ATF in my trim system??? Is this correct?

[kaliona]

Just replaced a leaking trim cylinder hose on a 1978 Mercruiser 165hp I/O. I noticed the fluid that leaked from the hose was red. Looks like ATF. Read through my shop manual and it indicates my trim system should be filled with 10W-30 or 10W-40. Should there have been ATF in the system to begin with? I've had this boat for 15 years (bought it used) and have never had problems with the power trim with the ATF in it. Can I just top of the reservoir with 10W-30 or should I drain the system of all the ATF and then fill it with 10W-30?

 

[Bondo]

Re: ATF in my trim system??? Is this correct?

Should there have been ATF in the system to begin with? I've had this boat for 15 years (bought it used) and have never had problems with the power trim with the ATF in it

Ayuh,... ATF is a fine hydraulic oil,... Top it off with it,...

Like ya said, it's been workin' Just Fine, for 15 years....

It's a very simple hyd. system, it don't care, so long as it's Oil, 'n not water....

 

[kaliona]

Re: ATF in my trim system??? Is this correct?

Thanks Bond-o. I'll do that. But...I just recalled that I topped off the pump reservoir a couple times, years ago with some Power Trim and Tilt Fluid when I had a slow leak due some loose fittings at the pump. So I guess I now have a mix of trim fluid and ATF. Is it ok to have that mix and to go ahead and top it off with ATF? And does it matter what type of ATF to use? Type F or Dexron II?
Thanks again

 

[ziggy]

Re: ATF in my trim system??? Is this correct?

over the years, bondo has me convinced. anything but water will work. what ya don't want to do is mix oil and hydraulic fluid. use either, or. trim fluid, atf, power steering fluid. or oil. whatever. as long as it's not oil and hydraulic fluid mix, w/o water (), my guess is yer ok.

 

[Bondo]

Re: ATF in my trim system??? Is this correct?

So I guess I now have a mix of trim fluid and ATF. Is it ok to have that mix and to go ahead and top it off with ATF? And does it matter what type of ATF to use? Type F or Dexron II?

Ayuh,... I still don't see a problem,....

Really, it's a Simple system...