TM 10-3930-671-24 TA18 SERVICE MAINTENANCE The TA18 transaxle has two service openings: 1. Dipstick/oil fill tube, in left side axle housing. 2. Drain plug, in bottom of transmission case. Fluid Level Check Check the transaxle fluid level with: •    Truck on a level surface. •    Engine idling with transmission in NEUTRAL. •    Oil at operating temperature (1800 - 2000F) 1.    Clean   area   around   oil   filler   before   removing dipstick.  Pull dipstick  out.    Remove  all  oil  from dipstick with a clean wiper and push it back into filler tube.  Remove dipstick to check oil level. 2.    The    oil    level    is    correct   when   oil   can   be measured between the marks on dipstick. 3.    Add recommended fluid only, as required. 4.    After    adding    oil   to   transaxle,   wait   several minutes until oil has distributed evenly throughout the unit.   Check  for  correct  oil  level. Do not overfill. NOTICE The  follow  lubricant  is  recommended  for  best operation of the TA18 transaxle: AMOCO 1000, or Texaco 1893 TDH Clark Part No.  2776236 Fluid and Filter Change It is recommended to: • Drain   and   replace   the   transaxle   fluid   every   1000 operating hours. • The oil should be drained when warmed to operating temperature, 180°-200°F (82°-93°C). • Replace  the  transaxle  oil  filter  every  500  operating hours.  See NOTE below. TA 18 Transaxle dipstick/oil fill tube. NOTE When the transaxle is new or rebuilt, it is recommended to change the oil filter after the first so hours and again after 100 operating hours. 1.    Remove drain plug from bottom of transmission case.  Drain old oil into suitable drain pan. 2.    Remove  old  oil  filter.    The  oil  filter  is  mounted near    the    top    of    converter    housing    above transmission. NOTE Take  special  care  when  removing  the  filter  to  avoid  oil remaining  in  filter  from  draining  onto  floor.    Loosen  the filter using a filter wrench.  Remove filter while holding a pad of cloth or other absorbent material under the open end to absorb any excess oil that may drain out of filter. 3.    Install  a  new  oil  filter.    Follow  the  installation instructions printed on filter. Refilling The Transaxle After  drive  axle  and  transmission  housing  has  drained completely: 1.    Install drain plug. 2.    Remove dipstick and fill transaxle to FULL mark on dipstick.  Do not overfill. 3.    Start the engine and run at idle speed (500-700 rpm)  in  NEUTRAL  for  2-3  minutes  to  prime  the converter and cooler lines. 4.    Recheck   oil   level   with   engine   running   at   idle speed.  Add oil to bring oil level to ADD mark on dipstick.    When  oil  temperature  is  hot  (180  - 200°F),  make  final   oil   level   check.      Oil   level should be at FULL mark. 5.    Check for leaks at drain plug and oil filter. F-348