I just had a Cape Dory 25D surveyed and during the inspection, water was found in the transmission fluid. Before I have a mechanic dive into it for $50 an hour, I was wondering what kind of damage may occour and what repair costs might be if, in the worst case scenario, the transmission had to be replaced. The boat has been sitting for about a year and a half with extremely little to no use. I am somewhat concerned about purchasing the boat with the potential for major engine problems. This is my first inboard sailboat and I have no knowledge of repair prices, typical maintenace costs or potential pitfalls. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Karaandbrianjohnson@mail.tds.net
Cape Dory 25D Engine Questions
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Don Sargeant
Re: Cape Dory 25D Engine Questions
Yanmar or Westerbeke? The Yanmar is raw water cooled and seawater in the transmission is probably real bad. The Westerbeke has a Hurth transmission which it seems to me would be hard to get water into.
Don Sargeant
~~Coquina~~
CD25D #189
don@cliggott.com
Don Sargeant
~~Coquina~~
CD25D #189
I just had a Cape Dory 25D surveyed and during the inspection, water was found in the transmission fluid. Before I have a mechanic dive into it for $50 an hour, I was wondering what kind of damage may occour and what repair costs might be if, in the worst case scenario, the transmission had to be replaced. The boat has been sitting for about a year and a half with extremely little to no use. I am somewhat concerned about purchasing the boat with the potential for major engine problems. This is my first inboard sailboat and I have no knowledge of repair prices, typical maintenace costs or potential pitfalls. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
don@cliggott.com
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Lee H. Hodsdon
Re: Cape Dory 25D Engine Questions
Brian,
Don is absolutely correct regarding the Hurth transmission. The only water access is the small vent hole in the oil fill/dipstick plug at the top of the transmission.
A couple of questions, was the water combined with the transmission fluid, making the fluid milky or was it seperate? Milky might indicate the transmission had been operated with the oil/water mix -- not good.
I guess the main question is, how did the water gain access? This might be an indication of much more serious problems, as the water level had to be excessively high to be above the transmission fill plug.
If the water is condensation, and just sat in the transmission, you may be lucky. I guess I'd change the fluid a couple of times, then rotate the propeller shaft by hand with the transmission in neutral. This is only checking a portion of the transmission, but it could be an indicator of the condition of the other bearings and gears. If the shaft turns freely, and with no noise coming from the transmission you may be OK, but that is just my optimistic opinion.
I'd certainly re-visit the boat cost with the broker/owner regarding this discovery. Also, ask about any prevoius "high water events", or transmission problems and ask about the maintenance log and frequency of oil changes etc. It can't hurt to ask.
Best wishes,
Lee
lhodsdon@nh.ultranet.com
Don is absolutely correct regarding the Hurth transmission. The only water access is the small vent hole in the oil fill/dipstick plug at the top of the transmission.
A couple of questions, was the water combined with the transmission fluid, making the fluid milky or was it seperate? Milky might indicate the transmission had been operated with the oil/water mix -- not good.
I guess the main question is, how did the water gain access? This might be an indication of much more serious problems, as the water level had to be excessively high to be above the transmission fill plug.
If the water is condensation, and just sat in the transmission, you may be lucky. I guess I'd change the fluid a couple of times, then rotate the propeller shaft by hand with the transmission in neutral. This is only checking a portion of the transmission, but it could be an indicator of the condition of the other bearings and gears. If the shaft turns freely, and with no noise coming from the transmission you may be OK, but that is just my optimistic opinion.
I'd certainly re-visit the boat cost with the broker/owner regarding this discovery. Also, ask about any prevoius "high water events", or transmission problems and ask about the maintenance log and frequency of oil changes etc. It can't hurt to ask.
Best wishes,
Lee
lhodsdon@nh.ultranet.com