Transmission Fluid Help

[Hueffenhardt]

The Kymco Grand Vista 250 Owner's manual says the transmission fluid I should use is SAE 90. Unfortunately, when I look at my options at the auto parts stores, I can't find SAE 90 anywhere. They categorize transmission fluids by manual/automatic, import/domestic. I did see one for CVT transmissions, so I am leaning towards it, but the listing only talked about compatibility with cars. Please advise.

Also, I read in the owner's manual, that when I drain the transmission fluid, I need to turn the rear wheel to get it all out, but no similar instructions to make sure one gets it all in (without air bubbles, etc). Also, any hints on how best to get the fluid in a vertical hole?

Thanks in advance. I'll soon create a post to introduce myself and my new-to-me 2008 Kymco Grand Vista 250. But, I am going on a shopping trip tomorrow afternoon for fluids and surface cleaners/protectorants, etc, and I need to know what transmission fluid to get. Any other recommendations on fluids/cleaners would be appreciated as well.

[Vivo]

Just wrong terminology.  The right term is "gear oil"... look for SAE 90 Gear Oil... The best way to get the oil in is to use a syringe or a plastic ketchup bottle...

Any good cleaner/protectant for cars would be fine...

[mrbios]

Good advice from Vivo.  I bought my 2005 GV 2.5 years ago and put over 10K miles on it.  Overall, a great scooter.  Welcome to the Grandvista.  If you have not done so download the pdf's for the shop manual - there is a link somewhere and it is all free. 

I used Valvoline synthetic for the brake fluid.  It is compatible with regular fluid.  When changing the gear oil in the final drive if you can pour the existing fluid into a container with marks on it to see if it was low.

When you get to the radiator fluid watch out. It is extremely difficult to get the air out and you risk a surprise overheat like I got - all five bars of the temp indicator was flashing.  The best way is let about 1/2 of the fluid out and mix the new fluid in with the old.  The factory fluid is dark green and this is normal and doesn't mean is is going bad.  I asked the dealer about the air pockets issue and he said you really have to rock the scooter and work the air out.  Much harder than any motorcycle or car where I changed the fluid and just ran it with the radiator cap off for 15 min to open the thermostat and called it a day.  The Kymco has tiny tubes that connect the motor with the radiator and air gets trapped easily and it may take several bleeding sessions to get the air out.

How many miles on your scoot?

[Hueffenhardt]

Thanks, Vivo and mrbios! It has 4600 miles on it and in very good condition. I got it for $1700 from a private seller here in Colorado. He was selling it because it belonged to his wife and she has passed away.

[windwheeler]

I didn't look, but how oftne does it state to change the "gear oil"? 

[Hueffenhardt]

I didn't look, but how oftne does it state to change the "gear oil"?

Well, the maintenance schedule chart says change the "transmission oil" (should say gear oil) at 200; 1800; 4200; and 6600 miles.

[mrmike]

        I'm a firm believer in full synthetic lubricants. I use a 75w-90 synthetic gear lube in the rear, and a 10w-40 full synthetic motor oil in the engine. A little more money, but in my opinion, a better oil. It's quick, easy and inexpensive to do yourself. I change both and the oil filter (GTI300) at 1000 mile intervals.

[Hueffenhardt]

        I'm a firm believer in full synthetic lubricants. I use a 75w-90 synthetic gear lube in the rear, and a 10w-40 full synthetic motor oil in the engine. A little more money, but in my opinion, a better oil. It's quick, easy and inexpensive to do yourself.

I just got back from the store and those are the exact oils I bought. I agree with synthetic being better.

[windwheeler]

Well, the maintenance schedule chart says change the "transmission oil" (should say gear oil) at 200; 1800; 4200; and 6600 miles.

This is totally over exaggerated IMO...!!!  6000 miles (10,000 km) intervals would be plenty of safe, and based on BMW motorcycles similar gear set up it is about 25,000 miles.

No it doesn't harm to change oil every 1000 miles but also that is just way to frequent with today's good oils.  3000 miles on the G/V (that I do) is just fine,  I never even had to refill a drop between oil changes and the oil was "dark gold", not black.  Of course if one rides very little in three years then a 1000 miles oil change interval is recommended.

[Vivo]

gear oils are not subjected to heat and high stress compared to engine oil... a longer change interval is ok...

[newby]

How many ml of gear oil should i put in?