VelvetDrive Transmission leaking fluid from dipstick

[gantone1]

I am new to inboards, never had a marine transmission so I need help troubleshooting why my Borg Warner VelvetDrive is leaking transmission fluid from the dipstick. It will continue leaking until it is so low that it will not shift into gear.

I already replaced the vent, but that had no impact.

I purchased the boat with this problem and do not know the history of transmission.

Also, there appears to be a temperature sensor on the transmission but it is not connected to any gauges, will that use the same type of temp gauge as engine?

 

[alldodge]

Need to check the transmission level when its hot and immediately after turning motor off. If you see bubbles on the stick then its probably overfilled

Which model number transmission?

 

[gantone1]

It is model 20-01-003. I do overfill it when cold, but it eventually leaks out of dipstick until it is so low that it starts slipping. Is this a sign of overheating?

 

[alldodge]

It is model 20-01-003. I do overfill it when cold, but it eventually leaks out of dipstick until it is so low that it starts slipping. Is this a sign of overheating?

The 20-01-003 is the part number, and from this I think its a 5000 series trans, what gear ratio, and is it a down angle or V drive?

Overfilling the trans is bad, this causes air bubbles in the fluid which in turn causes the clutches to slip. The slipping causes the trans to overheat and push fluid out.

Fluid type is Dexron III or higher, or meets Detroit Allison or Caterpillar TO-4.
Fluid capacity (does not include cooler)
Down angle 2 quarts
V-drive 3 quarts
Every time the trans overheats (190 F or higher) the fluid should be changed

Has the cooler been checked to see if its clogged?
Has the fluid ever been changed (see if there is slug in the bottom)?

 

[gantone1]

I just bought this boat and apparently the prior owner had the problem as I found 4 quarts of transmission fluid when I cleaned out the boat. After owning boats for 40 years this is my first inboard so I feel like a newbie all over again!

The boat is a 1995 Pursuit 2660 that was re-powered 7 years ago with Mercruiser Horizon (496CI / 357HP) but the transmission is original. This drive is a down angle not a V-Drive.

There are two sensors on the transmission, both are connected to the Horizon wiring harness. The cooler appears to have been replaced recently and the sensor on cooler also connects to the Horizon wiring. The cooler appears to be part of the freshwater cooling instead of the raw water.

This boat only has the old style analog gauges and there is none for the transmission temperature, is there a way for me to get the transmission temperature from the Horizon?

- What is the procedure to check if the cooler is clogged?
- I dont know when the fluid was changed but I should do it. Do I just suck all I can out of the dipstick hole or is there more steps?


THank you for all your help!!!

 

[alldodge]

This boat only has the old style analog gauges and there is none for the transmission temperature, is there a way for me to get the transmission temperature from the Horizon?

I doubt it, and probably because it was analog and when motor was installed then didn't change/add/replace the sensors in the trans.

What is the procedure to check if the cooler is clogged?

The cooler would need to be removed and flushed out with something like diesel, then reflush once clean with Dexron

I dont know when the fluid was changed but I should do it. Do I just suck all I can out of the dipstick hole or is there more steps?

There is a drain plug in the bottom of the unit.

When refilling, first fill, then start motor, shut down and check fluid within 30 seconds, 15 is better. Once fluid is at correct level get trans to operating temp, shut down and check again.

Once trans is at correct level you can wait for it to cool down (cold) then check level before starting. This is done so you can make a mark of where the level is when cold (Make mark on dipstick). Knowing the cold level allows you to check level without warming up the trans.

I'm looking around for specs on the 5000 liberty trans so far as max HP. Could be the trans cannot handle this much power and the reason it is failing

 

[alldodge]

Looks like its good to 450HP for Pleasure and 425HP for light duty commercial

http://www.regalpts.com/PowerTransmissionSolutions/Brands/Velvet Drive/libertybrochure.pdf

 

[gantone1]

Whew, you scared me!!! Thank you for all your help!!!!

 

[gantone1]

My engine compartment is crowded and I cannot see the lower part of transmission and cannot find the drain plug by feel. Do you have a diagram that shows the drain plug?

Thank you again for all your help

 

[alldodge]

My engine compartment is crowded and I cannot see the lower part of transmission and cannot find the drain plug by feel. Do you have a diagram that shows the drain plug?

Sure don't, the manual I have says there is on there but does not show the location. If there is a hose from the cooler going into the bottom of the trans, then this may be where the plug was, and now its a return line.

 

[gantone1]

Changed the transmission fluid and flushed cooler, it was it good shape. As a examined the dipstick, I noticed that the rubber cork looks like it would compress if I turned the knob. Sure enough the leak was due to the dipstick being too loose. Apparently the previous owner did not realize this either as I found 5 quarts of transmission fluid stashed.

Like I said, I am new to inboards! Cant do much about stupid!


Thank you for your help, indirectly you pointed me to my problem!

I have a couple more questions if you dont mind:
- Do you know where I can download a manual for my 2007 Mercruiser 8.1 (375 hp) Horizon?
- What type of oil does that Horizon use
- How many quarts does it use

Thank you very much!!!

 

[alldodge]

Don't know a ready available manual which can be downloaded.
Merc oil is 25W40 but many use others from 15W40 diesel oil to 20W50 racing oil. This is what Merc recommends. I use straight 40W in my Rinker because if I need a sweater I'm not going boating

 

[gantone1]

AllDodge you have been so helpful, please let me know if I am abusing your good graces!

I took the boat out for a ride in the lake today, luckily my wife was home and was able to tow me home with our jetski. Glad this did not happen when I was in the Gulf.

Anyway, the boat was running strong, ran it at full power for about 5 minutes, then put it neutral and let it idle for 5 minutes while I set up my VesselView app. After that I was bringing it up on plane when I lost power almost like I ran out of gas. It will not start though as I crank it sounds like it is wants to start. I checked my water separator and it is full of gas (and no water) and I have a quarter tank, I have run it to E without running out so I think my guage is trustworthy.

When I turn on the key, I hear what sounds like a fuel pump run for a moment. I did not get any alarms

Do you have any suggestions?

 

[alldodge]

NO issue here, I like problems, it keeps my brain (what's left of it, LOL) working. Don't like to hear folks have problems, just like figuring out what the issue(s) are.

What you have now is going to require some more info. Would probably be best to post another thread so we can get some more folks envloved. More then one head is always best.

Need to find out what your missing, spark or fuel

How about start another thread, and list the 496 repower in 2011
If I don't see it (sure I will) post here with the new link and I'll find it

In any case, need to find out if you lost fuel pressure. It can be caused by a blown fuse, bad relay, bad connection, low battery voltage

 

[gantone1]

Thank you very much!!!

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...e-running-under-full-power-and-will-not-start