YGBSM! Never run it above idle in neutral? So much for charging, hot water generation or windlass operation. Unsatisfactory factory response. IMHO Beta needs to get rid of Seaprop...they are dragging a good engine company down.
My new saildrive
- Thread starter Mark Maulden
- Start date
All I can say is to contact Beta. The more the merrier...They have a few weeks and then the lawyers may have to help out...
I have been speaking with Stan (of East Coast Beta) throughout this process. He was the one who finally convinced Beta to send me a new SD. He told me yesterday that Beta has taken it upon themselves to design and test a fix since they apparently are as frustrated with Technodrive as we all are.
They now believe they have a fix in the form of a redesigned cap plate with what looks like a different vent. I should be receiving it here in Key West in the next couple of weeks.
Will let you know...
They now believe they have a fix in the form of a redesigned cap plate with what looks like a different vent. I should be receiving it here in Key West in the next couple of weeks.
Will let you know...
Received an email from Beta UK today. It seems they have recreated the issue and have been doing some experiments with some drilled holes to allow ATF to flow back to the gearbox Instead of stacking up at the top and out the vent. Sort of what we’ve been saying all along. They described what they did with pics and asked me for comments which I gave. This will be interesting..
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,390
Are you getting a consulting engineer fee?
Don't you just love these no test model programs, throw it into the market so we are first on the block, we will just fix things (or not) during the warranty period.
Don't you just love these no test model programs, throw it into the market so we are first on the block, we will just fix things (or not) during the warranty period.
Received another email from Beta UK today. They have done their own mods to the top plate of the Twin Disc saildrive to allow oil to return to the gearbox. They have told me that Twin Disc wants no part in it. Beta is asking if I would accept this as a fix. Warranty has not been discussed. This a strange situation. Thoughts?
A thought and nothing more... it seems to me that with all you have suffered through, trying this fix would be a good choice. At least they were able to duplicate the issue, so you can have some confidence in the fix. As far as the warranty, it seems to me that it's implied. If it works, it's good. If not, you are in no worse shape. FWIW.
I guess I would respond that I would be happy to Beta test their "fix" and, if it met my standards, be satisfied. I would pointedly discuss the warranty - given the pain you've been put thru, I would expect them to stand behind it or compensate you for a full replacement - what you'd probably get if you took them to court
Latest..I’ve had discussions with Beta. I have accepted their change to the top plate. They did some additional testing per my “requirement” of operation under heel (motor sailing) with acceptable results. They will warranty the top bearing operation of the saildrive. The original OEM warranty still exists with Twin Disc. There are several others on the planet that are having these issues. They guy in Key West has his new top plate and reporting good results. Beta is still hopeful TD will step up to the plate.
Latest..Beta sent me the new modified (by Beta) top plate and I installed it a few days ago. Fired up the engine at 1500 rpm and ATF, again, started bubbling up out of the vent. I reminded them that oil changes have not been clean. There is always a sludgy grease that comes out with the ATF. The first oil change was really ugly. Twin Disc said it is a preservation compound and will flush out. I told Beta I think there is some of this grease that is not allowing drainage back to the sump. Several days later, I received an email from Beta agreeing with my assessment. They said they would take a new saildrive and flush it out and run it on their stand. Assuming it works, then send to me. I suggested that maybe Twin Disc make up a build not using this grease since it would be used immediately. This eliminates all variables and Beta agreed and made application to Twin Disc for such. If they refuse, then we take a unit from Beta stock and flush...At least things are progressing and one way or another, a new flushed saildrive will be supplied. 3rd time....
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,390
It is the Christmas season.
And I think Mark has been more than a good boy about this experience.
Perhaps he has enough points accrued to be off the naughty list
for next year as well.
Good news, thx for keeping us updated. Good luck with the new one, and Happy Holidays.
For sure. More restraint than 99% of us would have. Hopefully the problem is now solved for good. The only silver lining is that it was a bad year for a long cruise anyway.It is the Christmas season.
And I think Mark has been more than a good boy about this experience.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,390
Michael. May it never be a bad day for a cruise.
May 2021 be a good year to cruise.
All the best.
To One And AllMay 2021 be a good year to cruise.
All the best.
May the cruising gods relent and let us go!
Take care over the holidays