Question for Velvet Drive owners.

[Roger Long]

The manual says fluid level must be checked immediately after engine shut down when fluid is hot and hasn't drained back from the oil cooler. This is hard to do on our boat. I did it once and didn't discover any significant difference. Has anyone else found a difference between hot and cold fluid level measurements?

 

[psneeld]

yes, about a 3/8 inch on the dipstick.

now I just check cold at that level 75 percent of the time and the rest right after shutdown.

 

[CEC]

I check all fluids cold, but I have a mark for cold that I always use. As long as you know where full is when hot vs. cold I don't think it matters, but I've been wroung before


When I change it I just put it back how I found it at the cold mark. I always check when cold now, but after R&R I check it when hot at least once - I guess just because it makes me happy..

 

[kchace]

The manual says fluid level must be checked immediately after engine shut down when fluid is hot and hasn't drained back from the oil cooler. This is hard to do on our boat. I did it once and didn't discover any significant difference. Has anyone else found a difference between hot and cold fluid level measurements?

Yes, there is a significant difference. If you didn't see a difference you probably didn't do it quickly enough after shutdown or you may have a setup that for some reason doesn't drain back (but I wouldn't count on that)

What you can do and its outlined in the VD owner's manual I have is:

1. Verify correct oil level immediately after shutdown per the manual.
2. Allow to sit overnight undisturbed and then check oil level before the engine is run. You should find it is higher.
3. Mark the dipstick for that level.

The new mark can be used to verify correct level when the transmission has been sitting undisturbed.

On my CR2's that level (IIRC) is about 1/2" above the "full" line.

Ken

 

[Larry M]

I check all fluids cold, but I have a mark for cold that I always use. As long as you know where full is when hot vs. cold I don't think it matters, but I've been wroung before


When I change it I just put it back how I found it at the cold mark. I always check when cold now, but after R&R I check it when hot at least once - I guess just because it makes me happy..