Noisy Gearbox................???

[yohoho]

My gearbox is making a clattering sound even in neutral. The noise decreases as I increase revs.

I suspect it is the cush plate thing with the springs in that bolts to the flywheel. I noticed it was worn (steps in the splines and loose springs) while I had my gearbox out recently but its cost of $700 odd put me off replacing it.

I cannot for the life of me see why it is so bloody expensive ?

If it's just the noise I'm ok with that but I'm just wondering if it could have a detrimental effect on my gearbox ?

Anyone ????

[CalebD]

1 - What kind make and model engine is it? Gas or diesel?
2 - What kind of transmission is it (V-drive, direct, other)?
3 - What kind of boat is it installed in? When was the motor installed (orginal or re-power)?
4 - Does your transmission have a separate oil lube from the motor and is it full?
5 - Odd noises out of your engine/transmission indicate that there is something you need to take care of. How long have you owned this boat and what do you know about the engine/tranny?

The more information you give, the more someone can help you.
Some engines are just plain noisy but metal on metal noises are not good.

A picture or two might help those that have been there before you.
Good luck.

[mitiempo]

In my experience noise that shouldn't be there always means something is wearing or about to break.

[WanderingStar]

Mine is noisy when the oil is low.

[r.furborough]

A 'flex plate' or 'drive plate should not cost $700 if the transmission is already removed, even the best of plates should not be more than $350 to $300 in this power range. If the transmission has to be removed and the flex/drive plate replaced and the transmission replaced and realigned, then that is a different matter....

[Maine Sail]

Many damper plates have the OEM # on them. Mine, on my Westerbeke, is made by Sachs. I simply wrote down the OEM Sachs # and Googled it. Found one for about $120.00 brand new...

Just found one again on eBay in seconds. Hurth Damper Plate (LINK)

Here's a pic of my damper plates OEM #

[yohoho]

Well the cost was quoted to me by the place who were looking at my gearbox at the time. I thought it was ridiculous but when I called ZF here in Australia to find out for myself they would talk price but just wanted to direct me to a dealer, the one I was already using. It's very anal like that here.

I have that number written down somewhere and will have a search tomorrow if I locate it. If I do find it cheaper I will certainly ring them back and tell them just what I think of them. Their service was awful and this would just compound the fact.

By the way, that price was in Aussie dollars not US but still.........

Engine is 30hp Perkins and gearbox Hurth HBW100 ( ZF 10M )

[yohoho]

To all the people who mentioned 'metal to metal contact'.....you are obviously not familiar with the part I am talking about because that is exactly how it's designed to be, with metal to metal contact. Look at the photo above. A splined shaft fits in a splined hole, albeit with a good coating of grease.
My question actualy was could play in this area ie slack between the splines cause premature gearbox wear ?
The rattling noise I can live with (although if I can get the part cheaper I will replace it) but I don't need it ruining the gearbox.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by yohoho

My question actualy was could play in this area ie slack between the splines cause premature gearbox wear ?

YES!!!!! You can ruin your gear box input shaft or worse. If you think a damper plate is expensive......