Check gearbox oil with engine running?

[SeaAndSea]

Hi guys, we've got a Trader 47 with a pair of Cat 3208s.

Do we check the gearbox fluid level when the engine is running or not running?

Thanks
Colin

 

[penberth3]

Hi guys, we've got a Trader 47 with a pair of Cat 3208s.

Do we check the gearbox fluid level when the engine is running or not running?

Thanks
Colin

Best advice is read the manual!

 

[SeaAndSea]

I'm sure you meant your reply to be more helpful than it sounds.

There were various gearboxes specd on the 3208s, and whilst I have the manuals for the engines, I don't have a manual for the gearboxes. Also, the name/model plate is not readable on the gearbox so I'm at a bit of a loss.

Hence coming to a helpful forum like this, hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks.

 

[Seastoke]

When have you ever herd to check when running.

 

[Alicatt]

When have you ever herd to check when running.

Lots of automatic/hydraulic gearboxes need to be running when checking the oil level, even the engines in my boat need to be running at idle for more than 2 minutes before checking the levels.

 

[rafiki_]

I check my gearbox levels with the engine off. ZF box on Cat 3126 engines.

 

[volvopaul]

Hi guys, we've got a Trader 47 with a pair of Cat 3208s.

Do we check the gearbox fluid level when the engine is running or not running?

Thanks
Colin

If they are Twin disc then yes it says it on the dipstick

 

[Seastoke]

Lots of automatic/hydraulic gearboxes need to be running when checking the oil level, even the engines in my boat need to be running at idle for more than 2 minutes before checking the levels.

How do you check your engine when oil is circulating.

 

[Alicatt]

How do you check your engine when oil is circulating.

Let the engine idle for more than 2 minutes, take the dip stick out wipe it clean, re-insert it into it's tube and then withdraw the dipstick and see where the oil level falls, hopefully between the min and max lines, ideal is 2/3rds of the way to max.
That is per the user manual for the engine, the engine has 2 sumps one wet the other dry, the dry one only fills when the engine is running and that is where you take the oil level from.
That's the simple explanation

 

[BB1]

When have you ever herd to check when running.

Perkins 6.354 with dry sumps. But VERY unusual.

 

[Alicatt]

Perkins 6.354 with dry sumps. But VERY unusual.

Yes the full model number is HT6.354M, H=Horizontal, T=Turbo, 6=6 cylinders, 354 = cubic inches or 5.8 litres, M = Marinised, they have the two sumps, a lower and upper with a scavenging pump between them, lots made for busses and trains and a few for boats, but Perkins stopped the H model in 1983 and that killed off the model of boat I have. My engines are almost 50 years old and can still push the boat along at good speed.
Port engine is normal rotation and Starboard the engine rotates in the opposite direction.
Even after almost 50 years they start on the flick of the key, no hesitation, produce roughly 40hp at idle each and that's enough to push the boat along at more than 4 knots (even on one engine)
Just wish there was more spares for them, parts are drying up and there are a lot still in use, my father had a 6.354 in one of his trucks, it was the most reliable one we had and most economical to run and that was in the late 1960's early 70's

They make a great noise... really throaty and then the turbos come in, then the wife freaks out "Arrgh what's that noise I can hear a scream..." Calm down dear it's only the turbos...