Velvet drive Question

[roberttigar]

I have a velvet drive Model 71.
I understand that the scribe mark on the dip stick shows where the fluid level should be on a hot transmission.
And after a short while that level increases as the fluid runs back from the oil cooler.
I have replaced both seals and the o-ring on the shift pump. Also replaced the cooler. Still, I seem to be loosing some fluid.

It may be coming from the vent, though I dont see any fluid in the bilge.

The transmission is mounted on a down angle of 15-20'. Is that full scribe still an accurate indication of where the fluid should be?

The local Velvet drive distributor has been very helpful, but they dont know the answer to this. Does anyone out there know?

[rslifkin]

If you're losing fluid and it's not going into the boat, it's most likely a leak in the cooler. Carefully look at your exhaust discharge for an oily sheen, as a leak in the cooler will send the fluid out the exhaust.

[roberttigar]

The cooler is brand new. No fluid appears out of the exhaust as the cooler is cooled with coolant. No fluid appears in the coolant

Am I over filling it? Because of the angle of the trans?

Bob

[rbk]

No leaks at the hoses? Are you checking the ‘warm’ tranny while the engine is running?

[kchace]

How much fluid do you think you're using? If its a lot, it has to be going someplace. If you overfill enough, it can come out of the vent. Is it possible you have never quite checked it correctly? Depending on your exact cooler configuration - location, hose routing, etc. - the fluid level can rise quite quickly after shutdown. So its imperative to check the level *immediately* after shutdown. Do it a few times to make sure you're catching it correctly. Once you're satisfied the level is correct, wait overnight then check and mark the dipstick with the new level. That new level is the correct "cold" level and is much easier to check.


Ken

[kchace]

Originally Posted by rbk

No leaks at the hoses? Are you checking the ‘warm’ tranny while the engine is running?

Can't check while running, there is too much splash.

[roberttigar]

Sorry, maybe I wasnt clear.
Does the hash mark on the dipstick take into account that the angle of the trans is down 15-20' as the mark for full right after shut down.
Or, is that mark an indicator of the level of fluid on a trans that is exactly horizontal?
Bob

[rbk]

Originally Posted by kchace

Can't check while running, there is too much splash.

I can on mine no problem

[rbk]

Originally Posted by roberttigar

Sorry, maybe I wasnt clear.
Does the hash mark on the dipstick take into account that the angle of the trans is down 15-20' as the mark for full right after shut down.
Or, is that mark an indicator of the level of fluid on a trans that is exactly horizontal?
Bob

It should be ok with the down angle. If your engine can handle it the VD should have no problem. I would suck the oil out and put it factory spec amount cold and see where that sits. Use a file and mark the dip stick for cold level. If you’re checking it with the engine running the oil will read low. Proper measurement should be done after a long run (hot) after the engine is shut down and a 5-10 min wait for all oil to drain back down but not cool.

[kchace]

Originally Posted by roberttigar

Sorry, maybe I wasnt clear.
Does the hash mark on the dipstick take into account that the angle of the trans is down 15-20' as the mark for full right after shut down.
Or, is that mark an indicator of the level of fluid on a trans that is exactly horizontal?
Bob

This is from the Velvet Drive Installation Manual:

"The transmission and engine should be installed so that
the maximum angle relative to horizontal does not exceed
15 deg when the boat is at rest, and should not exceed 20°
when operating at the worst bow high condition. A higher
angle of installation along with low oil level can permit
pump cavitation when operating in rough water where
pitching and rolling tends to throw the oil away from the
pump inlet."

[kchace]

Look what I just found in the manual:


0IL CAPACITY
TRANSMISSION 0iL CAPACITY (QUARTS)
MODEL LEVEL 15 deg
ASI-70C or CR 1.8 1.3

What this poor cut and paste shows is that for a model 71 (or CR) transmission "level", the oil capacity is 1.8 Qts. inclined at 15 degrees, the capacity is 1.3 qts.

Just make SURE you check immediately after shutdown so that "running" oil level is correct.