Cone Clutch Replacement

Dazzajohm

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I’m sure most of you will have come across my recent tail of woe regarding my MS4 Gearbox in my recent post, so I won’t tell the story again.

Now the gearbox is apart, the guy tells me there are a few worn bits and pieces he will replace such as a spring which shouldn’t be a problem, but he’s also said the cone is worn and could do with replacing although not totally worn as it still has an edge on it.

I’m trying to find a replacement cone and it appears it has been replaced with two parts, one being 3858669 - sliding sleeve and the other being 3856502 - shoe. Can anyone confirm whether these are the right parts?

The engineer has also said that although it’s not a permanent fix, he could take a shim out to bring the cone closer together which should give me some more life out of the box. This means nothing to me, can anyone advise if it’s something worth considering?
 
Presumably the job can be done with the boat in the water? If so then you don't have to worry about lift-out costs etc and might get a season out of a shimmed repair depending on usage. For peace of mind I'd probably just get it done properly but each to their own.
 
Presumably the job can be done with the boat in the water? If so then you don't have to worry about lift-out costs etc and might get a season out of a shimmed repair depending on usage. For peace of mind I'd probably just get it done properly but each to their own.

Yep, the gearbox was removed with the boat still in the water, but of course I've still got engineers costs for removal and reinstallation of the box. If I'm only likely to get a season out of a shimmed repair I agree it's more worthwhile biting the bullet and getting the new clutch, but if it will last a couple of years then I'd probably just get the shim taken out and leave it.
 
Hard to say without knowing usage - the mechanic is probably the best person to offer advice having seen how much wear has occurred.
 
Yes are the parts that would need replacing if the cone was worn, hopefully he removed the glazing on the gears where the cone engages.
 
I’ve asked around a few people and the consensus is the cone is not sufficiently worn to cause the slippage issue I’ve been having. I’ve actually got the cone and have taken it to a few people and they think it’s still got plenty of wear left but the issue could be cause by a spring which has become pretty worn.

My task this weekend is to decide whether to take a punt, replace the £5 spring and hope it solves the problem when back in the boat or do the whole belt and braces thing and just get a new cone clutch anyway. Problem is, as much as I don’t believe in false eceonomy I’ve spent a small fortune on the boat on planned maintenance this last few weeks so as this is unexpected I’d rather not spend what I don’t have to.

What would be ideal is if there was somewhere near me that stocks the new cone that I could look st to compare to the one I have, but there isn’t. The other thing I might try and do this weekend if call around a few car gearbox places and see if I can get it bench tested, even if I have to send it off.
 
Not read such a post in a while .
Over the years I’ve swapped hundreds of cone clutches . Trust me if it’s slipping then change it otherwise your labour was a waste of money .
So how many experts have looked at it and said it’s ok , we’re they on the boat with you to see it slipping ?
Many people on here giving you free advice and different opinions .
Just ask yourself why you took the box out , ask yourself why it’s slipping , then take it from me you need a new cone .
Your experts will also if they know the job carry out the mod to the vertical shaft while it’s stripped down .
I’ve rebuilt hundreds of MS boxes over the years .
When on courses at VP even the instructors tell us to swap them for new , put a new one at the side of a worn one,you cannot see the difference .
 
>>do the whole belt and braces thing and just get a new cone clutch anyway
This would be my choice while it's all apart.
 
At least if you get the new cone that will be it for another few years. If the thing fails it means you have lost the use of the boat and the box will have to come out again.
Have you rung round ALL the UK VP dealers, we saved quite a decent sum on replacement gearbox shaft after phoning around for best price.
 
At least if you get the new cone that will be it for another few years. If the thing fails it means you have lost the use of the boat and the box will have to come out again.
Have you rung round ALL the UK VP dealers, we saved quite a decent sum on replacement gearbox shaft after phoning around for best price.

I’ve phoned around a few places but price is largely the same, but I’ve still got a few more places to try. Situation is made even more problematic by most of these places closing at the weekend and I’m tied up with work during the week but I’m sure I’ll get there in the end ��
 
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