Where do I check the fluid levels on my V drive transmission?

[ROTYDE]

Where are the dip sticks (I'm assuming) for my V drive transmissions? Would like to be able to check The levels myself even though i have it serviced.
I searched for a thread and could not find one on location of dip sticks. Thanks in advance.

 

[Soulshine]

They’re on the port side of each transmission.

Look for a T handle. They thread out.

 

[LG111]

Depending on the vdrive, many record the fluid level by reinserting the stick but not screwing it back in.

 

[dtfeld]

What is you transmission make/model? If Hurth/ZF...see this

https://www.sbmar.com/category/articles/marine-transmissions/

 

[Skuza]

Should be a T-handle type on top the transmission. They unscrew but they don't actually thread into the transmission. You have to hold the base of the T-handle as you unscrew the T. They compress a rubber plug to hold and seal them in the trans. No need to tighten when checking-leave em loose for ease of removal. These can be tricky to check as they have to be warm and you have to do it immediately after shutdown before the circulated oil has a chance to fully drain back. I usually have my dad kill the engines and start the checking routine. I always check it a few times in a row and kinda average the results. DON'T forget to tighten the handle after checking. The pressure can pop the dipstick out and then all the fluid will blow out. Before I started doing the fluid change myself the marina forgot to tighten them and I lost all the fluid into the bilge and then the tranny quit-lucky it was a mile from the marina and no harm done after topping back off.

 

[ROTYDE]

Thanks so much for all the info, I am grateful.

 

[Soulshine]

These can be tricky to check as they have to be warm and you have to do it immediately after shutdown before the circulated oil has a chance to fully drain back. I usually have my dad kill the engines and start the checking routine.

That’s the by the book procedure, but I’m usually alone, so once I established that the hot level before the drain down was correct I waited until it drained all the way down and rechecked it while still hot.

I filed a small notch in the stick at that point and now just check it while hot and at rest. I’ve been doing this for years now without incident.

 

[ROTYDE]

That’s the by the book procedure, but I’m usually alone, so once I established that the hot level before the drain down was correct I waited until it drained all the way down and rechecked it while still hot.

I filed a small notch in the stick at that point and now just check it while hot and at rest. I’ve been doing this for years now without incident.

Thanks so much. I wonder how much difference there is between checking both ways.

 

[Soulshine]

For me it was about 1/8” on the stick.

 

[LG111]

As long as the level is between the lines its good.