Kanzaki KM35P ; ATF fluid??

[nathan007]

Hello!

While doing a quick look around on our newly acquired Hunter 38 2007, I noticed the gearbox (KM35P) which requires SAE 20 or 30 grade oil is filled with atf or unknown nature. (Red-ish in color and distinctive smell..)

The gearbox seems to work fine, in my limited marine experience, but I am concerned about potential future issues of the wrong fluid being used. Anyone knows if there was a service bulletin released? My research trough the web and user manuals does not mention using atf..

Any input?

[nathan007]

Anyone?

[Calif.Ted]

Well, I believe you are 100% correct that 20 or 30 wt. is specified, ATF was used in Hurth gearboxes. It'd be prudent to change, maybe a couple times.
https://www.yanmar.com/media/global/...tlineKM35P.pdf

[Captsteve53]

Nathan, No Changes or updates , Must be: either 20 or 30 weight SAE regular [B]engine oil

ALSO NOTE: this is either 20 or 30 not a multi grade oil, SAE 20 Engine oil is some what difficult to find so go with the SAE 30 single grade/mono grade oil and even that can be difficult to find depending where you are!!

Cheers Steve

[damir s]

I have in my Kanzaki gearbox KM3-A filled with ATF oil. Motor YANMAR & gearbox is from 1986 working perfect without any problem, but on gearbox plate is writen oil SAE20/30. But important dont overfill gearbox with oili!!!!! Just till max on stik.
In some instruction book is writen ATF oil other SAE 20/30.

[Captsteve53]

Nathan,

For got to say, I wouldn't worry to much about the wrong oil (change it YES) but dont loose any sleep over it, placing Trans fluid in a manual box is not any real issue, its the other way around that can cause an issue,

Most trans-fluid is around 15-20 weight any way

Cheers Steve

[Captsteve53]

Originally Posted by damir s

I have in my Kanzaki gearbox KM3-A filled with ATF oil. Motor YANMAR & gearbox is from 1986 working perfect without any problem, but on gearbox plate is writen oil SAE20/30. But important dont overfill gearbox with oili!!!!! Just till max on stik.
In some instruction book is writen ATF oil other SAE 20/30.

Nathan, I was intrigued with the above statement re the use of ATF in Kanzaki Transmissions, I have checked back to 1986 with all models which actually started in 1966 Centralized production of transmissions for Yanmar power tillers and in:
1967 Production of transmissions for Yanmar tractors/Marine is begun.

Models:

KM2P-1 = SAE #20/#30 (Single Grade)
KM35A-2= SAE #20/#30 (Single Grade)
KM35P = SAE #20/#30 (Single Grade)
KM4A-2 = SAE #20/#30 (Single Grade)
KM5A = SAE #20/#30 (Single Grade)
KMH40A = SAE #30 (Single Grade)
KMH50A = SAE #30 (Single Grade)
KMH50V = SAE #30 (Single Grade)
KMH61A = SAE #30 (Single Grade)
KMH61V = SAE #30 (Single Grade)


And further Mechanical Transmissionsall use SAE#20/#30 mono grade)
TTMC2P-1
TTMC35A
TTMC35P
TTMC4A
TTMC5A

And Further Hydraulic Transmissions asall use with SAE# 30 mono grade oil)
TTM40A
TTM50A
TTM60A
TTM50V
TTM60V

So think it's a pretty good guess what is the correct oil to use!!


Cheers Steve

[nathan007]

Thanks guys!

Now, i can easily access 30weight oil, i work in auto parts, but i am worried that trying to flush it will only mess things up (will always remain ATF, mixed with straight grade oil, resulting in..?)

I'll try to find a place that works on these kind of gearboxes to see what they have to say regarding this matter

[Captsteve53]

Small remaining portions of ATF wont be an issue, if you feel happier flush with an oil cleaner (the one you use for flushing engines prior to an oil change)

Cheers Steve

[nathan007]

Thank you very much

[dial_amonkey]

Hi all - the label on my Kanzaki KM35P has a label SAE #20 or SAE #30 HD

I change the oil when I do the engine and have run it on 80/90 and 15/40 engine oil: it's done 2600 hours and is working fine, sounds perfect, does not slip.

But recently after talking to a professional engineer who works earth moving equipment I decided I should take a bit more care with the oil:

I was always under the impression the HD stands for Heavy Duty (not high detergent - like an engine oil) and my earth mover engineer confirmed/agreed with that much.

He didn't agree that the transmission would run on anything and warned me to use only SAE 30 HD.

He also suggested that the SAE 30 HD is a Hydraulic oil, (like ISO 32 HD)

Googling and searching the interwebs didn't lead anywhere..does anyone have any leads?
Will go back to my mate and ask a bit more ..

[Jeffhouseman]

There are also various opinions of how to use the dipstick: screwed in or not. Safest bet is to drain (suction out) ALL of the old oil, and replace with the correct oil in the exact amount as stamped on the gearbox. Then, see what the dipstick shows, as that will tell you what the correct amount looks like.

[Mirage35]

I have the service manual for that transmission and the SAE 20 or 30 comments are correct. When I have time I'll see if I can post it, or PM me with an email address and I'll send you a copy.

[Jeffhouseman]

Thanks, I have a a maintenance manual which says to ‘fully insert’ the dipstick. A bit unclear to me, as it did not say to screw it in. Resting the threads on top of the case was not correct in my case. I’ll check back with you for the full service manual, much appreciated!

[Jeffhouseman]

My Kanzaki gearbox story; I changed the gearbox oil using the dipstick adapted oil suction tank as per my engine. I had trouble getting to the bottom of the case beyond the innards, but since the level was close to the top dipstick line, I called it good and headed off on the 2022 Baja Haha. It worked perfectly for 1,200 miles, and it wasn’t until the day of starting the return trip to SF when it started slipping to the point of zero propulsion. I was in Cabo and couldn’t find any help in Cabo or online. Other than pulling the box and hoping it was just glazed cones. I found Greg with Cabo Marine Services located in La Paz, and he advised me to check the oil requirements carefully. Using an epoxy syringe and kid drink straw, I was finally able to withdraw all the oil. It was too much by 30%. The correct volume was stamped on the case; .35 liters. Not much, in fact about 1.5 cups. I put in the right amount of oil, but needed to idle the engine (4JH3E) in forward for about 20 minutes before it stopped slipping. I made the trip back with no issues.

So my bottom line on a slipping gearbox is: get all the oil out. Add the only correct amount, as stamped on the gearbox case. See what that level looks like on your dipstick. Use the right oil, also stamped on the case. Cross your fingers.

Hope that advice helps others as it helped me, far from home!