prm or technodrive

[ChrisE]

Haven taken the decision to replace engine I've been given the choice of a prm or technodrive gearbox. I'm told that prm is based in Coventry and technodrive in Italy. The technodrive is being offered at £20 less than the other. Any engineers out there who can tell me whether one is better (more reliable, service, etc) than the other.
Thanks in advance.
Chris

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[JackFrobisher]

Don't know either gearbox and never had a problem with one, but I'd go for the one made in the UK. For the sake of £20 you can at least get to the manufacturer easily, even if it's only to punch them on the nose because the product is crap.

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[ChrisE]

That was my inclination, in the abseence of any bad news about the UK box.

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[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[ChrisE]

Thanks for that. You and I will have to have a shoot out about who is the least technical!

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[MIKE_MCKIE]

When I installed a new Beta engine several years ago, I was recommended the Technodrive g/b by Beta. So far no complaints at all, but have no experience of the PRM, so maybe not much of a recommendation.
Best of luck whichever you get.

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[ChrisE]

Thanks Mike, funnily enough it's a Beta I'm getting and the person I was speaking to said that he had no preference. Good company to do business with though.

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[Manos_Greece]

I have had a PRM in my boat with the previous engine installed. The engine died, the PRM was sold and functions stil well in a friends boat. Once I contacted the company who were very helpfull by providing the information and maintnenance guide I requested. I would trust them again in the future. The engine now installed in my boat came as a package with a gearbox.

<hr width=100% size=1>Manos From Greece
S/Y Efaki, Mirage 28
www.sailingboatefaki.gr

 

[ChrisE]

Thanks, that's good to hear. prm it is then.

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[fluffc]

I have a prm box, and it seems fine. Except the other week I noticed that the dipstick had come apart from the cap, and fallen into the gearbox. Only noticed it when I went to check the oil - fortunately BEFORE starting the engine. Quite fiddly to get back out again!

Has anyone else had the same problem?

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[ex-Gladys]

Technodrive fiited as standard on Vetus engines.... Ours is first rate,

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Fitted a Technodrive box (cos it was the cheapest) 25 years ago onto a BMC 1.5. Box was actually under rated for the engine but fitted it anyway. Still going strong and as far as I know the new owners of the boat still have not had any problems.

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[roger]

Beta say fill the technodrive box with engine oil. It makes life a little simpler

<hr width=100% size=1>Roger

 

[RivalRedwing]

Nanni also supply a Technodrive, works without complaint but for my unit both Nanni and Technodrive advise that ATF fluid is required in the 'box not engine oil.

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[Shantyman]

I believe PRM boxes are designed to run on engine oil.
Simplifies your stores inventory.

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[kds]

Yes - I noticed that when fitting a new Beta. Would be interested in an expert's opinion.
Ken

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[ex-Gladys]

If the manufacturer says ATF, then I would use ATF. Clutch material inside gearboxes doesn't like engine oil, ATF is designed for this type of application. Our Landrover came with EP90 in the gearbox instead of the ATF. Changed it correctly, and the difference is very noticeable. The synchromesh clutches are much happier....

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"