Transmission fluid

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Steve Laume
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Joined: Feb 13th, '05, 20:40
Location: Raven1984 Cape Dory 30C Hull #309Noank, CT
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Transmission fluid

Post by Steve Laume »

So what are you all using in a Hurth transmission? I have Dexton written down in my manual but was wondering if there are other fluids that might be currently available.

I'm getting close to getting back in the water after far too long, Steve.
Maine Sail
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Re: Transmission fluid

Post by Maine Sail »

Dextron III is all you need. What is most important in these gears is frequent, at least yearly, fluid changes. Any metallic contamination goes to work on the thrust washers and ruins them prematurely. The color of the fluid in your gear should closely match what comes out of the bottle, if you expect long life.
-Maine Sail
CS-36T
Broad Cove, Maine

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Steve Laume
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Re: Transmission fluid

Post by Steve Laume »

Thank you. They keep adding numbers to the Dexron, so I wasn't sure.

My buddy Don Inman gave me a tip for changing the transmission fluid. He used a syringe to pull it out and then put the same amount back in. I always used my engine oil extraction pump and worried a little about contaminating the Trans fluid. Plus it is a PIA to get the hose in there and then come back out and start pumping. The largest syringe, I could find was 2 oz. I pulled out 8 oz. I then got a squeeze bottle much like you would use for condiments, only clear, at my Wally Mart. I used the syringe to put 8 oz. in the bottle and then marked it with a band of tape that I labeled as 8 oz. of Trans. Wedged myself back in there and squeezed the pre measured bottle right in there. It checked out on the dip stick so all is well. Thanks Don.

I do change my Trans fluid every year but it is always a chore. I moved my heat exchanger years ago so I don;t have to loosen it to change the zinc or to be able to see the Trans fill. All these little things have added up to make it pretty easy to change the fluid. What is easier tends to get done with less procrastination, Steve.
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