Yanmar 2QM20 engine oil/transmission fluid advice

[tmjb]

These may seem like a dumb questions but I want to be sure I'm doing the right thing.

My new-to-me '81 H36 has a Yanmar 2QM20. The engine calls for SAE 30 to 40 weight oil for use in 20 -35 degrees centigrade (68 - 95 fahrenheit). Is the pictured Shell Rotella T 15W-40 suitable or is there better.This is for summer use in the NE.

The transmission is a Kanzaki Hurth KBW10 that calls for 'ATF-A' fluid. I am told that Dexron/Mercon II or III fits this bill and that the pictured fluid, Carquest Dex/Merc, is suitable.

Also, anyone have any tips on how to get oil into the engine on the H36 without having to remove the access hatch above the engine?

Any and all input would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[py26129]

While not a direct answer for your QM related question, I use the same oil in my 3GMF. I cannot speak to the ATF as my transmission takes the same oil as the engine.

Cheers

Matt

 

[rardiH36]

tmjb:

For overall engine repair and maintenance, we are really fortunate to have the engine access hatch on the cockpit foor. For example, just this week, removal and re-installation of my starter motor (for replacement of the commutator brushes) was easily done from above.

But I agree that removing the hatch just for an oil change is a pain. I found a long neck funnel that also has a small enough spout diameter to fit into the dipstip tube. (I keep it on board my boat). It takes a while to fill the ~3qts of oil into the engine -- but easier than removing the hatch. I suppose that also some flexible tubing tightly wedged over the spout of a funnel would also serve for getting oil in through the dipstick tube.

 

[kloudie1]

Yup.. Rotella T, 15-40.. not synthetic.. perfect oil for that engine.. Dexron II for the "clutch" since ATF-A is not produced any more.. That CARQUEST stuff is fine.

 

[Alctel]

I use that EXACT type of Rotella T! For the gearbox I use Chevon ATF

It took me a while to figure it out though and I had a minor freakout when I thought I'd put the wrong fluid in the gearbox.

 

[tmjb]

Thanks all for your input.

Do you think the Carquest ATF is suitable?

 

[Johnb]

This may be OCD but when I first got my boat I double changed the engine and transmission (and coolant).

On my 3QM30 with Kanzaki there is a label on the transmission that stipulates ATF, suggest you see if you can find it for peace of mind.

 

[rardiH36]

tmjb:

Unless someone else chimes in, just do your own internet search about what transmission fluid types are the modern day substitutes for the transmission fluid grade specifications of ~1978 (that would be when Yanmar would have been writing the manuals for our 1980 boats) for the 2QM20 engines. Look at your transmission casing nameplate for the fluid grade requirement.

Just a story: When I bought my already 27 year old boat, the PO had written in his engine log book to use 30w motor oil in the transmission. So as a new owner, and just to satisfy myself that any previous owner junk was totally purged, my first transmission fluid procedure was to drain and fill the transmission several times with 30w oil. Only later did I notice that the transmission's nameplate specified ATF-A. Concerned, I spoke to my local Yanmar Authorized part/repair dealer. He told me that I should change out the 30w for ATF. But also that 30w motor oil's viscosity in the transmission's relatively clean non-combustion circuit was not that much different than ATF. So no big deal.

 

[Alctel]

I have the exact same transmission/engine as you, and did a bunch of research

you can see me panicing in this thread http://www.sailnet.com/forums/diesel/160369-am-i-screwed.html

I've quoted the part I figured it out below, hope this helps

Ok, I figured it out. I'm good.

First I found this post

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/1885746-post16.html - which lead to http://shop.toadmarinesupply.com/ma...ction=yanmar&contentname=transmissioncapacity

According to that, I need to use Dexron II/III in the transmission.

Then I went to http://www.t20host.com/cvx/lubelink/...ltiVeh_ATF.pdf and https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/...&docFormat=PDF and according to these two links, Chevron ATF is approved for engines that call for Dexron II/III.

So I'm all good. Man, that took a bunch of googling... hope those links help others with the same issue.

 

[tmjb]

Thanks again

Now I just have to find somewhere to buy it. Doesn't seem like its readily available. Any tips?

 

[Jim Legere]

Re: Thanks again

Now a days, even Dexron II/III seems to have been superceded. We have come full circle. I have been using the stuff lablled "ATF for Mercon / Dexron" in my cars without any issue.

 

[tmjb]

That's what the Carquest ATF in my original photo appears to be. In different places it says it's good where Dexrpn III, and elsewhere I've seen Dexron II/III, is called for.

 

[kloudie1]

Re-read post #4..
Ya need ATF .. the CARQUEST ATF meets specs for the Dex II/III.. It is made for CARQUEST by a major manufacturer/blender

Some "clutches" (what Yanmar calls the transmission) use motor oil and some need ATF.. Yours needs ATF because it has friction plates in it instead of bronze cone clutches..The friction plates would slip a good bit with regular oil but grab just fine with the ATF which has "friction modifiers" to let the plates grab but yet still lubricate the bearings in the transmission. There are no pumps or cylinders in that transmission..
Use what is in your picture and it will be fine..

 

[tmjb]

Missed it. Sorry. Thanks - and for the more detailed explanation of how it works/what's important.

 

[kloudie1]

Welcome.. Near as I can tell, that engine is bulletproof.. and the transmission is fine as well. I worked with a QM quite a bit; a buddy had one for years in a '78, H-33.. It sat once for 4 years without rolling over.. We rolled it with the compression releases on until the oil pressure twitched.. Pushed in the releases and she fired immediately.. Over the years, that engine has run just fine.. We were religious about changing the oil and renewing the block zincs .. and making sure the valve clearances were correct..
Good luck... ENJOY!