2008 230 Fluids / Trans / V-Drive

[quaylefarmer]

Just started using my new to me 2008 230 (PCM 390).

Trying to check all of the fluids but getting a little confused on the hardware that I have.

I have read through the complete manual from Correct Craft as well as PCM but cant seem to understand exactly what my boat has.

It has a short dip stick that looks to be in the V-Drive but the manual also calls out to check the transmission fluid via the 2 fill holes on the very front (accessible through the round inspection hole in the floor).

2 Questions:

Does my boat have a V-Drive + Transmission?

If they are seperate do I use the DexronIII in both?

Thanks for your help!

[ScooterMcgavin]

Yes it does have a v-drive and transmission, the dipstick is for the tranny fluid and the two holes are for the v/drive oil, and no you don't use dexronIII in the v-drive only trans, the c-drive takes a synthetic type of gear oil I believe.

[vision]

Double check the PCM manual as to whether you ever need to change the V-drive oil. I do not recall what year they stopped recommending changing the V-drive oil. It is still recommended to change the transmission oil periodically.

[xrichard]

The manual is poorly written and confusing. Your boat has a separate transmission and v-drive. The manual refers to the v-drive as a v-drive transmission and this causes the confusion.

The "real" transmission has a short dipstick--it takes dexron lll (no longer licensed by GM so you won't find it) but you can use dex/merc as a substitute. Change per the manual--I do mine at 50 hrs when I do the motor oil.

The v-drive "transmission"
has two plugs in the top. The fluid is not changed unless contaminated. I can't remember the fluid type--it's what your manual specs for the v-drive transmission.

FWIW, when I got my 2008, I exchanged multiple email w/PCM clarifying this exact issue.

[d_nodixon]

You can get the vdrive oil from DIM I believe....it's a PCM BRAND if its the same as my 06...will take a pic and post tomorrow. My manual stated every 500 hrs or if contaminated

[xrichard]

I just looked at the 2008 manual....v-drive is maintenance free...no change unless evidence of contamination. Fluid: Mobiltrans SHC50. The heading for that section in the manual is "PCM Power Plus V-Drive Transmission." Which often causes people to believe the transmission and v-drive are one unit.

[quaylefarmer]

Thanks everyone!

[quaylefarmer]

Is there a procedure for checking the trans fluid level (with the dipstick)?
- Hot vs. Cold?
- Running vs. Motor Off?