Tranny fluid change question
 

I have a 1992 Maristar 210 with the velvet 1:1 transmission. Bought it end of the season last year and am trying to catch up on maintenance. I went to look at the transmission fluid and this is what I found.Attachment 57776

The picture makes it look a little darker than it really is. My question is what can I put back in the transmission? I can't tell if this is motor oil or transmission fluid or does that even matter? Can 15w40 be used in the direct drive transmissions? I can not see any trace of red.

My plan is to change it 2-3 times this season until it cleans up.

Thanks
D

That sure looks like motor oil. There was period of time where 15w-40 was recommended.

I think ATF fluid makes more sense but either will do...check the manual. FWIW, I have a 1993 1:1 velvet drive with ATF in it and it works great.

That is what I thought. The manual says Dexron II, but I didnt know if there would be a problem with mixing if I got it wrong.

Also, is there a problem with putting new fluid in? Just wondering about the old story about old transmission fluid is better left unchanged.

There wouldn't be a problem with the residual oil mixing with the new transmission fluid. If it were me, I would change it, run it, change it again and run it again; and so on, until the fluid was clear and red.

Good luck!

You want to use Dexron/Mercon in your Velvet Drive 1:1. The motor oil recommendation was for gear reduction transmissions on models within the last ten years. Change it a couple of times if you suspect there is motor oil. In this application, it is not better left unchanged.

Thanks guys. I will change it with the recommended Dexron II multiple times until it looks better.

D

It'll be Dexron III or IV at this point. Dexron II is no longer available.

Good to know. Does it make any difference if it is III or IV?

No difference of which I'm aware. Just the latest incarnation. Either will be fine.