Velvet Drive Fluid Change

[RobaloGator]

I'm putting a 1991 American Skier back in the water for the first time in 12 years. I've changed the plugs, oil, all fuel and oil filters, drained the fuel tank, etc. I need to change the original fluid in the 1:1 Borg Velvet Drive. Can anyone help? Thanks!

[RichardDoane]

Get a suction pump and suck all the old stuff out through the dipstick hole. We just use Dexron ATF, must trannys hold about 1.6 quarts, but for the boats that spin alot of islands, I generally add 2 qts. That way the trans won't starve/slip in a tight corner, or spin. Generally the ATF is good for 50 hours, and you can double that if you use a synthetic ATF.

[Deke]

Richard,

 

I had always heard that overfilling was a bad thing for seals. The other thing I wonder is, why does Malibu recommend not using synthetic tranny fluid? I'd use it in a heartbeat if I new more about it.

 

Deke

[DW]

You might want to determine what type of fluid is coming out, a mineral oil or ATF based on the color of the current fluid in the unit (tan or red).  Many of the older boats did not use ATF.  There is a potential for synthetics to swell seals, that tended to happen with the earlier synthetics.

[RobaloGator]

Thanks a lot for your comments. You confirmed the fluid is removed through the dipstick hole. The fluid is red in color (factory fluid). Is Dextron ATF correct? Thanks again.

[RichardDoane]

Yes, standard Dexron ATF is the best, and safest bet.