I recently changed oil (ATF). Since the drain plug is under the shifter and that's on the "blind" side of the powertrain on our boat, I sucked the old oil out. I had to use the top hole for the dip stick, as I had no wrench to fit the large top fill plug. That plug must have been tightened by someone using a really long handle or an air wrench.
Anyhow, I could insert a plastic tube to the bottom thru the dip stick opening and evaluate the old oil.
I removed about 150 ml, instead of the 200 ml that the specs show. Presumably another oil change will remove a higher % of the old oil. With dilution, one can never drain out the oil as effectively as might be possible if the drain plug could be accessed. (!)
:)
Our Betamarine installer tells me that most of the transmission oil he changes out is done this way. Must be OK, since he has been doing this for decades.
So, is it worth getting a large metric socket, a long extension, and a two foot socket drive handle to ever remove that "fill" plug?
Given that accessing drain plugs is aways going to be difficult on sailboats, that's a small irritation I can live with.
Thanks.
-- Edited by LB-PDX on Thursday 18th of July 2019 06:58:15 PM
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40 years of racing, cruising, and deliveries. Enjoying our Ericson-built 1988 Olson 34, #8, since 1994.
It is easier to pour the new oil in the fill plug so I suggest that you borrow a 27mm socket and loosen the fill plug.
It is not necessary to make it as tight as the Technodrive factory, just tight enough to stay in place and lock the copper washer to stop any potential leaks.
Thanks for the encouragement and I shall buy a 27 mm socket for next time. (That is larger than the sizes in my present set.)
BTW, it is pretty easy to add new ATF via the dip stick opening using a plastic straw taped to a small funnel.
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40 years of racing, cruising, and deliveries. Enjoying our Ericson-built 1988 Olson 34, #8, since 1994.
