as well as the parts manual, owners manual, etc.) When to change depends on how clean your fuel is, and how clean your fuel tank is. Usually change the filter once a season, but carry a spare and know how to replace the filter and bleed the fuel system.A Racor primary fuel filter/water separator would install between the fuel tank and the electric fuel pump, just "upstream" of the fuel pump. Highly recommended to install that as well.

 

[Robert Wilbanks]

Fuel Filter

I just had mine done and the mechanic screwed up and didn't bleed the line. Apparently this is a commonly known fact to dieselperts. It is critical though if you want to get the thing started again. Changing it is fairly easy though.