Transmission Heat Exchanger

gconley · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2006

Greetings,

I have just taken delivery of a Gulfstar Sailmaster 47. The boat was delivered by a professional captain arriving Newport RI on last Sunday evening (Oct 29/06). Yes the boat came through with reported 60 knot sustained winds and 30 ft seas. A testament to both the boat and captain.

Back to the problem, on routine inspection, the transmission (Borg Warner) was found to have seawater in it. The captain has suggested as has another experienced captain, that the heat exchanger for the transmission is optional. In order to get the boat to it's permanent winter berth in Boston, the heat exchanger was bypassed and the transmission flushed. It is running but I can't help but think this is problematic. I would appreciate any opinions this highly experienced forum can offer.

Thanks as always

gconley
sv Bacchus

soul searcher · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2006

I have alot of expieriance with bigger gears on power boats. not much with bog warrner but if the manufacturer put a cooler on that gear then it probably needs to be there. a cooled gear will have a longer life. usually when a cooler goes the oil gets pumped out the exhaust with the water and the trans cooks itself. your lucky it was caught you probably got a pin hole leak. some times they can be repaired. zincs are critical in your cooler there are alot of differnt metals in one and they are usually the first thing to go if you have an electolysis problem. I'd fix it soon. thats just my two cent.

redcorvette1995 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2006

Agreed the cooler is there for a reason.
It should be repaired or replaced.
The cooler temperatures at this time of year probably helped.
I think it would be a lot harder on the tranny come summer with higher air and water temps.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006

I'd have to third the motion to replace/repair the tranny cooler. Transmission coolers are usually there for a reason. On a boat, the confined space for the engine and transmission, and the lack of airflow, means that the transmission often builds up heat. In the summertime, especially in the tropics, you're going to have a problem.

gconley · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006

Thank you all - that was my thought as well. I have to get the boat moved this weekend from Newport to Boston. I will sail her most of the way as possible so. Does anyone have an idea where I might find a heat exchanger?

Thanks

camaraderie · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006

Here's a link to coolers...have one of them. Good product good folks.
http://www.tadiesels.com/oil-coolers.html

pigslo · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006

Also Diesel Parts Sales in Houston will send you one. Randall Cesar III helped me with my parts needs. Also, the Borg Warner velvet drive was designed for up to 300 h.p. so it is pretty tough. Long term I think I would return it to the original settup but in an emergency I would use it.

Dawkahab · #8 (**permalink**) 11-05-2006

On Borg Warner Gears, especially 70 series, 71-73 etc. Coolers are not optional, In fact a very experienced BW repair facility advised me many years ago. that the cooler should receive the first(coldest) raw water, before it goes to the engine heat exchanger. My experience has been that depending upon hourd they should be rebuilt every 3-4 years. Lots cheaper than replacing a failed one.