Draining Chain Case Oil

[msanburn]

Greetings, I have a 1996 Formula 500 SL. How do I change the chain case oil? Is there a drain plug and if so where is it?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks.

[labudda]

Greetings, I have a 1996 Formula 500 SL. How do I change the chain case oil? Is there a drain plug and if so where is it?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks.[/b]

you have 3 bolts around the case. Loosen all 3 and let it drain out, take them off if you are going to inspect (not a bad idea).

This will get a little messy, I drilled a hole in my belly pan for the oil to drain from and you can also put a towel under the case to collect as much as possible.

[97mach1]

You should have 4 bolts holding the cover on.

There's lots of way to avoid a mess. I use a suction pump to pump out all the oil that I can, then just put a rag under the case as I take it apart, and the mess is minimal.

Another good suggestion was to put a rag in one of those plastic shopping bags, then open up the bag so it's under the chaincase, and open the cover. The rag should help absorb most of it, the rest should be trapped in the bag.

Should take 8.5 oz of chaincase oil to re-fill, unless you have reverse, then it's 12 oz.

[idooski]

Good idea with the bag-n-rag!

[SkidooMatt]

Why not just drill a hole in the bottom of the case, tap it and put a pipe plug in it like the newer sleds? (After the intial drain, of course) Then, it makes it easier the next time around!

[idooski]

Why not just drill a hole in the bottom of the case, tap it and put a pipe plug in it like the newer sleds? (After the intial drain, of course) Then, it makes it easier the next time around! [/b]

Another good idea!!

[msanburn]

Thanks guys. Many mechanics have told me in the past that there should be a drain plug under it. However, I checked it out and couldn't find one.

I assume that when you loosen the three/four bolts and carefully seperate the cover, you do NOT need a new gasket/seal when you put it back together. Correct?

Thanks again.

[idooski]

Thanks guys. Many mechanics have told me in the past that there should be a drain plug under it. However, I checked it out and couldn't find one.

I assume that when you loosen the three/four bolts and carefully seperate the cover, you do NOT need a new gasket/seal when you put it back together. Correct?

Thanks again.[/b]

It seals with an o-ring. No gasket needed. Just be sure that the o-ring is in the groove when you button her up or it will leak.

[msanburn]

OK, thanks again. It sure is nice to have access to this great site. It sure feels good to talk and get some questions answered from experienced riders and snowmobile enthusiasts.

Thanks.

[labudda]

OK, thanks again. It sure is nice to have access to this great site. It sure feels good to talk and get some questions answered from experienced riders and snowmobile enthusiasts.

Thanks.[/b]

thats what we are here for.. Welcome to the site SWRules