Transmission for a small diesel.

[Kubasfam]

I just purchased a small , 2 cylinder air cooled diesel made by Ruggerini for Wisconsin engine company. About 15-18 hp. I have intentions to install it In my aluminum skiff. With a tiller/rudder steering
I'm able to fabricate a belt drive with a friction drive reverse but would really like a real transmission for it. I know nothing about an inboard drive but think something like a Velvet drive trans would be great for me.
I'm in East Tennessee and most everything around here is inboard/outboard or outboard hence, my ignorance on these transmissions.
I don't even know if a transmission is available for a small motor like this.
Some answers on availability or feasibility with my idea would be appreciated.
Thanks , Mark

 

[alldodge]

Need to find out who makes a adapter bellhousing. Start with the manufacture to see if it has ever been mounted in a boat. The V drive takes up less room but is taller. If going direct using an outdrive, then use a drive shaft and have a carrier mounted on the transom plate

I'm not able to find the motor, so like you having trouble finding what might work

 

[mr 88]

Maybe try hitting up some Marina's to see if they have any abandon sailboats that have a inboard engine. Whatever they have for a tranny will be small compared to a power boat.

 

[dwco5051]

There should be hydraulic pumps available for that motor as it was used in some light duty tractors. A 3 position valve and a hydraulic motor on your prop shaft.

 

[matt167]

Parts are super expensive for that thing, if you can even find them. Ruggerini is still around, but those old Wisconson branded motors were built in the 70's.. Ruggerini made water cooled diesels that were installed into marine applications but none of the air cooled

I'd grab a Kubota off an old Reefer unit. You could even use the radiator. You will find bellhousings for them for marine applications being it's SAE... I assume you have some sort of open air skiff, but I would put a marine alternator on it. Hydraulic pump is an interesting way to go. Will work well enough for displacement speeds, but a valve, pump with enough volume and a motor will get expensive very quick

 

[Scott Danforth]

with only 18hp.... pull a hydrostatic transmission from a riding lawn mower.

use a spline coupler to couple to a prop shaft.

you do have to keep the lawnmower transmission mounted pulley up.

then you have forward and reverse and neutral.

however to go thru all that work and cost. a used 20hp outboard will be cheaper and get you on the water today.

 

[Kubasfam]

Here's the tag off the motor.
Does anyone know a particular brand or model transmission that would work ? I'm capable enough to make an adaptor from motor to trans input shaft. Maybe even an industrial direction control not intended for boats ? I thought of the hydraulic idea but would rather go with a mechanical solution. Thanks for the great input so far !

 

[Scott Danforth]

BTW, is the diesel set up for single speed operation, or variable speed?

 

[dwco5051]

Besides boat, guns, and guitars I also waste what little time and money I have left with old Bolens tractors.

Here are the specs on the tractor that used that motor. I found a large compactor with that motor about 20 years and sold the motor and scrapped the rest and for once actually made a lot of money on the deal to the amazement of my wife compared to all the other things I dragged home.
If you give up on the idea it should be an easy sell on one of the Bolens group pages.

TractorData.com Bolens HT-20D tractor information

www.tractordata.com

 

[Kubasfam]

BTW, is the diesel set up for single speed operation, or variable speed?

Uh....the motor goes from idle to around 4k rpm if that's what you mean. I was imagining a single gear fwd and rvs transmission.

 

[Kubasfam]

Besides boat, guns, and guitars I also waste what little time and money I have left with old Bolens tractors.

Here are the specs on the tractor that used that motor. I found a large compactor with that motor about 20 years and sold the motor and scrapped the rest and for once actually made a lot of money on the deal to the amazement of my wife compared to all the other things I dragged home.
If you give up on the idea it should be an easy sell on one of the Bolens group pages.

TractorData.com Bolens HT-20D tractor information

www.tractordata.com

Rank you for the info on the tractor. I was told 16hp from the guy I bought it from and read 18 hp or so on other forums.
Now I can be sure it's 19.9 for sure. Thanks !

 

[Kubasfam]

with only 18hp.... pull a hydrostatic transmission from a riding lawn mower.

use a spline coupler to couple to a prop shaft.

you do have to keep the lawnmower transmission mounted pulley up.

then you have forward and reverse and neutral.

however to go thru all that work and cost. a used 20hp outboard will be cheaper and get you on the water today.

I'll be thinking about the mower transmission. I have a 25 hp outboard on it now. I'm not a fan of outboards.
I've been watching videos of old wooden boats with ancient small gas or diesel motors putt-putting along and that's made me want on. It looks so relaxing .