T&T: Transmission oil

[Mark Richter]

Bryan,
Most transmissions should have their fluid checked immediately after 
shutdown, when hot and before the oil can drain back from any coolers. 
There should certainly be some fluid showing on the bottom of the dipstick, 
no matter when you check it.

To find out what fluid is in your transmission, get a longer stick.  Put it 
in all the way down and withdraw.  Put the fluid on a white paper and check 
the color.  If red, you probably have Dexron transmission fluid, about $3 a 
quart at any auto parts store or Wal-mart..  If brownish, it's probably 
motor oil.  Add fluid until it shows on the stick, then warm up the engine, 
shut down and check the level.

Once you know what the fluid is, I'd go ahead and change it.  It's cheap, 
and pretty easy.  There should be a drain plug near the bottom of the 
transmission.  I do mine once a year.

Mark Richter,
Mark's Mobile Marine
Ortona, FL on the Okeechobee Waterway (next canal east of River Forrest 
Yacht Center)
Boat repairs and maintenance at my dock or yours.