Last week I had to abandon a
cruise on the
west coast of
Scotland as a result of damage to the
gearbox and drive plate . On
removal of the
gearbox ,Hurth HBW20 fitted to a
Perkins 4-108 , and the drive plate both sets of splines were totally stripped hence no
transmission . I have decided to replace the gearbox to get back on the
water quicker but am concerned as to the cause of the damage . I replaced the drive plate some 4 or 5 years ago , when I had the flywheel off to renew the rear crankshaft
oil seal ,as the plate was showing signs of breaking up. My thoughts at the moment are , is the flywheel out of alignment in some way ; were the splines on the replacement drive plate too loose . I would be delighted to hear of any similar
events and causes with a view to preventing a recurrence .