question about transmission fluid dipstick

[Jim Kealey]

I am new to this forum and this is my first post, but I have read many other posts and I find the forum incredibly helpful so thank you all who participate. I recently bought a 1990 Catalina 34 and I am learning the boat and doing some basic maintenance (So far, I have changed the oil and oil filter and replaced the zinc on the heat exchanger). My next step is to check/change the transmission fluid. I found that a PO must have replaced the dipstick/screw on plug with rubber or neoprene mechanical expansion plug (and no dipstick).  The expansion plug is pretty  beat up, especially after I removed it and it should be replaced (I am not sure how the original part could have been broken or lost in the first place?). I found a new dipstick part on line (part 298939 from Toad marine) but it is incredibly expensive (~$250.00). I am wondering if folks have advice on this—should I bite the bullet and buy the proper part or just buy a new expansion plug, or is there another more creative/economical solution? Is there a way to check the transmission fluid level without a built in dipstick? Also, as others have noted, accessing the transmission fill port is challenging unless you are a contortionist. Any advice/suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks,
Jim

[Ron Hill]

Jim : Contact Westerbeke either Joe Joyce X234 or Russ Hagen X233 @ 508 823 7677 And tell them about your problem. I'm sure they will have a solution.

A thought