Servicing Your Transmission and V-Drive

[rfoon]

When checking fluid levels, should the trailer be level or the engine? The engine is mounted at an angle, so it's tilted a little when the trailer is level. Or should I put the boat in the water and then check? Seems like there should be a proper way.

[JTs-rz2]

When checking fluid levels, should the trailer be level or the engine? The engine is mounted at an angle, so it's tilted a little when the trailer is level. Or should I put the boat in the water and then check? Seems like there should be a proper way.

I always work with engine fluids with the boat floor level. That is what it is on the water.

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[rfoon]

I currently have ATF in both the transmission and V-drive. If I change to SAE30 like some have recommended, are there any issues with mixing ATF and oil if I can't get all the ATF out? Should I just stick with ATF?

[Hammertime]

I currently have ATF in both the transmission and V-drive. If I change to SAE30 like some have recommended, are there any issues with mixing ATF and oil if I can't get all the ATF out? Should I just stick with ATF?

Good question. I am getting ready to do mine and would like to know also.

I just checked my manual. It says to use ATF in both.

It also says to DIP the DIPSTICK to check fluid levels.

[Hammertime]

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[Jetdriver]

The Tige’ dealer in Denver recommended ATF in the tranny and 30W in the drive for the ZF hurth 45 IV setup.
It’s not a big deal to pump out as much ATF as you can and refill the drive with 30W. If it were me I’d change the fluid a couple times within a couple outings because I’m OCD like that and it’s only a quart of 30W each time you do it.
You’re definitely not gonna hurt anything by mixing the two in the drive. It’s just gearing internally.

[dpickett]

I've got a question about changing the oil in my RV-26 V drive (boat is '01 21V). The first step in the manual says to remove the plug that is opposite the strainer. I was unable to reach that plug with a tool since it's about 1/2" off the bottom of the boat and inaccessible because it's on the backside of the V-drive. Instead, I siphoned oil out with an oil extractor and then removed the strainer (I also cleaned the magnetic plugs). Is it okay that I wasn't able to get the drain plug off?

Also, anyone have any suggestions for catching the oil when I remove the strainer? It's such a type spot and so low to the bottom of the boat that it's hard to get anything under there to catch the oil that comes out. I cut up a gallon milk jug and slid the base under, but it didn't hold enough volume and had to be scrunched up when I pulled it out. The end result was a mess of oil in the bilge under the V drive. I'm glad I siphoned out most of the oil first.