Velvetdrive G'box anyone?

[Gordonmc]

Velvetdrive G\'box anyone?

Has anyone with a Borg Warner Velvetdrive gearbox experienced the same problems as me?
After a couple of trouble-free seasons I have twice lost drive, indicated by an increase in engine revs and slowing down. This gets progressively worse until the boat is dead in the water.
On checking the ATF level I find its gone.
It happened at the weekend when I was motorsailing but I was able to set the tiller and go below to fill up (urgh). But where could the ATF be going? There are no signs of leaking from the box.
The only other possibility I can think of is the casing might have failed somehow and the fluid is exiting through a cooling port. If it was going through the stub shaft bearing there would be an engine drip tray full of the stuff.
Any ideas?

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[jeffro]

Re: Velvetdrive G\'box anyone?

had the same problem on my boat first time it happened was the rear oil seal second time was the front oil seal put your hand under yhe box to feel the leak .If its not there it will be leaking out of the oil cooler and there will be no oil in the bilges because it is being pumped out the exhuast hope this helps Jeffro

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[LittleShip]

Re: Velvetdrive G\'box anyone?

I agree with jeffro oil cooler is the only way you can lose it without seeing where it's gone.

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I wish I'd been born rich instead of good looking ?

 

[scottnewcombe]

Re: Velvetdrive G\'box anyone?

I had this slipping with mine. Again the fluid had dissapeared. In my case the gearbox oil cooler had failed (small remote unit bolted locally).It had obviously been shot for some time. New cooler was cheap enough from lancing although the pipework they supplied with it was a bit cheap looking. Pipes are translucent however which mean you can see the atf circulating around.

I did buy a new clutch pack which I intended to change over next time the box came out but I ended up buying a new box anyway for a completely unrelated reason.

By the way I have a service manual if you need a copy. pm me

Check the oil cooler if fitted

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by scottnewcombe on 12/10/2004 10:58 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[robind]

Re: Velvetdrive G\'box anyone?

Gearbox oil cooler ruptured ! silver solder! a conical copper wedge into both ends of the faulty pipe in the cooler and replace the anode (if there is one) and hey ho!all done.
Regards
Rob

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[DRW]

Re: Velvetdrive G\'box anyone?

Hi, Glad you fixed it. I also have the service, installation and owners manuals for some Velvet Drives on CD. I can send or email if they are of use, (handy in the bank).

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