ZF280A oil change

boaterholic

boaterholic

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Jan 2, 2021
445
Welaka, FL
Boat Info
2005 420 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Diamond Performance Series 430HP 6CTA 8.3M's
My apologies if it's been posted already, but can someone tell me about changing oil in my ZF280a's on a 420DB? Can I use a vacuum type oil change set up to suck the oil out through the dipstick hole, then refill through same hole? I was trying to not pull the plug on bottom and have any engine room oil mess for lack of proper catch pan.
Thanks
 
bbwhitejr said:
Suck what you can out through the dip stick hole. Get an aluminum roasting pan and bend it to get it under the drain plug. Then pull the drain plug. I got maybe a cup out of one and maybe 2-cups out of the other drain plug.

Bennett
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Perfect, thanks!
 
bbwhitejr said:
Suck what you can out through the dip stick hole. Get an aluminum roasting pan and bend it to get it under the drain plug. Then pull the drain plug. I got maybe a cup out of one and maybe 2-cups out of the other drain plug.

Bennett
Click to expand...
The aluminum roasting pan is a great idea.
 
I would not risk the bottom drain for one or two cups. The housing is soft alluminum without a seperate replaceable drain pan. If the drain threads get crossed threaded working upside down and blind, the trans will need to be pulled. Easier, faster and safer just to suck out the dipstick. Your boat, your choice.
 
If your transmission is like mine, the oil goes in new and comes out still looking new. I wouldn't worry about a cup or so left. You might get a little more oil out when you check the suction strainer.
 
I do what Bennett said. If you don't want to bother with the drain plug, at least run the boat ahead of time to mix things up. If you don't, when you pull the plug, you will likely see the dirt and sediment in the last little bit that comes out. I do. The drains are the lowest point in the tranny, lower than the filter plug, so the sediment not in the filter will not come out when you clean the filter screen. I have actually never seen sediment in the screen, it all comes out the plug hole.
Transmission filter cover_LI.jpg
 
I should have mentioned that the plug has a crush washer on it for a gasket, don't accidentally throw it out with the oil if it drops off or sticks to the case.
 
my3sons said:
I do what Bennett said. If you don't want to bother with the drain plug, at least run the boat ahead of time to mix things up. If you don't, when you pull the plug, you will likely see the dirt and sediment in the last little bit that comes out. I do. The drains are the lowest point in the tranny, lower than the filter plug, so the sediment not in the filter will not come out when you clean the filter screen. I have actually never seen sediment in the screen, it all comes out the plug hole.
View attachment 115749
Click to expand...
Mark I think I finally see a blemish in your engine room. Oh wait, no that’s just the red arrow you drew in.
 
Ha! there’s a few. As you know, fresh water and salt free air are my helpers. Thank you.
 
Seaboard Marine has a ZF trans oil change hose that makes it a little easier to get the oil to drain into a pan in a location with more room.
Screen Shot 2021-11-25 at 8.39.18 AM.png
 
The hose idea is a good one, but check your clearances. I've looked at mine and thought the nuts on the coupling bolts won't allow installation. It might, but it would be really close if it did. You (OP) have a similar set up as mine. It's worth a good look before you buy.
 
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