2015 R21ec trans oil

[ohioan55]

Ok, just sucked the oil out of the trans for the first time. It looks and smells like a lighter gear lube. The Volvo manual says Dexron II/III should be used. I also believe the Yanmar units use 30 weight oil. So my question to the factory guys is 'What should I use?'
Thanks for your time.

PS. The unit appears to be a MS10L.

 

[TylerFromEverett]

I’m curious too. There’s a sticker on my gear box that indicates something other than dexron, but the manual states dexron. I’ll snap a photo of the sticker next time I am at the boat. I’m due for a fluid change.

 

[Newf]

On my 2014 there is a sticker next to the dipstick that says 15W40, so the same as the engine. I confirmed this with Volvo on my first oil change. Mine has the MS15L-B

 

[ohioan55]

I checked closer (flexing the exhaust hose) and my gearbox does say it's a MS15L-B and to use 15-40 oil. But, that does not explain why the Volvo manual and website says to use Dexron.

 

[Newf]

I checked closer (flexing the exhaust hose) and my gearbox does say it's a MS15L-B and to use 15-40 oil. But, that does not explain why the Volvo manual and website says to use Dexron.

What Edition is your manual that came with the boat? Mine is 06-2012 and on page 69 it shows the Oil Quality as SAE 15W-40 for our reverse gear. I also saw a manual online that called for the Dexron which was why I contacted Volvo Penta directly for clarification. They told me to follow the manual that came with my engine and use the 15W-40 so I've used it for all 12 of my oil changes so far.

 

[ohioan55]

Thanks Newf. I didn't get a manual with the boat (wish I did). The only one I have was a download from this site and it appears to be a 2009 version. Not much help when it comes to a Volvo engine. I use a full synthetic oil in the engine and think I'll use the same in the trans as well. Any thoughts on this? Wonder if I can get the proper user manual for a 2015?

 

[Newf]

I use Royal Purple synthetic in both. It was recommended by the Volvo dealer mechanic when I had my first oil change done and I have used it ever since.

 

[TylerFromEverett]

Just checked on my 2014 21ec. I have the ms15lb transmission. Sticker calls for 15w40 and my manual says 15w40. Engine was replaced in 2016.

 

[ohioan55]

Thanks all for the responses. It now has 15-40 in it.