JamesTT
Well-Known Member
I have 280 hours on my 2005 Cobalt 263 with a Merc 496 HO and Bavo 3X drive.
I had noticed during this season that intermittently the drive was not engaging immediately and that drive was engaging very harshly, shocking the drivetrain.
My mechanic suspected a worn shift cable, this was adjusted in July last year with a plan to replace during the winter service, the problem seemed to have been rectified as I didn't notice the problem since the adjustment.
The boat was lifted in October and returned to the dealer for a service which was to include the drive boots.
Upon removing the drive the oil that drained was noted to be contaminated with swarf, discoulered and heavy. Upon further investgation a pinion gear in the box was noted to be pitted.
The boat is sold with the benefit of a 5 year warranty, Mercuiser warrant the engine and drive as a sub agreement. The initial reaction from the warranty company was that as the drive had not failed the issue was wear and tear. My dealer SQM stuck with the matter sending photographs to the US. Mercruiser responded today confirming that the problem is "due to an incorrect gear lash setting during assembly" and that the investigation and rebuild will be covered.
Great news as I thought we would have a long drawn out fight on our hands.
I had noticed during this season that intermittently the drive was not engaging immediately and that drive was engaging very harshly, shocking the drivetrain.
My mechanic suspected a worn shift cable, this was adjusted in July last year with a plan to replace during the winter service, the problem seemed to have been rectified as I didn't notice the problem since the adjustment.
The boat was lifted in October and returned to the dealer for a service which was to include the drive boots.
Upon removing the drive the oil that drained was noted to be contaminated with swarf, discoulered and heavy. Upon further investgation a pinion gear in the box was noted to be pitted.
The boat is sold with the benefit of a 5 year warranty, Mercuiser warrant the engine and drive as a sub agreement. The initial reaction from the warranty company was that as the drive had not failed the issue was wear and tear. My dealer SQM stuck with the matter sending photographs to the US. Mercruiser responded today confirming that the problem is "due to an incorrect gear lash setting during assembly" and that the investigation and rebuild will be covered.
Great news as I thought we would have a long drawn out fight on our hands.
