Re: VP DPX 7.4 no power
We're really trying to be patient as we realize that this is a complicated machine, but this is actually the 2nd go around... they launched it last week, put it in our slip and then told us not to drive it because it "needed adjustment" because it was shifting hard, so we're a bit concerned
. <br /><br />This work was done after we asked them to get the IOs into what they considered good working order - this repair actually started as a missing shift cover that they didn't replace last time they worked on it.<br />first, answers to waterone1's ?s:<br />1)did they do any work to the trim tilt cylinders ?<br />-Don't think so<br />2) by the way, did you start out with the trim/tilt all the way down by holding the switches down, or did you look at the gauges and assume that because they said the drives were down that they actually were? <br />-We trimmed them up/down at the dock to make sure they were working, and could at least hear the hydraulics moving. Once on the channel, we trimmed down which is our usual "flat" cruising trim. Before they launched it, i actually saw the motor hydraulics tested on the trailer. it has also been out experience that, at least before this work, that it will *always* get on plane irregarless or trim, just not optimally if trimmed incorrectly.<br />3) Another question, were both tachs showing similar rpms for even throttle ? <br />- unfortunately, starboard tach is in inop, but we did listen closely, and they sounded about the same.<br />4)you didn't say anything about gears grinding or engines revving out of control<br />- no grinding gears, although the starboard shifter is noticeably easier to shift (port is not hard, but definitely stiffer). The motor(s) did not rev out of control per-se : as soon as we noticed that they were spinning up and nothing was happening (around 3000 rpm) we immediately backed off the throttles and both motors responded correctly.<br /><br />Here are the mechanic's pre -work notes<br />---------------------------------------<br />Port drive oil contaminated w/water<br />Stbd. drive old full and clean<br />all zincs worn severely<br />both drive lifts functioning smoothly<br />port tach inop<br />both trim gauges inop<br />both drive covers missing. all shift linkage needs cleaning<br />soaked drives w/acid and h/press washed thoroughly<br />pressure tested port drive - found leak @shift activator seal. need seal, ret and o-ring + both blowers (snip... stuff about inop blower in here)<br />stbd bellows (u joint) full of barnacles and port bellows .. and weather cracked -<br /><br />Here are his repair notes<br />-------------------------<br />re-sealed port shift activator<br />for both drive shaft bellows, replaced all neccesary o-ring. checked upper seal - no leaks (both drives). some corrosion problem upon removal of port upper gear unit and upper bearing slighly burnt due to contaminated oil. filled both drives w/ Mobil 2 syn. 75w. both drives passed pressure testing after repairs.<br />replaced all zinc's & added zinc's to trim tabs.<br />had difficulty removing props due to corrosion.<br />Thoroughly cleaned prop shaft & hub splines<br />cleaned both drive shaft linkages<br />re-set both drive shift linkage and secure new covers<br />(snip.. rest is about batteries...)<br />--------------------------------------<br /><br />They also mentioned on the phone that they had to really beat on the props (with a mallet) to get them off.<br /><br />FWIW, this shop is actually one of the dealers on the list that Rabidfish posted (there are 273 dealers on the list, so hopefully this is vague enough to not finger them just yet). I was more looking for an actual personal reference based on experience.<br /><br />Thanks again for your interest, hope this post isn't too long. I will definitely keep you posted, and any input is greatly appreciated!
