Russ Calasant
Active Member
Any one know the recommended fluid? Is it Shell Rotella T SEA 30?
Trans Fluid ZF V Drive
- Thread starter Russ Calasant
- Start date
Russ, do you know the model number? ZF is the manufacturer. Should be stamped on a plate on the transmission. Some use motor oil, others ATF, which I think may be more likely in a larger engine's transmission.
Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Russ,
You're looking for label like this:
Depending on the model the oil could be very different. My 320 with V-Drive used pink color oil (I can look it up, but I think I've used Castrol Drexon III). My 420DB with straight drives is using straight SAE 30 (the same color as regular engine oil).
You're looking for label like this:
Depending on the model the oil could be very different. My 320 with V-Drive used pink color oil (I can look it up, but I think I've used Castrol Drexon III). My 420DB with straight drives is using straight SAE 30 (the same color as regular engine oil).
Russ Calasant
Active Member
Yeah, thanks, I know where the plate is Im just not at the boat, Guess I have to take a ride!
Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
To save on the ride, take a look at your survey report. It should have the model. Having the model I think you should be able to find the right fluid on ZF site.
- Oct 6, 2006
- 12,155
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA
- Engines
- 3116 Caterpillars
Be real sure you use the recommended fluid. SAE oil in a transmission that requires ATF pretty much means replacing clutches.
Russ, it would be on the Sea Ray build sheet if you have one. If not, recommend you contact Sea Ray Customer Service and get one. It's a spreadsheet with most all major components that were installed in the boat with serial numbers. Great resource to have around.
Russ Calasant
Active Member
Yep, just send them your HIN; I believe they keep them forever. If you haven't contacted them before, go through the "Contact Sea Ray" link on the Owner Resources page then someone will email you and you can correspond with them moving forward.
Russ,
Your transmissions should be the same as mine, ZF IRM 280 V-LD. I used SAE 30 Rotella, 6 quarts a side. Don't forget to crack open the magnetic pick-up after you've drained the oil. You will need a 35mm socket and a long bar. May as well replace the copper washer when you do it. I can give you details if you wish.
James
Your transmissions should be the same as mine, ZF IRM 280 V-LD. I used SAE 30 Rotella, 6 quarts a side. Don't forget to crack open the magnetic pick-up after you've drained the oil. You will need a 35mm socket and a long bar. May as well replace the copper washer when you do it. I can give you details if you wish.
James
Russ Calasant
Active Member
Thanks James, yes, where is the magnetic pick up and where do I get a washer? Size or part number?
Russ Calasant
Active Member
That's just what I did thanks Al
Russ,
i ordered four copper washers through my Sea Ray dealer. Two for this oil change. Two for next, they're cheap. You probably don't absolutely need to change these "crush washers" but it's a good idea. The magnetic pick-up is located at the lower front-facing surface, starboard. There's not a lot of room to get in there but if you purchase a good quality 35mm socket with a 1/2" drive, put another foot of 3/4" plastic electrical conduit over the socket wrench. This will give you enough leverage to loosen the plug. Inside you will find the suction filter which has a magnet. It is normal to have some filings on the magnet. Wipe it off, place a new copper washer and torque to 100 Nm. Fill through the dipstick access if you wish, with a small funnel.
I hope that helps. I had photographs on this but like Graham I have trouble uploading the pics. I can e-mail if you wish.
James
Russ Calasant
Active Member
Thank you pics might be helpful. Do you have a part number for SR?
Steeled
New Member
Guys, a neat trick for breaking loose plugs sealed with a copper washer is to hit the head of the plug with a hammer or something similar. Plug will then come right out. You don't normally need to hit it very hard either.
Ed
Ed
Russ Calasant
Active Member
Thanks for the tip Ed. James, I looked at that and it does not appear anyone has ever taken it out. I am a bit concerned I could be asking for trouble. Does everyone pull this plug? How often?
Btw my trannys do take the SAE 30
Btw my trannys do take the SAE 30
cod
Active Member
Russ,
I believe mine was never removed before I pulled it this past spring. Somehow, I dont think this is a common maintenance item for most people and is frequently overlooked. I will tell you that after approx. 1,100 hours, the suction filter was very clean on both tranny's. If nothing else, it gave me piece of mind. More importantly, I replaced the canister type filter and fluid.
I believe mine was never removed before I pulled it this past spring. Somehow, I dont think this is a common maintenance item for most people and is frequently overlooked. I will tell you that after approx. 1,100 hours, the suction filter was very clean on both tranny's. If nothing else, it gave me piece of mind. More importantly, I replaced the canister type filter and fluid.
