Help identify this dampener?

[autumnbreeze27]

We were motor sailing back from Catalina today and had to shut the engine down hearing some terrible grinding noises.

We got her back in the slip, and a friend came over and pulled a dampener on our shaft that seemed to be the culprit. I've attached a picture, does anybody know what the make/model is, how to get it repaired/replaced, etc?

[model 10]

What the hell you talking about?: That looks like a home made drive shaft coupling. If you are stuck somewhere just get it re-welded. If not, upgrade.

[DeepFrz]

Does the insert look like this? Possible made by LoveJoy?
https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI...150807024530:s

[autumnbreeze27]

Sorry, very tired and I should have posted more info.

This thing is connected to the drive shaft and the trans. I was told it compensates for vibration or small out of alignment issues.

I'm guessing it was a lack of grease that did it in, I didn't know it needed maintenance. We're starting to shake down the boat for the haha and cruising, and it started with some nasty grinding noises and ended with the tranny turning it, but it didn't turn the shaft.

I'm trying to find out what exactly it is, who makes it, how to repair it, or have it repaired or replaced. There's no marking on it.

Here's another picture... not sure why I've got tranny fluid leaking...

[pesarsten]

It certainly looks like the unit referenced by deepfrz, make sure that your shaft turns freely and isn't bound up which caused the dampener to strip. Take both sides of the coupler off and scrub to find model number or manufacturer.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

Sorry, very tired and I should have posted more info.

This thing is connected to the drive shaft and the trans. I was told it compensates for vibration or small out of alignment issues.

I'm guessing it was a lack of grease that did it in, I didn't know it needed maintenance. We're starting to shake down the boat for the haha and cruising, and it started with some nasty grinding noises and ended with the tranny turning it, but it didn't turn the shaft.

I'm trying to find out what exactly it is, who makes it, how to repair it, or have it repaired or replaced. There's no marking on it.

Here's another picture... not sure why I've got tranny fluid leaking...

Re-oil leak: That appears to be a Borg Warner Velvet Drive transmission-probably 71series-excellent gear. Your pic shows a rusty streak under the fwd cooling "hose". I suspect the fitting or hose is weeping at transmission end. Tighten fittings &/or replace hose with a new hydraulic hose(s). Hoses can be made up by any hydraulic shop. Tranny uses ATF fluid.
Never let the shaft spin when sailing or being towed. Velvet Drives have a built in oil pump for lubrication & it only pumps when eng. is driving the transmission.
Cheers/Len

[tinkrman69]

Most flexible couplings are pretty close to the same. Mesure the shaft diameter and buy a new one to fit the shaft dis and HP output. from the looks of the one your going to spend almost as much as a new one and still not have reliability. It's a flex coupling it still needs alignment. the tolerances are a little wider than a solid coupling but it still has tolerances. in most cases they are just over kill. if you had to put one on a prop shaft you didn't address some other issue or design flaw. to a V drive yes usually a U joint but some times a flex coupling.

[DougR]

The photo isn't too clear, but it looks like something called an Evolution Shaft coupling.

DougR

[autumnbreeze27]

Here's some more pics, but I think Doug found it! Thanks Doug! Bummer the damn thing is so expensive... but hey it's a BOAT and it could have been worse!

[autumnbreeze27]

Any tips for a more economical replacement welcome!

[Cheechako]

If the dimensions work out, just put a cheaper solid coupling in and align your engine properly. Simple, no maintenance, no greasing.

[DougR]

If, in fact it is an Evolution Coupling, I seem to recall you can replace the interior rubber elements.

If not, it might be difficult to replace because of the length of the existing unit. Most couplings are some what shorter than this one appears to be, so might require a spacer. Good luck with it.

DougR

[Truemettle]

You could replace the entire works with a drive saver. I have been using them for years without issues. As well it looks like you are spraying ATF. I would look closely at the rear seal once you get it all apart.

[GrahamHO]

Your friend who pulled it off sounds quite capable. What does he think?

[GrahamHO]

Sorry! One more thought. Are you sure the grinding noise was from that coupling? Could it have been coming from the transmission? After all it is leaking which can be a sign of a problem in any component. Two unusual happenings in the same place are often associated.