Wondering if anyone else has a problem checking the tranny fluid under the heat exchanger bracket? I have a 1987 36 with M25 (not xp)
I can't get the tranny dipstick out as the exchanger sits low. Anyone have a solution or idea about how to make it so I can get to the stick without removing the heat exchanger?
Thanks!
hard to get to trans dipstick under heat exchanger bracket
Tue, 06/23/2020 - 16:12
#1
hard to get to trans dipstick under heat exchanger bracket
Yup -- We were only able to get to the tranny dipstick by feel -- especially after upgrading to a 3" HX.
Here was our solution: we relocated the HX to the front of the wood box that holds the center water tank. I put up pictures and further info in this post from about five years ago:
www.catalina36.org/comment/57504#comment-57504
It not only makes access to the dipstick far easier (to say nothing of access for adding or replacing tranny fluid), but also access to the HX anode and as well to adjust the rear starboard engine mount (and of course, you DO regularly check and adjust your engine alignment, right? Because I can assure that you do NOT want to have to undertake a repair of the shaft tube as a result of a misalignment -- see www.catalina36.org/forum/technical-discussion/shaft-tube-removal ).
My inspiration was a similar relocation performed by another member - credit where due!:
www.catalina36.org/comment/56893#comment-56893
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Great idea. Thanks very much. I did see the photos and will do this next fall! Happy sailing.
One further tip. Out of an abundance of caution, we later added a bonding wire between the relocated HX and the engine block.
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY