velvet v drive transmission fluid change on mercruiser 350

[bud37]

Source of the post 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?

I had originally asked what color fluid was in your trans now........the reason is important, some of these trans came with a factory fill alternative hydraulic fluid ( Mobil fluid 424 ) it is kinda honey colored. I made the mistake of allowing the marina to do my trans ( same boat, 2001 Mariner, my back was giving me trouble ).....they flushed the 424 out and filled with pink ATF, big mistake.... both trans leaked after that..
I had to redo the job, get the correct fluid and flush and fill back the the 424.....so I am quite familiar with the process.The bottom hose is only readily accessible on one side and to be quite honest, the last thing I would fool around with is 20+ year old hydraulic hoses and their fittings if not absolutely necessary.....it is easily doable thru the dipstick hole.

Just replace the fluid with the same as you find in there if that is what you decide on.

[BillC]

ok thank you very much for the info. I’m gonna have to make a hole for a 4 inch deck plate under each aft seat in the salon. Otherwise I can’t get to the dipsticks. Because I have batteries In the engine compartment sitting where I would need to sit to get to those dipsticks.

[BillC]

Unless anybody thinks that’s a really bad idea. Let me know. Thanks.

[Cooler]

That pink or red fluid contains a lot of detergent that eats away at the seals when it is not flowing through the system. And we know that fluid is standing stagnant a lot more than it is running. Learned that the hard way a while back when I had I/O's. A marina filled my outdrive pump with hydraulic red steering fluid, saying it does not matter. Then one ram started leaking. $700 later, I changed out that fluid. Just glad it was an off-season discovery. Would have really sucked if it started leaking while in the slip, mid-season. er

[BillC]

OK guys new question. I am researching fluids I see recommendations for both the mobile fluid 424 or the Dexron III ATF fluid. Which one should I be using on the 1999 velvet v dr.? Banging my head here.............

[tomschauer]

For a 1999, I would certainly think the dextron is your choice.
https://velvetdrive.com/files/7172.pdf

[BillC]

I only got just over one quart out of either transmission using my syphon extractor from the dipstick hole. Filled them to the full line on both dipsticks. They both took about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 quarts.