ZF 80A filter replacement

[Graeme Walker]

I thought changing my transmission oil/filter was going to be an easy job, however I don’t appear to be able to get the ‘plug’ back into the hole in the transmission. Everything online I’ve seen says just place in hole but the o-ring won’t fit. Do you have to fit the filter to the ‘plug’ before putting into the hole? Why is there a tighten and loosen component to this? Does the ‘plug’ come apart so the filter and lower part can be put in place and then the top part attached? The whole arrangement seems to be overkill. Engines are Cummins 6BTA 330hp on a Bayliner 4788.

I also see some people replace the ATF with 15-40w oil, is this a common/recommended upgrade?

Thanks for any and all assistance.

Topic

[Graeme Walker]

Uncle_Bob over at BaylinerOwnersClub.org gets credit for pointing me to this video.

[Graeme Walker]

That would work also, I only put heat on for 3-5 seconds and used a large pipe wrench to hold it.

[Don Gardner]

When I could not get my filter cap apart I used an oil filter wrench to hold the bottom half for leverage to get the 6mm bolt to pop loose. IMO better than using heat as that can distort the cap.

[Graeme Walker]

I finally got it apart with a new 6mm hex socket and applying a little heat; going to boat to complete the job. Hope the other is easier as it is even harder to get to. Will put some ‘stuff’ on hex threads to make it easier next time. Thanks for help.

[Tony Athens]

VIDEO

Seems to make total sense although I never tried it that way. Nice find

Tony

[Graeme Walker]

Yes it does, however I did not attempt to install that assembly, I dropped the filter in then tried to fit the cap. Will be going to boat shortly to try again.

[Rob Schepis]

Before you start reinstalling, holding the filter and the cap in your hands does the cap press into the filter?

[Graeme Walker]

I have been trying to get the entire assembly, with large o-ring, installed as an assembly.
I found this video that shows it should be disassemled before installation;

Makes sense but I can’t get the assembly apart, letting it soak overnight.
It’s a pain on a limited access 4788.
The documentation doesn’t mention having it disassembled.
Still wondering if I should use ATF or 15-40W motor oil.

[Tony Athens]

Where is a large o-ring? It belongs on the cap BEFORE you install it.

[Author]

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