ZF 280A oil level check - how is it done?

[ZZ13]

I have searched everywhere, including boatdiesel.com. How do I check the oil level on my ZF-280A transmission? Does the transmission need to be "active" (engine on, in neutral), or recently used? Does the dipstick go all the way in to make the check or just until the bottom of the plunger rests on the top of the transmission?

 

[my3sons]

Bill,
The oil needs to be checked within 2 minutes after shutting down the engines. Insert the stick all the way in and seat it like normal to read.
After the drive train has cooled, (next day), check it again and note where the level is, this would be the normal level with all the fluid from the cooler back in the tranny, and cooled down, this will be the reference mark for future checks on a cold transmission without having to run the 2 minute drill.
Take care

 

[ZZ13]

Thanks. So, the proper level when I check it warm should be where on the dipstick? There are two hash marks on it.

 

[my3sons]

Two minutes after shutting down the engine, the level should be between the two marks on the stick. Temperature is not that critical, you do not need to take the boat out for a run to get the trans temp up to read it. The timing is critical because after the pump stops, fluid fills back into the trans.
Start the engine, run it a few minutes, shut down, wait 2 minutes, read the sick.

 

[my3sons]

Bill, I have two operation manuals for the 280A, one on the boat and I found the other here at home. I would be happy to make a copy and mail to you if you want to pm your address. It's only about 20 pages.

 

[ZZ13]

Thanks Mark. Let me double check the paperwork on the boat. Maybe I just missed it when I was looking for some transmission documentation.

 

[ZZ13]

I got nothing on the transmissions or engines. PM sent.

 

[my3sons]

Bill, On it's way

 

[ZZ13]

So I checked the oil. Ran the engines for a few minutes, shut them off, then quickly checked the levels. The levels weren't any different than before I started up the engines. Does the oil cooler pump engage as soon as the engines start, or does the transmission need to be in gear to activate the pump to push the oil through the cooler? I read the manually that Mark kindly sent me and it does not say.

 

[my3sons]

Bill, Pump pumps when engines are running. Oil runs back to the tranny quickly, within 2 minutes.
If the level is where it should be, you are good to go.

 

[rondds]

Same process on my puny gas ZFs. My question is why can't you just take a cold reading at any given time?

 

[MasterFab]

Ron,

The transmission manufacturer has no was of anticipating the size of the trans oil cooler, the length and diameter of the lines, etc. They have a requirement for the oil level to be at a certain height during operation, and the only way to test that is to have the owner run the engine, fill the lines and cooler, shut down, and quickly take a reading before the lines and cooler can drain. Now, what you can do is follow that procedure, make sure your trans is filled properly, then wait a day or so, and come back and check the trans while it is cold. Then, mark your dipstick at this level. From that point forward, you know what the cold level should be for your boat, and you will no longer need to run the engine for a level check.

Dale

 

[rondds]

Thanks Dale. That's what I was wondering. so, once you have established the proper level, then you CAN indeed check when the unit is cold and has not been run.

 

[ZZ13]

Do the pumps go bad? Is there any way to easily verify they are pumping (like depress the start switch to "on" but don't push it down to actually turn the starter???)?

 

[MasterFab]

The pump inside your trans only turns when the engine is running - it is driven directly via the transmission input shaft, which is splined and engaged with the damper plate on your engine flywheel. Verification of proper performance is accomplished by pressure testing, details of which can be found in the appropriate manual for your particular transmission. A low pressure reading during one of these tests may indicate a bad pump, or a clogged filter, low viscosity (old or burned) fluid, etc.

Pumps can go bad, but it's a fairly rare occurrence. Remember, these pumps are pumping a lubricant - they live their lives bathed in oil. So, while failures do occur, they're few and far between. Usually, something else lets go first.

Dale