1811 Trans fluid change
 

Folks, I purchased an 1811 a few years ago, and since all the pre-winter chores have been done with leave collection for the year, I wanted to change the tranny fluid. I've done this on a model 70 which I own but never on a hydro.
I have the hyran oil and the filter, but my question is do I need to the back plate off the differential, or remove the return tube plug at the bottom of the tranny ? Any help would be appreciated, and thanks in advance.

Greg

By removing the rear end cover, you get to "see" what is in the rear end as far as "gunk" and have the opportunity to clean anything up at that time. If you go the suction tube route, you do not get the full advantage of this observation.

:ThumbsUp:

Best way to do it is to remove the rear end cover like R Bedell said. You get to see what gunk has accumulated over the years and clean it out. Tip: DO NOT use paper towels, and don't ask how many of us learned that the hard way :biggrin2:

If you go that route, make sure that you have a new gasket, as well. Good luck, and don't be afraid to thank us with pics :biggrin2::beerchug:

Use a big enough drain pan.Leave a 2 bolts in midway up so the cover don't fall. It keeps the mess to a minimum.

Thanks for the advice on NO paper towels. Ok so is your collective recommendation for cleaning the inside the differential casing, that is after I scrape what-ever gunk is present with a screw driver, then use kerosene with a parts cleaning bush followed with a flush with brake cleaner and dried out with compressed air ? Once clean, install the new gasket and close up the back plate, change filter and re-fill with fresh hytran oil ?

If you do all that you should be good to go. :beerchug:

Don't over tighten the cover bolts otherwise you will pucker the cover and it will leak.
If it is already puckered around the bolt holes, invert it on a partially opened vice and strike it with a large ballpen hammer so they are flat or slightly puckered out, and they will tighten flat.
BTDT. works for any sheet metal cover or pan.