What color should trans fluid be? (Mine is beige)

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Bob La Salle

I recently checked the transmission fluid on my 1985 H31 (Yanmar 2GM). It was beige in color and creamy. Isn't it supposed to be bright red (or pink) and clear? Performance seems to be completely normal. I am thinking that I should suction it out and replace, then run for a few hours, repeat, etc. and see if it re-occurs. Any other thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.
 
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Al Brito

You've got

water in your transmission. Drain the case then refill it and drain it at least two more times until the fluid is a nice ruby color. Water is getting into your tranny and that is not good. Try and find the source of the leak. Good Luck, Al Brito s/v Showtime
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
It's engine oil.

Bob: The tranny uses the same 30wt oil that the engine uses (approx 1/2 qt). It does sound like you may have water in the tranny, but that does not even sound possible unless the boat was flooded. I agree that you should drain it and replace it. Just run at the dock for about 5-10 minutees in gear at about 1000-1500 rpms and then drain and replace again. Then you probably should check it each week to see if it is OK.
 
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Ron Dague

Transmission fluid or Oil?

Jack, the owner of a Spirit 28, having a 2 cylinder 20 hp., 20 year old Yanmar, told me that his original Yanmar engine manual specifies transmission fluid, not oil. The Seloc manual that I have, makes no mention of this, and recommends the same oil as used in the engine. But Jack, a sailboat broker, takes excellent care of his boat and is very knowledgable. Is it possible that some of the earlier Yanmars used automatic transmission fluid, not engine oil?
 
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terry dornan

they could be different

the statement Ron made concerns me, I thought they where all engine oil. I know that in the single luggers that there is actually porting between the trans and the crankshaft. (however two different fill locations). In answer to the question as to how water (which it sounds that it is) could contaminate - hate to say it but (2) potential methods is blown head gasket or cracked head. terry dornan
 
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Al Brito

Havn't

got it in front of me, but I'm certain that the manual calls for transmission fluid in the tranny - there is no port to the crankcase on mine. I use Dexron.
 
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Stephen Ostrander

oil

I've had two 2GM20Fs now, and both manuals specifically called for 30 weight engine oil. Use ATF at your own risk.
 
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Bryan C.

Engine oil in tranny

Both the Yanmar manual and the Sealoc manual say to use engine oil (the SAE rating depending on the conditions) in the tranny for the GM series. Not all are the same -- some Yanmars (HJ series?) do use ATF. So check your manual or a Yanmar dealer if in doubt. A milky appearance occurs if there is water in the oil.
 
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