velvet v drive transmission fluid change on mercruiser 350

[BillC]

First time ATF change any pointers? Can I get all the fluid out with a suction type pump? Can I refill the fluid through the dipstick hole? Anything else I should know?

[bud37]

Welcome......short answer if you have the 350 cu inch, most of the fluid, yes, with one side you can get the small tube down further better than the other and to fill you need a long neck funnel to fit the hole so you can fill slowly. They have a method where you can pull the bottom hose off , the explanation is in the manual for the trans ( I wouldn't do that ).....just take your time and get the level correct, there is a procedure for how to check the level correctly in the manual.

A question, what color is the fluid in there now ?

[BillC]

Summer 2020 was our first season w the boat. The pervious owner said he had it done by his mechanic. So I'm taking that w a grain of salt. I haven't changed the fluid yet, so your guess is a good as mine.

[km1125]

If you're going to drain all the fluid out to change it, it would also be a good time to pull the screen and make sure it's clean. That's assuming that model does have a screen. Not sure if all do. If others have changed fluid before, they may or may not have checked the screen. If you do it you'll KNOW it's clean.

[Cooler]

My mechanic looked at that exact project today. He said "because they are V drives, I'm going to drain through the hose. Lot easier access, and more efficient draining." Transmissions are 71 C's Good luck! er

[BillC]

Through the hose. What does that mean? The hose in the bottom of the transmission or through a hose stuck down in the dipstick hole and suctioned out?

[Cooler]

At the bottom of the transmission. Should drain about 2.5 quarts. The mechanic normally sucks the fluid out of the dipstick on most applications, but due to the physical location in my particular set up, he likes that draining technique more. I believe that hose on the bottom of the transmission is the connection to the trans cooler. Hope that helps. er

[Cooler]

Also, if you can still contact that previous owner, ask him who did change the fluid. Most respectable shops keep records for at least a few years. The ATF are pretty durable, so unless you are putting lots of hours on, you may be fixing something that is not broken. I do not want to talk you out of proactive maintenance, but sometimes we ( I ) over think stuff. A little research might save you time. I used to change spark plugs every year, until my mechanic asked me why? ( over kill ) er

[BillC]

Yes thank you. Unfortunately I don’t really have access to that drain plug. I’m going to have to use the hose down the dipstick trick. Thank you for your help.

[Cooler]

Yea, you will be fine. No big deal if you miss a few ounces. er