VDrive Fluid

[lewisb13]

What fluid are you putting in your VDrive. The only "SAE 30" that I could find was Wal-Mart brand. Are any of you running synthetic? Synthetic or not, where are you getting your oil? Cheers.

[sandm]

head to your local auto parts store. there are lots of choices in 30wt oil.

[pmoomba]

How often do you change this and is it basically just an oil change from the v drive? Where's the drain? (I imagine it's in the manual but don't have it here at work).

[lewisb13]

I change mine every season. The manual has you change it every X hours. There is no drain. You have to suck it out. You can take the pan (access cover plate thingy) off the bottom to drain it, but that just makes a huge mess. Its designed to be sucked out.

[pmoomba]

Thanks I'll try to find the access on the v drive or look in the manual for it.

Maybe this is a silly question but how come this isn't a part of the winterization thread?

[brain_rinse]

Use any non detergent 30 wt oil per the manual. There is a drain and screen that should be cleaned as well on the lower rear of the unit.

[JesseC]

Either Auto Zone or Advanced Auto sells Valvoline SAE30 in our area, I can not remember which one it is. I always buy 2-3 quarts and change it every year.

[brain_rinse]

Thanks I'll try to find the access on the v drive or look in the manual for it.

Maybe this is a silly question but how come this isn't a part of the winterization thread?
Though many people perform the v-drive service at the same time, it's not really part of winterization. It's just scheduled maintenance.

[DOCDRS]

there is actually a drain plug and a screen that should be cleaned, i believe/know its all in the schematics.

[VA LSV]

I removed the bottom cover from my v-drive last winter to repair a small leak and was curious to see what the screen looked like after 5 seasons. Screen was clean and just a small amount of build-up in the corners of the cover. It's also a good idea to pull the top and clean out debris from the cooling water. Make your own gaskets with RTV.

[pmoomba]

Though many people perform the v-drive service at the same time, it's not really part of winterization. It's just scheduled maintenance.

I figured, but if you split those hairs then an oil change isn't really part of winterization either ;P

[brain_rinse]

I figured, but if you split those hairs then an oil change isn't really part of winterization either ;P
Actually the oil change is standard winterizaton procedure. Used engine oil is acidic and not something you want sitting in your pan untouched all winter.

[DOCDRS]

Actually the oil change is standard winterizaton procedure. Used engine oil is acidic and not something you want sitting in your pan untouched all winter.

and even more so on your bearings, shafts,pistons,rings,valves,passageways and seals throughout the engine...so run it after you change it

[DOCDRS]

here they are, just to clarify any misconceptions, note drain plug and filter
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5016972558_439522bc06.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5016967940_6244da2845.jpg