Transmission leak?

[moonbounce]

Greetings,
I've a 1987 Oday 40 powered by a Weterbeke 40. Recently we've noticed some transmission fluid in the engine bilge (Qty: 2-3 paper towels). I've monitiored the fluid level and topped off as neccessary. The leak, seems to come from around the shifter arm. I am just starting my search for manuals/documents/etc but thought I'd see if anyone eles has experienced this, and how tough a job it was?
Side note: we noticed the max prop is not feathering and wonder if that could add to teh trouble??

Thanks for any comments.

 

[Panta Rei]

I just replaced a transmission on an o'day 39. It has a Universal engine but I believe the transmission is the same. Get your cell phone out and take a few pictures to find out for sure. I attached a photo mine. One photo shows the model info. You are looking for HBW-(10, 12, 100) or something similar. The other photo shows the transmission from the top. You can see one of the four bolts holding the shifter plate on.(it's on the side with the shifter arm) remove these four bolts and the plate and shaft with the shifter arm come off in one piece.

Assuming it is a hurth:
The shifting mechanism is on is own plate attached to the side with four bolts. You can then have the plate sent off to have the shaft (shifting) seal replaced. You will want to also replace the gasket for where the plate attaches to the transmission.

How does the transmission run otherwise? shift quickly? smooth? and metallic pinging sounds?

If you have any other problems you might be well ahead replacing it with a remanufactured unit. They cost $1100.

Access to the 40 is very different than the 39 so I can't be a lot of help to you there. I did all the work while laying on 5 or 6 boat cushions on top of the engine. Regardless of how you gain access, This might be you best bet.

Replacing a transmission is very simple. It's two to three hours going out and one or two going back in. The ONLY technical issue is aligning the shaft and engine. If you're not comfortable doing it, have a pro do it after you installed the transmission prior to installing everything else. It should be quick and easy at that point since they will have easy access with everything out of the way.