3GM30F transmission oil

[MikePz]

I have a 1984 3GM30F Yanmar on my IP 31. Where do you measure on the dipstick for a KM transmission for the oil level. Thanks

[four winds]

Hey Mike, I have the Kanzaki transmission as well. And it is a bit confusing about the dip stick. You have the round stick which is a hollow tube with a single mark very near the end, correct?

Well, that mark is the full line. And the level is checked with the stick inserted but not screwd in. And the oil is hard to see on the stick.

One way to verify this is to drain the oil and then fill accurately with the recommended amount of oil. Then check without screwing in the stick and you will see the level indicated at the mark.

BTW, it seems this unusual arrangement is because the tubular stick acts as a breather tube for the transmission. In operation the level drops below the stick, and the little hole at the cap end acts as the breather port.

This is how I understand it, others might offer other information and it should be considered as well.

But draining and fill with known correct amount is a good way to check for yourself.

[MikePz]

Thanks, I can't get to the bolt to drain the xmission, I'll have to suck it out thru the dipstick hole. .3 liters or 11.2 oz does that seem right to you?

[four winds]

Well it's hard to be sure you get it all when sucked out the top. But still worth the effort to verify the mark.

I have the v-drive KM3V, so mine is .8 litre.

From my manual:

KM3-A .3 litre

KM3-P .35 litre.

To identify:

-A has a four bolt shifter mechanism cover

-P has a two bolt shifter mechanism cover.

Hope this helps.

[MikePz]

Thanks I have the KM P manual says .3 liters, so it could be .35? Anyway I'll run it in gear at 3 grand for 5 or so minutes and suck it out to see how much I got out! I saw it on the DS and it looked good, but it's been over 300 hrs since it was changed!

[a64pilot]

I change mine with the engine oil every 100 hours, it's less than a quart on mine and too easy to do.
All it is I believe is a lubricant for the bearing and clutch packs, I don't think there is a pump or any hydraulics, so in truth it could go for years and hundreds of hours before getting so much wear material in it it needed changing, look at how often the average guy changes the automatic transmission fluid in their automobile for example, but to me it's just too easy to change to not change it.

[MikePz]

Good point, I'm going to do it this time as well as change the engine oil. I'm headed South for a couple of weeks, and I usually end up motoring more than I want! Time to buy a trawler!!!

[four winds]

Originally Posted by MikePz

Thanks I have the KM P manual says .3 liters, so it could be .35? Anyway I'll run it in gear at 3 grand for 5 or so minutes and suck it out to see how much I got out! I saw it on the DS and it looked good, but it's been over 300 hrs since it was changed!

Always bothers me when manuals contradict or have errors. I've done many thousands of hours of repairs and maintenance with a manual required to be present and open to the correct page. And have reported errors to a manufacturer several times.

I have an original Yanmar three ring binder manual from around 2000. I'll check a newer pdf manual. Is your's a Kanzaki manual?

Sorry, I can't say for sure which is correct, .3 or .35.

Pic of my manual spec: I note the KM2-P (3gm20) shows .3 litre.

[a64pilot]

That extra .5 is 5 CC's? If so then it's .17 ounce?
I just fill myself to what I think is right, then check with the stick and slowly add a little til its right, very easy to do although I keep telling myself to paint the bottom of the stick black so I can see the fluid, but never have

[MikePz]

Good idea, I'll do that so I can tell when it's full!

[daletournier]

One other thing is the yellow caps on the dipstick break off. It has happened to me. A guy in the anchorage just got two stainless steel ones machined up as both his sticks broke (catamaran).

Sent from my vivo Y35 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[shakey doug]

Try putting chalk on the dipstick.

[Badsanta]

Mine states use the same oil in the motor and NOT atf

[skipperr100]

I have been confused about this also. The dipstick on mine is also broken, where can I buy a new one?

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Badsanta

Mine states use the same oil in the motor and NOT atf

Some use ATF, some use engine oil, so of course you have to be sure which your does.
Did someone tell him to put ATF in his?