Seeking Input Regarding Transmission Fluid Change

[John Stone]

It's time to change the transmission fluid in the new engine/gearbox. 25 hours for first ATF change.

Engine is the Beta 25 and transmission is a TMC 40. 2.6:1

I'm curious what techniques, tactics, and procedures fellow sailors are using to change fluid. How do you drain it? Into what? What kind of funnel for adding new fluids. Interested in what you learned, what to avoid to prevent a mess.

Thanks much for any advice you can provide.

John

[Paul D.]

John,

Just did this job the other week when I changed the engine oil/filter. Sorry no photos.

I have a Hurth HB 50 transmission on the original Universal 5424 (Kubota block, like the Beta's). I use Type A ATF, now I need to find Dextron III compatible fluid. For removing, I use a pump vacuum container and insert the plastic hose in the dipstick/fill hole on top and pump about 15 times then go have a mental cigarette as it takes a bit of time. It takes some fiddling to get the plastic tube to where you think the bottom of the case is located. After it draws air, then fill with a funnel that I taped a piece of 1/4" plastic hose to fit down into the case. Mine sits below some freshwater hoses so the funnel nestles in nicely and is stable to pour into.

You don't want to overfill so add slowly and check the dipstick a few times with a paper towel to get the level right as the fluid is somewhat clear. On the HB 50 and 100's, the way to check the level properly is to drop in the bolt/dipstick in and leave un tightened.

That's it. My manual says to fill the case fully if you are storing for a long time but I do not do this for just over the winter. Transmission was a few years old when we got the boat. It is 24 years old now. If I replaced my motor I would likely go with a Beta as I am a fan of the Kubota and their thought into how they marinize and customer service seems solid.

Good luck.

[John Stone]

Paul,
That's good info. My tranny has a drain plug. Is there a reason to avoid using it? Or is it too difficult to get to/use and better to extract the fluid from the top?

Thanks.

[Steve Laume]

Go to Tractor Supply or a similar store that sells veterinary supplies. Buy yourself the largest syringe they sell. You don't need a needle. Get a piece of plastic tubing that will fit over the part where the needle is supposed to go. This needs to be long enough to reach the bottom of your transmission. Pull out the fill plug, insert the tube and draw out all the transmission fluid. If you have to do more than one draw, keep track of how much is in each syringe. Now that you know exactly how much fluid you have removed, draw up the same amount of fresh fluid and inject it back into your transmission. This makes the change very easy, neat, and accurate.

At one point I was using a condiment bottle but this is a way better way, Steve.

[John Stone]

Go to Tractor Supply or a similar store that sells veterinary supplies. Buy yourself the largest syringe they sell. You don't need a needle. Get a piece of plastic tubing that will fit over the part where the needle is supposed to go. This needs to be long enough to reach the bottom of your transmission. Pull out the fill plug, insert the tube and draw out all the transmission fluid. If you have to do more than one draw, keep track of how much is in each syringe. Now that you know exactly how much fluid you have removed, draw up the same amount of fresh fluid and inject it back into your transmission. This makes the change very easy, neat, and accurate.

At one point I was using a condiment bottle but this is a way better way, Steve.

Outstanding Steve. Thanks.

[Jim Walsh]

I like Steve’s idea also. It has the added advantage that you can use the same syringe to inject Cajun turkey marinade for a perfect deep fried Thanksgiving turkey. It’s always advantageous when a tool has more than one specific application.

[John Stone]

I like Steve’s idea also. It has the added advantage that you can use the same syringe to inject Cajun turkey marinade for a perfect deep fried Thanksgiving turkey. It’s always advantageous when a tool has more than one specific application.

LOL. Right up my alley.

[Steve Laume]

Let us not forget the cure of constipation. You can even use the old transmission fluid

[John Stone]

Transmission fluid successfully and easily changed using the Steve Laume method. The metal probe is a 8" section of 1/4" OD brake line.

I'll leave the discussion on constipation cures to those more qualified than myself.

[Bill Goldsmith]

John,

My Hurth has a drain plug as well, but I use Paul's method largely because it is very difficult to fashion an appropriate pan to catch the uses fluid while also accessing the drain plug. I also like (really like!) the syringe idea but would double check that the extracted fluid registered full before duplicating the exact extracted quantity with new fluid. Right now I use my hand pump vacuum oil extractor but makes sense to use something different for the transmission,

[John Stone]

John,

My Hurth has a drain plug as well, but I use Paul's method largely because it is very difficult to fashion an appropriate pan to catch the uses fluid while also accessing the drain plug. I also like (really like!) the syringe idea but would double check that the extracted fluid registered full before duplicating the exact extracted quantity with new fluid. Right now I use my hand pump vacuum oil extractor but makes sense to use something different for the transmission,

Agree. I used the dipstick to determine when it was full. I built a removable pan full length under the engine and transmission. I guess I could remove the plug and let it collect in the pan. But then I'd have to clean the pan. Steve L's method worked a treat! I'm sold.

[Steve Laume]

It is easy to add a little more fluid but at least you get very close without worrying about over filling or spilling fluid. I tried a turkey baster, and the condiment bottle but the syringe is better by far.

[fmueller]

John,

I use one of these for the engine oil changes and the TMC 40 ATF. I just remove the top fill plug and stick the pump extraction wand/hose into the trans as best I can. You kind of have to jigger the wand around to get it down to the bottom of the trans housing.

Is there actually a drain plug on the TMC40 ?

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mar ... ecordNum=3

I have a tiny funnel and a kitchen measuring cup and use that to fill the Trans and thats easy peasy on my boat - I do it sort of blind by reaching around the engine.

cheers

[Paul D.]

I like that Steve syringe method.

[John Stone]

John,

I use one of these for the engine oil changes and the TMC 40 ATF. I just remove the top fill plug and stick the pump extraction wand/hose into the trans as best I can. You kind of have to jigger the wand around to get it down to the bottom of the trans housing.

Is there actually a drain plug on the TMC40 ?

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mar ... ecordNum=3

I have a tiny funnel and a kitchen measuring cup and use that to fill the Trans and thats easy peasy on my boat - I do it sort of blind by reaching around the engine.

cheers

Fred, my Beta has a built in oil extraction pump. See attached photos. It's supposed to work pretty well. But, I have not used it yet. Your engine does not have that pump?

I think there is a drain plug on the TMC 40. Bottom left side looking forward. But I am not positive as I have not used it. I'll be back at the boat tomorrow and I'll take a look.