Universal Diesel gear box lubrication

[H and E]

I have a Catalina 25 with a Universal diesel engine. All seems to be in good shape and I would like to check the lubrication in the gear box. So far I have not found any information on it. Any information will be appreciated.

[JimsCAL]

Which engine? Most Universal diesels use a Hurth transmission. The manual should tell you how to check the level of the oil in there. Basically loosen a nut on the top that has rod attached to it that acts a dipstick. Oil should be changed periodically. The one in my previous boat was a Universal 5411 and used automatic transmission fluid. The one on my current Yanmar uses engine oil. So you need to know what you've got.

[MarkSF]

If you download the manual here, it includes transmission servicing :

http://www.ewmanchester.com/CalDocs/...s%20Manual.pdf

The transmission oil should be changed every 300 hours or once a year.

Access to that oil drain plug, at least on my boat, falls into the "interesting" category.

[jjablonowski]

H&E,

The Universal diesel engine in your C-25 is either a Model M-12 (based on a Kubota Z-400 block) or an improved M2-12 (based on a Kubota Z-430 block), depending on the year the boat was built. Both engines are fitted with the Hurth HBW-50 marine transmission.

It should be filled with 0.29 quarts of Dexron III transmission fluid. The dipstick is part of the filler plug and has an indent ring mark showing "full." According to the engine owner's manual, "when checking the level, the dipstick is to be inserted only, do not screw in." Tighten the dipstick after adding the oil or checking the level.

The original spec calls for "Type A" automatic transmission fluid, which of course is not available. Alternatively, you can use Dexron III (General Motors) or M2 C33G (Ford). The manual cautions against mixing types.

[heelangle]

I have one of these Hurth transmissions in my 1986 Newport 30 attached to a Universal M-18. Draining the fluid is a challenge. I found it easier to suck the transmission fluid out of the top fill hole, then to try to access the drain plug. A small tubing and a syringe device work well. As stated, the fill volume is less than 1/2 pint. It is definitely Dexron III.

[H and E]

Thanks MarkSF

That is exactly what I have been looking for.