R-21EC transmission fluid maintenance

[Steamboat_Willie]

I have some questions about changing the transmission fluid in the Kanzaki transmission on our R-21EC. Our 21 is a Feb/20O8 vintage and the trans fluid has not been changed out since we got it. What type of fluid is used and how much is required? And is the fluid removed via a top or bottom access port? I'm just about ready to perform the fall winterization ritual and put Steamboat Willie comfortably into hibernation for the upcoming NJ winter.
Does anyone have experience with this or any helpful suggestions?
Thanks.
Ed

 

[K7MXE]

I can tell you what I did on my 2006 R21EC. I sucked out the warm oil after using the boat with a oil sucker from harbor freight. Its about 5/8 of a quart. Not very much. You want to use 30 weight high detergent oil like Delo 400. Don't use 10-40. Be careful with the plug as its real easy to cross thread. The downloaded manual will give more information. Not much to it, really. Bob Heselberg in Eatonville Wa

 

[rt11002003]

Read the manual carefully and then study the dip stick before refilling.

Gene

 

[Steamboat_Willie]

Found it:

Page 7: Recommended oil - SAE30

Page 18: [6.2] Oil Change - The first oil change must be performed after 50 hours of operation. All subsequent oil changes to be made after 250 hours of operation or once in a year (according to the term which is reached earlier.)

So I'm all set.

Ed

 

[Nellie Too]

ED,
kEEP IN MIND THAT THERE IS DIESEL ENGINE OIL AND GASOLINE ENGINE OIL. MY YANMAR ENGINE USES DELO 30 wt WHICH IS FOR DIESEL IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
BOB

 

[Steamboat_Willie]

My interest and inquiry was referring to the transmission's lubricant. The local Yanmar wholesale factory rep for marine Yanmar engines we have here in NJ (Mack Boring Company) said that Shell Rotella 15W40 is fine for the 3YM30's diesel engine oil. The Kanzaki transmission manual appears to specify "straight" SAE30W oil. That's what I was searching for with my original posting here. So far (knock on wood) the Yanmar has been running wonderfully. Quite a smooth running workhorse. I want to stay ahead of the curve and change the transmission oil which I've not previously done even though we haven't logged a hefty number of hours on our 21. So I gotta change it this year.

 

[rt11002003]

The manual for the 30hp Yanmar calls for 10W30 or 15W40. I've used 15W40 for 150 hours and plan to change oil and filter tomorrow, along with the primary fuel filter. The manual calls for oil spec. API CD or higher, TBN 9 or greater. NEVER! API CG-4 or CH-4.

Rotella and Delo are both good oil for diesel use. I've use both over the years and prefer Rotella.

My comment about the manual and the dip stick for the transmission is referring to the "full" mark on the stick. It's close to the end and on my boat there is another mark near the cap.

It is extremely difficult to read the oil level on the dipstick.

Gene

 

[RProffer]

For gear oil, I use Rotella T1 Standard Grade SAE 30. For engine oil, Rotella T Triple Protection SAE 15W-40. Both meet Yanmar specs for the 3YM30 engine used in the R21-EC. Both are carried at Walmart and are much cheaper at Walmart than other places. Many threads here and at other websites have preferred Rotella over other brands for all diesel engines.