I have made temporary fix. Added a meter of clear water hose to top plate then inserted breather opposite end. I am thinking of getting a 30 to 40 ml extension pipe turned on large threaded too suit then clamp hose too that making more permanent fixture. At least this design I am able to top oil to just below full mark on dip sticks. I have twin motors ( catamaran) both have same issue. ATF travels approx 150ml up hoses. I am glad I saw you post as I was worried something wrong with gear boxes both engines and gear boxes are 110 hours
My new saildrive
- Thread starter Mark Maulden
- Start date
This is an easy fix if you can get the part. It has been a very long time, but I believe the fix is an o-ring.
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From what I've read, this is a hydraulic transmission, correct?
On the Borg Warner Velvet Drive hydrauulic transmissions, the oil level must be checked with the engine running. Is it possible that this is the case w/your sail drive, but it just isn't mentioned in the manual? This would definitely cause an overfill situation.
Stranger things have happened.
On the Borg Warner Velvet Drive hydrauulic transmissions, the oil level must be checked with the engine running. Is it possible that this is the case w/your sail drive, but it just isn't mentioned in the manual? This would definitely cause an overfill situation.
Stranger things have happened.
Raw water via water pump sharing with engine heat exchanger via water filter
Where is the water pump getting it’s water? Is it from the fitting on the saildrive or some other source?
water supply is through hull then to water pump then supplies heat exchanger and via filter too saildrive
NotCook
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- Dec 29, 2008
- 806
I hope you are right, Capta. I’ve actually received the o-ring, and now I have to figure out how to replace it!
As I said, it has been a long time, but:
disconnect the linkage. There should be 3 bolts on the triangular mounting plate. Remove these and withdraw the barrel. Replace the o-ring and reassemble. Coat the o-ring in engine oil. If you tire of having different fluids for your engine and Velvet Drives, both your engine and VDs can use 30 weight motor oil. Contact Borg Warner to verify as it has been a long time.
Hi Mark,
I have designed a cheap & effective resolve. Cap on breather is pressed on so i heated then taped off using nail punch through centre. Replaced back on top of gearbox & hose clamped length of hose to top of breather and have it suspended over top of motor with fish tank air filter fixed into hose. Oil travels approx 150mm up hose at the most no more spillage or clean ups.
Hi Mark, i have overcome the issue with putting an extension hose from breath to under side (inside) of motor hatch. ATF travels approximately 100mm to 150mm up tube during travels but at least i can keep fluid levels full on both engines. I am moored at Scarborough marina in Brisbane Queenslan. Two motors due too being catamara.
take care, Stewart Stephenson.
take care, Stewart Stephenson.
I I’ve basically done the same thing. What made the most success was to bring raw water up through the leg to cool it. I initially didn’t want to do that and Beta said no problem..
Mark-
I am so glad I found your thread! I installed two Betas with Seaprop 60s in my Leopard cat 2 years ago and my port SD has been doing EXACTLY the same thing as yours. I have accomplished ALL of the same factory "fixes" you have, including R&R, and continue to have the problem.
I recently ran a 3 day test comparing varying ATF levels at ambient and operating temps, in gear/out of gear, etc. (which all resulted in leaks) and have provided this data to factory (via Stan). He had told me the factory was going to use my returned original SD as a test bed. (He also told me I was the ONLY person reporting such a problem in the US...which I now know to be false after reading your thread).
In short, I have been unable to fully use my boat since I installed my new engines/SDs two years ago. I have incurred un-reimbursed yard costs to R&R the old/new SD (though they did come through quickly on the mechanic costs). I am currently waiting for a response from the factory (via Stan) regarding the next "fix." I'm beyond exasperated and now have reached the pissed off stage.
In the meantime, I am intrigued by your posted bailing wire/chewing gum fix. Could you PLEASE post a picture of the setup?
Many thanks.
Gregg Billman
SV Cruzan Rhumb II
2006 Leopard 40
I am so glad I found your thread! I installed two Betas with Seaprop 60s in my Leopard cat 2 years ago and my port SD has been doing EXACTLY the same thing as yours. I have accomplished ALL of the same factory "fixes" you have, including R&R, and continue to have the problem.
I recently ran a 3 day test comparing varying ATF levels at ambient and operating temps, in gear/out of gear, etc. (which all resulted in leaks) and have provided this data to factory (via Stan). He had told me the factory was going to use my returned original SD as a test bed. (He also told me I was the ONLY person reporting such a problem in the US...which I now know to be false after reading your thread).
In short, I have been unable to fully use my boat since I installed my new engines/SDs two years ago. I have incurred un-reimbursed yard costs to R&R the old/new SD (though they did come through quickly on the mechanic costs). I am currently waiting for a response from the factory (via Stan) regarding the next "fix." I'm beyond exasperated and now have reached the pissed off stage.
In the meantime, I am intrigued by your posted bailing wire/chewing gum fix. Could you PLEASE post a picture of the setup?
Many thanks.
Gregg Billman
SV Cruzan Rhumb II
2006 Leopard 40
The latest. We had an issue about a month ago where it bubbled up through the vent while underway. First time for that. Contacted Beta Marine West in Sausilito and told them to get this POS off my boat. He had discussions with Beta UK and said they need two weeks as they are developing a fix. Discussion yesterday (After two wks) said Twin Disc (saildrive mfgr) just revised their instructions to not run the engine higher than idle in neutral. They gave up. So now I understand Beta is going to try and fix it.