Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Ken Heyman on May 21, 2006, 05:58:13 AM

Title: transmission fluid
Post by: Ken Heyman on May 21, 2006, 05:58:13 AM
I just brought my transmission fluid up to the specified level. I know our manuals caution about using "same type fluid" for compatability. West Marine sold me the "Dextron lll claiming it replaces the spec. in my 1988 manual. I believe it was Dextron ll that was called for.  Am I OK or should I drain and refill?

Thanks in advance,

Ken
Title: Re: transmission fluid
Post by: Stu Jackson on May 21, 2006, 09:03:21 AM
Ken

You are OK, III replaced II which replaced I.  The "don't mix and match" basically referred to Dexron (any  type) and ATF (the Ford-type) transmission fluid.
Title: Re: transmission fluid
Post by: Ron Hill on May 21, 2006, 06:41:08 PM
Ken : Stu is correct.  Just don't put synthetic Dextron III in an old transmission that hasn't been using synthetic fluid - you may create leaks!.  You can even use the Dextron III from the auto stores "for older transmissions".  It's MUCH cheaper at the auto parts stores!! 
Title: Re: transmission fluid
Post by: Ken Heyman on May 21, 2006, 07:00:02 PM
Thanks guys,

Ron wrote : "Just don't put synthetic Dextron III in an old transmission that hasn't been using synthetic fluid". My boat is an 88. Any chance that a negligent PO may not have changed fluid and the boat has  synthetic fluid? Obviously, it's easy enough to purge all and refill but I was just curious.

Ken
Title: Re: transmission fluid
Post by: Footloose on May 22, 2006, 04:04:00 AM
Ken

I will give you my experience.  When I drained my transmission last year, after just purchasing the boat, I would say that it had about half of what it should and was very black.  My two cents says drain and refill.  This year it is much smoother.