Gearbox has no drive

[Mark Mcleod]

Hi.

I just bought a 1972 macwester wight with a bmc 1500 engine in it.

Its situated on one of the hebridean islands and has sat on a trailer for three years before the original owner passed away.

I bought it from his son who has a little bit of knowledge and history on the boat.

He says it steamed in and went on to the trailer no problem.

I changed the oil/ filters and got the engine running before we put it on the water.

I tried to move it today and the engine started no problem but i couldn’t engage drive, neither forward or reverse.

Even in gear i could move the propshaft by hand

The lever on the gearbox is moving but there is no drive coming from the box.

I opened the oil filler cap with the dipstic on it but there was no oil present so i topped up the oil and turned the key to the first position, put it in forward and could still turn the prop shaft by hand.

Its very tidal here so i have to wait on the water coming back in to start the engine.

I’ll attach a pic of the gearbox id plate.

Any advice would be appreciated

You must be logged in to view attachments.

[Linda Nixon]

Hi Mark.

Check the oil again when you start the engine again. If the oil is still okay, then there must be a problem with the gearbox as it has been dry for a long time. Is there a filter on the gearbox? If so, check that it is not blocked up. Other than that, the gear box will have to be checked by a local mechanic who is familiar with PRM gearboxes.

Did the use the correct oil as stated on the plate (in the photograph)?
There are lots of valves in there which may take time to become lubricated.

Has the seal on the gearbox (front or back) broken down – where has the original oil gone as it doesn’t evaporate.

Good luck. Please get back to me if you want to ask anything more.

Chris Nixon – Technical Officer

 

[Mark Mcleod]

Hi Chris.

The oil level did go down after starting the engine but after topping it up. The prop is now turning .

Thanks

[Earnon O’Cleirigh]

Mark,

The gearbox on my Wight has an external oil cooler – a small heat exchanger in the engine cooling water intake line mounted on top of the gearbox. The oil lines from the gearbox to this oil cooler have been a source of leaks for me – oil stains should be visible if this is the case. Also possible is an internal leak in the cooler which would allow the oil to pass into the engine cooling water and eventually out the exhaust. If you continue to lose oil it might be worthwhile taking the oil cooler off and checking for leaks.

 

All the best,

 

Earnan

[Peter Lloyd]

I had the same problem with my gear box. My stir up pump drained the oil from the engine. I then added oil to the engine and all went fine until I set off. The stir up pump had also drained the gear box oil which is separate. If it’s the same as mind you need to check the gear box oil level and fill to required level. Then all should function

 

[Author]

Posts