Well, I figure that now it's probably a good time to replace the fluid in my M-46 on my '80 245 DL... I haven't changed it since I learned how to drive the stick shift (and I've taught many others how to drive on this car), so I'm sure there are quite a few metal particles floating around.

My questions:

What kind of fluid do you guys like? I've heard many different answers, most common being ATF fluid. I'm interested in Synthetic oils since I hear they are better for the tranny, and they make shifting easier...

Also, how exactly are you supposed to actually pour the fluid into the tranny? The filler hole is on the side of the tranny, not the top... This past week, I helped a mechanic change the fluid on another M-46 but I used some sort of pump to get it in there... Not a tool I have access to at home.

How can I tell if the fluid at the rear end is good or bad? I'd really like to not have to remove that whole cover if I don't have to.

I know some people like to overfill the M-47, but would this be a good idea with the M-46?

Thanks as usual.