There is a metal filter on top where you fill it. That can be cleaned Vs. bought new. Easy do it your self project. I believe there was a you tube video I watched the 1st time.

 

On my Hurth ZF63's, I suck out the old fluid, remove the metal filter, spray it thoroughly with brake cleaner and let it sit out in the sun to drip dry for an hour or so. I add dex/mercon ATF (mine hold around 4qts), then re-install the filter. I do this every other year, which, for me, amounts to about 60 hours.

If you want a baseline of readings, you can send samples to Blackstone for evaluation.

 

Pix PLEASE! I have Velvet Drive 5000 v-drives. One of the things I asked be done while my boat was on the hard for 34 months was the transmission fluid be changed. I was told by Jordan Point Marine Service there was no way to service them. I found that odd, but plausible as I can still not find a drain plug nor a way to get the fluid out via a suction device.

Am I missing something.

 

No dipstick to check level? That's where you suck it out from.

 

On the ZF transmissions, recommend you carefully note the orientation of the filter when you take it out. Even though it looks at a glance like the filter is the same on both ends, there is a slight difference. If you put it back in upside down, it won't seal correctly and you may get transmission fluid weeping out under pressure. I found this out the hard way. I believe the filter housing and filter is pretty much the same across ZF models.

 

You use a 6 or 7 mm allen to remove the bolt on the filter, remove the cap and bolt, the filter, and insert a suction hose to the bottom.
Approx 4 1/2 to 5 Qts of atf to refill it.

 

Here's the info on Velvet Drive 5000V from MerCruiser service Manual #23

 

Some more info...

 

Ken,

Thank you so much.

Next time I'm up visiting Mom, drinks are on me.

David

 

Thanks guys! Sounds easy enough!

 

if it was low where did the fluid go?you may have a cooler starting to leak.after replacing oil keep and eye on the level

 

Whenever I open the dip stick to check the oil there's always a strong vacuum. Wouldn't there be water in the transmission if there was a leek and not fluid missing? Let me know thanks!



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The reason for low fluid well may be lack of filling it completely at the last service. Run the boat a little to warm things up after replacing then check the level again to ensure the proper amount of fluid was installed. I doubt you are leaking into your cooler but maybe service that as well to make sure it is good and clean. I missed this step and found a pair of really gunked up tranny coolers! You should always have a good vacuum when opening the dipstick which is why they thread on and not just push in.

 

I have a ZF 63.IV, here is the fluid change instructions, and fluid check. Note, the interval is every 300 hours, or yearly, pretty certain my 10 year old boat has had the transmission fluid changed 0 times. The transmission fluid analysis did come back clean, so I think these things are relatively bullet proof, but getting mine done here shortly.

Brown Eyed Girl - 2007 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer, 350 MAG MPI V-drive