Transmission fluid change

Zorba

Zorba

Active Member
May 21, 2008
1,324
East Harbor, Lake Erie
Boat Info
2006 340 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1 Mercruiser
For some reason I cannot seem to find any threads with a descent write up on this procedure.

As part of the purchase of my boat three years ago I had it changed and then again at the end of 2014 when I blew my Portside trans.

This year I would like to do it myself. It seems pretty straightforward, suck out fluid, clean filter, replace fluid, but I am looking for some tips from those that have done it.

ZF 63 trans in an '06 340 Dancer.


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I do it every season. We have the same transmissions.
- Suck oil out through dipstick.
- While oil is being evacuated, remove the cover to the filter, remove filter and place in a container of mineral sprits....give it a minute or two of agitation and then let it air dry for a bit.
(The cover to the filter is removed by a half turn or so of the allen head bolt on the top. It is a finicky setup in my opinion, make sure you get it back on correctly when done)
- There is another hole in filter well that will yield a bit more old fluid even after the dip stick route has finished.......so stick your vac tube down it before declaring all old fluid is out.
- Replace filter and properly reseat/ tighten cover (don't over tighten but make sure it is on securely), refill with about 4.5 qts of fluid. (I use Valvoline Dex/Merc ).

Inspect filter and filter well area for metal particulate, a magnet works nicely......hopefully you do not find any metal shavings/pieces.

Once all is buttoned back up, operate your shift levers in and out of forward and reverse.....observe for leaks and recheck fluid level.
 
Last edited:
Quint4 said:
I do it every season. We have the same transmissions.
- Suck oil out through dipstick.
- While oil is being evacuated, remove the cover to the filter, remove filter and place in a container of mineral sprits....give it a minute or two of agitation and then let it air dry for a bit.
(The cover to the filter is removed by a half turn or so of the allen head bolt on the top. It is a finicky setup in my opinion, make sure you get it back on correctly when done)
- There is another hole in filter well that will yield a bit more old fluid even after the dip stick route has finished.......so stick your vac tube down it before declaring all old fluid is out.
- Replace filter and refill with about 4.5 qts of fluid. (I use Valvoline Dex/Merc ).

Inspect filter and filter well area for metal particulate, a magnet works nicely......hopefully you do not find any metal shavings/pieces.
Click to expand...

Thank you sir! Do you do this after the fluid has warmed up after running in gear, or is cold just he same?


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Warm would probably be best but I usually do it cold.
 
I have ZF-85s, but I believe they are members of the same ZF family. My tip is to be very careful in putting the filter cover back together. It's in two pieces that look identical but are very slightly different. I put mine together wrong one year and had transmission fluid leaking out of the top before I figured it out.
 
The transmissions on our boat I do it the same way. When I suck the fluid out there is a low low spot in the bottom of the transmission. I need to wiggle the suction hose around a bit to get it in. Depth is about 3/8" deeper. If I do not get the hose in it I draw out 3.5 quarts. If I get it in it I draw out 4 quarts.
Check the fluid level before you suck out the fluid and measure what you take out. This way you will not over fill the transmissions
 
I change mine annually and I stick the hose down through where the filter is installed. I found I can get more fluid out there. I have cleaned the filter as described and have usually done with a cold transmission.
 
Quint - Have you had the need to replace any of the O-rings on the filter assembly? If so, I'm curious as to where those parts can be purchased from any online stores???? I can't seem to find any.
 
My o rings look great. Not sure where to get replacements. I bought new filters here when I bought the boat 4 years ago:

HALE MARINE PARTS CO.
P O BOX 938
13633 HISTORYLAND HWYWARSAW, VA 22572804-333-3677
 
Quint4 said:
I do it every season. We have the same transmissions.
- Suck oil out through dipstick.
- While oil is being evacuated, remove the cover to the filter, remove filter and place in a container of mineral sprits....give it a minute or two of agitation and then let it air dry for a bit.
(The cover to the filter is removed by a half turn or so of the allen head bolt on the top. It is a finicky setup in my opinion, make sure you get it back on correctly when done)
- There is another hole in filter well that will yield a bit more old fluid even after the dip stick route has finished.......so stick your vac tube down it before declaring all old fluid is out.
- Replace filter and properly reseat/ tighten cover (don't over tighten but make sure it is on securely), refill with about 4.5 qts of fluid. (I use Valvoline Dex/Merc ).

Inspect filter and filter well area for metal particulate, a magnet works nicely......hopefully you do not find any metal shavings/pieces.

Once all is buttoned back up, operate your shift levers in and out of forward and reverse.....observe for leaks and recheck fluid level.
Click to expand...

You're reusing your filters? I've always replaced mine. Now, I feel like I've been throwing away money.


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They are reusable.....just clean good with mineral spirits.

I bought new when I purchased my boat just to "start fresh".
 
I bought an extra set of filters that came with O rings. I saved the extra O rings for the future. So I have clean filters ready to go when I am changing the fluid.
 
I have pics of everything! ....but not this.
 
I have used Castrol Dex/Merc and most recently Valvoline Dex/Merc.

Best match to recommended fluid I can find........curious what others are using also?
 
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