B/W tranny ?'s
 

Running B/W tranny's with TRS drives. Few ?'s:

- What fluid should I run? Dexron? I have heard Ford mentioned. If I change the type, do I need to flush it - if so, how?

- What level should it be at? The stick says "DO NOT OVERFILL", yet I have heard comments that it is recommended to overfill it a bit. Also, my stern of my boat sits very low in the water due to all the weight.

- Many times when I unlock the tranny dipstick to check the level, I hear a pressure release sound. Is this normal?

- Engines and tranny's are out of the boat currently. Any recommended maintainance tranny items?

I think the manual reccomends Type A. Still available at auto parts store. I do know many running dextron though, no problems. I've only heard to use Type F on upgraded trannys.
My understanding is that overfilling can lead to aeration of the fluid and tranny failure. Fill it only to the fill line.
There's supposed to be a vent near the back of the tranny. Might be blocked.
Not much to do on these. Just shift at low rpm and they seem to last forever with stock power.
Gary

Although I'm sure marinetrans or Mbam can reccomend a few more things:D
Gary

As Gary says there is a vent at the back, but it has a spring set at 3 lbs or so hence the poof. Type F is actually good for nay BW trans, either stock or modified. You can't win on the oil level, too much and it will cause extra drag and aeration, too low and the unit will lose pressure. Current wisdom is about 1/4 high. That is why we do our dry sump version, it really solves the oil level/pressure issues.

Thanks guys. Glad to hear they last - I am running about 550 hp w/o problems so far.
Mbam - when you mention 1/4 level, what exactly are you refering to - 1/4 of the way up the dipstick?

Also, what is the recommened interval for tranny fluid change? I have heard ranges of once a year, to changing with every oil change? I will switch over to type F fluid as well.

Sorry, 1/4 inch up. I do think you are pushing your luck with 550 HP.

I have only owned this boat for 1 season, but this power package has been in it for a long time (at least 10 years with this configuration).

What does it cost to upgrade these for more power handling? Or is it not worth it, and just get a stronger tranny?