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Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
- ron54
- Scurvy Dog
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 21st, 2022, 12:00 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Crownline 262ex
1985 Carver Mariner 3697 - Location: Table Rock Lake Missouri
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Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
Removed return line from bottom of trans after pumping out from fill opening. Let it drain for over an hour, also disconnected upper line at trans which connects to bottom of cooler, several more ounces from there. Used my wife’s Pyrex 3 quart to measure all fluid removed (she does not know, but it’s glass no harm). A total of about 72 ounces so 2 1/4 quarts. Spec is 2 quarts in trans plus what is in cooler and lines so seems about right, accounting for residual fluid in trans.
Filled with about 66 ounces and dipstick check was well above the scribe mark. Started motor, ran for five minutes or so while checking for leaks (none) and shifted into reverse and forward a few times. Moved my rear as fast as I could to check “hot” and it was about halfway between scribe mark and bottom of dipstick. Let it sit about 20 minutes and was about 1/4 inch below scribe mark.
I will check in morning, but feeling pretty confident that the dipstick scribe mark is for cold fill. Maybe when this was made that is how they did it, but some documentation would have been nice. Makes sense as a lot easier to check cold fill. Does this seem right?
Thanks again guys.
- bud37
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Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
ron54 wrote:Source of the post Does this seem right?
Consider how the manufacturer would make sure the oil level was correct in the reservoir while the unit was running in any installation.....long lines, different angles etc/etc, all those things would change the amount of fluid in the system.
The only way as I see it and the instructions lay that out is, the factory scribe mark on the stick is the warm mark immediately after shutdown. If someone were to mark the cold mark there would be two marks, like it suggests to do. I actually think the terms cold fill and hot/warm fill are a bit misleading. I think if you check cold after sitting for a while is also misleading because of cooler line / coolers etc holding varying amounts of fluid.....but would represent/reflect your specific installation .
FWIW....the expansion between cold and hot fluid in that amount is really negligible....the difference coming from drain back as you have already noted.
That drain back amount could not be predetermined by the maker due to all the different installation parameters ( line sizes/lengths/coolers etc) hence the mark you see now to be checked immediately after shutdown warm thus guaranteeing the running fluid amount in the reservoir.
That is what I take away from the manual anyway....perhaps someone else can chime in with their opinion....I think KM already has.
Also FWIW.....I believe this is not an exact measurement here, so close on the stick would probably be passable as you have found over the last while. It is ultimately up to you as to how to proceed.
Good luck with your boat, keep up with the maintenance....good stuff....
- ron54
- Scurvy Dog
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 21st, 2022, 12:00 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Crownline 262ex
1985 Carver Mariner 3697 - Location: Table Rock Lake Missouri
- Has thanked: 12 times
- Been thanked: 4 times
Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
- ron54
- Scurvy Dog
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 21st, 2022, 12:00 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Crownline 262ex
1985 Carver Mariner 3697 - Location: Table Rock Lake Missouri
- Has thanked: 12 times
- Been thanked: 4 times
Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
This begs the question, do you think there could be damage from running over a pint low? I suspect it has been that way for a long time but boat was not likely run hard by PO who owned it six years. I took a sample and sending to blackstone labs for an analysis.
Now draining the starboard engine to get it right.
- km1125
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Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
- bud37
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Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
The lab test should be a tell.....and you said it was nice and clear pink.
Sometimes the install angle etc causes those trans to leak when over full so it may find its own level......always good to put down some of the absorbent white pads under and keep an eye. Just one of the steps, no sweat, the joys of a new to you boat , we have all done it.
To add....i'll be honest, I don't think I have ever had one of the trans that didn't leak.......
- ron54
- Scurvy Dog
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 21st, 2022, 12:00 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Crownline 262ex
1985 Carver Mariner 3697 - Location: Table Rock Lake Missouri
- Has thanked: 12 times
- Been thanked: 4 times
Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
Also on this side, I used my mercruiser gear lube pump and it actually fits perfectly on the fill/dipstick fitting and dip tube bottomed in pan, made things easy. Still removed cooler lines to drain them. Now I have a baseline for the transmissions.
Next change is the Walter RV40 vdrives, questions about oil, would it be best to start a new thread for future reference?
Again, thanks, what a great forum.
Ron
- km1125
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Re: Velvet Drive fluid level check 3697 Mariner
ron54 wrote:Source of the post
Next change is the Walter RV40 vdrives, questions about oil, would it be best to start a new thread for future reference?
Yes, definitely start a new threat on those because future readers could get the two discussions confused.
Great that you got the VelvetDrive fluid issue nailed down!!
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