Trojan Boat Forum

Hello all,

Just took my 1989 11 Meter Express on it's shakedown cruise - first time in the water for us together.
Engines ran fine but I had a issue with the starboard transmission - at least i think it was the transmission.
I could feel a hesitation - almost like we hit a wave.
When i went down in the engine room I could hear a 'clunking', which was random. (Not present in port transmission)
If i took it over 1500 RPM it got worse.
Once it actually stalled the engine out at ~1500 RPM.
There was a whining sound at around 1300 RPM.
This is the first time the boat has been in the water in two years.
I looked at the transmission fluid and it was not dark or cloudy - but i will be replacing it first thing!
Anything else I could check? Any other suggestions/ideas?

Could you have picked up somthing in the prop ?

thanks prowlerfish!

The boat just went in - first time in two years, so I doubt I have something on the props - of course, anything is possible.
It seems it was the transmission fluid - i did change it and had it out yesterday. It ran much better. (Plan on changing it again now that it has run some.)
While I suspected the transmission fluid I was hoping for other suggestions for me to address before taking it out and trying again.
BTW - both of the water lines to the drip-less shaft fittings were clogged at the engine.

Just a thought.. But on my old Crusaders my tranny made some intermittent noises/clunks but worked just fine...

When we removed the Bell housing we found part of a pressure plate spring floating around.

Regardless, there are several good rebuild shops if needed. Cant remember mine but I can get it if needed.

Good Luck
Patrick

OBABY,

Thanks for the reply. It seems to have cleared up with the fluid change. I plan on running it some and changing again (ATF Dextron????).
BTW - the original fluid looked fine on/from the dipstick - when I drained it it was junk.

Cheers, Peter

Seeing as how you had some success with the fluid change. Check with the transmission manufacturer about Lubegard part #60902. It is a great additive product for transmissions that use Dexron. It is available at NAPA stores. We use it in our shop with all fluid changes with great success.

Excellent! I will certainly give this a try!
Thanks for the advice,

Peter

If you use a additive do not add all of it as your trans only holds apoxx 2 qts and most additives are made for trans that hold 10 to 15 Qts

Absolutely correct. While the Lubegard volume vs. the trans. fluid volume won't make a difference, never overfill the the transmission. If you can, use a suction gun to draw off some of the transmission fluid and then refill with an equal amount.