Transmission Fluid Type - Dextron or SAE20?

are you sure its a Velvet?

I just read another post that talked about the whining in the PCM Power Plus 1:1.23 tranny, that reminded me that's what mine is a Power Plus, I can double check when at home, but I am 99.9% sure the label states PCM Power Plus 1:1.23 and to use SAE20.

It does also whine but only when I am idling in forward or reverse, quietens down when I start to accelerate.

Tony - Yes, you have a PCM tranny.     Dex III is best.     Flush it at least twice (Run it in fwd & rev some) - It's only $3.50 a qt, takes 2 qts each flush.     I just pump it out, using a 1/8" copper ice maker line to get to the bottom of the case.

The PCM Marine Engines Service Manual says to read the transmission fluid at operating temp (190F max) and to measure it quickly on engine shutdown before the cooler and cooler lines drain back. It also says to warm the fluid prior to changing by running the engine in neutral for 5 minutes at 1500 rpm.

How much difference does the drain back make in checking the level?

Does 5 minutes in neutral at 1500 rpm warm the trans fluid enough to accurately measure the level, or does the boat need to be run on the lake?

If the flushes require forward and reverse to be effective, that has to be done at the lake, right? That is not practical in our case.

I have a Warner Velvet Drive Model 10-17-003 Direct Drive (1:1). The PCM Engine Owners Manual that I have (not sure of the year) says the fluid capacity depends on angle of installation but provides some estimates. They list reduction gears and vee drives, which I don't have. And they list an "AS 1-7C". Does that apply to my 10-17-003, or is this just the wrong year manual? The listed capacity is 1.8 qts level and 1.3 qts inclined to 15 degrees.

Finally, what pump have you guys found to be best to remove the fluid? I have one of those Jabsco pumps that gets chucked into an electric drill and never had much luck trying to pump motor oil out through the dipstick tube on my other boat (so I drain it and usually make a mess in the very tight bilge).

Thanks.

Steve

SNobsessed wrote: Tony - Yes, you have a PCM tranny.     Dex III is best.     Flush it at least twice (Run it in fwd & rev some) - It's only $3.50 a qt, takes 2 qts each flush.     I just pump it out, using a 1/8" copper ice maker line to get to the bottom of the case.

$3.50/qt???? I just picked up some from my local Autozone last week and it was $6.00/qt. Still cheap, but not $3.50 cheap.

From the horses mouth several years ago:

Hi Sean

Thank you for bringing your question to us. The simple answer is Dexron III
is what PCM currently recommends. PCM first used 20W oil (commonly found in
motor cycles and farm equipment) and this likely is what came in your
transmission when new (when your owners manual was printed).

While Dexron has a 20W viscosity, it cannot be mixed with oil.
To switch from 20W oil to Dexron, drain and fill your transmission with
Dexron, run the engine until warm, then immediately drain and fill again.

Please feel free to call or write back if you have further questions.

Regards,

Jim Jetmore
Customer Service
Correct Craft, Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Customer Service,

>
>      I own a 1992 Ski Nautique with the PCM PRO BOSS engine and PCM-40A
>      1.23/1 transmission. The plate on the transmission and the boat
>      owners manual both specify to use 20 - 20W engine oil in the
>      transmission. Because I couldn't find 20-20W engine oil I spoke to a
>      Nautique dealer and another marina that services Nautiques and they
>      both said to use Dextron III ATF. What oil should I be using ?
>
>      Thank You,

Steve - I obtained a refrig compressor from my neighbor, so I use that for the vacuum source. I have the fluid suck into a garden sprayer tank, capped with a big plug. I have about $5 cost in it, most of that went for the compressor plug.

If you need a budget approach, go to a beauty supply store & get a gallon bottle pump, they are about $2 (at least they used to be, just like Dex III was $3.50 not that long ago). Hook up hoses as required.
It is a little tedious, but it will eventually do the job.

Valvoline or Castrol are OK & available just about anywhere.

Thanks, guys, it looks like the Castrol and Valvoline ATF Dexron-III/Mercon are available at Wally World for about $17 for a gallon jug.

Yes - Dex III is the right stuff.