Correct transaxle fluid change procedure (Page 1/2)
Csjag APR 02, 06:57 AM
Per my original 1985 do it yourself manual that came with my car: Remove drain plug on bottom of transaxle to drain, when filling remove check plug on side of case and fill thru the hole with a plastic tube connected to a funnel until fluid is level with the fill hole. I wish I would have read this before taking out the VSS and having to fish the gear out of the transmission.
tesmith66 APR 02, 07:29 AM
I've always done it through the VSS. Didn't even know there was a check plug. That's what the lines on the VSS are for.
Csjag APR 02, 08:00 AM
Why take the chance of the gear falling off, I plan on using the fill hole from now on.
Lambo nut APR 02, 08:39 AM

quote
Originally posted by Csjag:

Why take the chance of the gear falling off, I plan on using the fill hole from now on.



I've said this in the past but few listen. ^

Pull bottom plug, let drain, replace plug.
Remove top plug, fill until level is at bottom of plug hole, reinsert plug.
It is a tight space but better then messing with the VSS, especially with the know potential of the gear falling off.

The tool pictured in the third post of this thread makes things go quick and easy.
http://www.benzworld.org/fo...al-fluid-change.html

Kevin
fierosound APR 02, 08:45 AM
My Getrag has a side fill hole. But I ALWAYS fill through the dipstick hole.
It's way easier to stick a funnel in it. Pic is from 87 Owner's Manual.

------------------
Calgary time/temp

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT Click me
Super Duty 4 Indy #163 Click me

PatrickTRoof APR 02, 10:53 AM
What is the correct oil to use in the manual transaxle? I have read that 10w30 or straight 30 can be used. Which is preferable?
hiwil88formula APR 02, 11:48 AM
I use syncromesh in my getrag. It is the recommended fluid for it. Not sure about the Isuzu tho.

Hywel
NW-Fiero APR 02, 02:06 PM
1985 Manual says to use 5-30W .... but I just used Valvoline Synchromesh ( designed for General Motors or Chrysler manual transaxles) and will check for leaks when installed next week. The PO used trans fluid ( I drained red fluid out) there were no leaks prior to my engine rebuild but I replaced the 2 output seals while I had it out.

Manual says 3 qts..... mine took 2.6 qts or so
fierosound APR 02, 02:26 PM
The 30-year-old manual recommended 5-30 when the car came out (still fine to use).

Once GM (or someone) developed Synchromesh Manual Transmission Oil, that has been the recommendation since.
They released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) when the product became available. It's the stuff to use.
See here: http://home.comcast.net/~fierocave/stick.htm

Works great. Many people have found "sticky" transmissions shift much smoother after the changeover.

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 04-02-2014).]

Blacktree APR 02, 03:19 PM
I think the Isuzu 5-speed used Dexron-III ATF. But I see no reason why you couldn't put Synchromesh in it.

I've been telling people for a long time about the side fill hole. On gearboxes that don't have a "real" dipstick, this is the way to go. You can get a funnel with a flexible spout, or a spout that has a piece of hose attached to it, and the job gets a lot easier. Then you don't have to mess with the VSS.