First, I would like to say how helpful it is to have access to all of the information and combined experience(s) that appear on this web site. In addition to great boats, Cape Dorys seem to attract a lot of "do it yourself" sailors so this forum is GREAT!
My question is about a replacing the transmission couple half on a Hurth HBW-50 transmission mounted to a Universal M-18 diesel. In the CD30, when the "oil bilge" below the engine fills with saltwater (ie: bad shaft packing) the shaft coupling runs below the water level. This is the problem that I found during the survey before purchasing Per Diem. I have replaced the packing and plan to replace the VERY-rusted coupling with a new one and a flexible insert when I haul the boat in a couple of months. I had originally read (in Nigel Calder's boat maintenance book) that the transmission coupling could be replaced relatively easily by draining the transmission oil and removing a nut that held it on a splined shaft. The coupling itself fits in a lip seal and includes the smooth seal surface that seals the transmission fluid in. However, my supplier thinks that on the HBW-50 the coupling half is one piece with the output shaft in the transmission and very expensive ($600) This would require rebuilding the transmission. I will not be able to take the coupling apart that is rusted until I am ready to do the whole job so I am interested to know if I will be able to replace the transmission side coupling when I do "chisel" off the rusted one.
Cheers, Jay
CD30 #344
"Per Diem"
jay.ankers@fluordaniel.com
CD30 - HBW-50 Transmission Coupling
Moderator: Jim Walsh