Learn how to keep your boat's Borg-Warner Velvet Drive transmission running smoothly with these 12 simple steps. Borg Warner's Velvet Drive transmissions are the top choice for marine vessels, including sailboats, fishing trawlers, inboard cruisers, sport runabouts, and large yachts. However, without regular maintenance, these transmissions can experience problems that result in poor performance, overheating, and noisy operation. Follow these easy steps to ensure your boat's transmission stays in top condition.
Start by checking the transmission oil level before starting the engine. Low or no transmission fluid oil can cause an overheating condition due to low pressure and inadequate lubrication.
Next, look for any discolored oil or a burnt odor, which indicates dirty transmission oil that requires a fluid drain, replacement, and new filter installation. Fill the dip stick inlet tube with type F Dextron to the full mark.
Ensure proper operation by starting the engine in neutral with the boat in the water, placing the shift selector in forward at no more than 1,000 engine rpm, and waiting for the detent ball at the shift base to pop into the socket. Misalignment of the shift linkage can cause the shift indicator to rest on either side of the forward position.
Correct a shift linkage misalignment by loosening the lock nut on the linkage with the proper end wrench and turning the other linkage rod nut to extend or shorten the linkage throw, so it aligns correctly with the indicator needle and the shift mechanism.
If the shift lever slides without engaging in a gear with a click, remove the shift case housing with a screwdriver and check the detent ball and poppet spring, making sure the ball has not been lost and the spring is strong enough to keep the ball in the socket, in gear. Apply a small dab of marine grease on the ball and ball groove to ensure smooth shifting operation. Replace the poppet spring if it looks broken or stretched.
Measure the engine, transmission, and shaft angle where it sits in the bulkhead, relative to a horizontal plane or the boat's bottom surface. Velvet Drive transmissions cannot operate if the angle exceeds 15 degrees with the boat at rest or 20 degrees with the boat underway in the full bow-up condition. Loosen the engine mounts with a socket and wrench and subtract shims to decrease the angle.
Check the transmission cooler fluid temperature on your gauge. If the temperature is excessively high, coupled with abnormally high pressure after a hard, extended engine run, it may result from a transmission cooler that does not have adequate capacity to keep the system at recommended specifications. Change your cooling system to a larger capacity unit that allows increased flow and faster cooling.
If you experience heavy vibration, hear grating noises, or see premature bearing seal failure in the through-hole prop transom fitting, measure the distance or air gap between the transmission coupling and the propeller shaft coupling using a feeler gauge with a .003-inch blade for testing purposes. Rotate the propeller shaft coupler, then the transmission coupler, and take a measurement at 0 degrees (top) and every 90-degree rotation until you make a complete rotation, for a total of four measurements. Install a flexible coupling plate if your out-of-alignment condition cannot be remedied.
If you hear heavy vibrations when at full throttle or from accelerating from a standing start or a metallic clanking sound when the shift lever is placed in forward or reverse at recommended rpm, it may indicate a defective vibration damper, which can lead to complete transmission failure. Inspect the damper by removing the transmission coupler to the shaft coupler, removing the bell housing bolts, and pulling the transmission back.
Finally, look for broken mounting bolts on the damper, which will be attached to the flywheel, on a rear damper configuration ed or cracked hub sections. Replace the damper with a new unit, if any of these defects are found.
By following these steps, a boat owner can solve many common Borg-Warner Velvet Drive problems that may arise. Proper maintenance and regular checks can help prevent many of these issues from occurring in the first place, ensuring a smooth and reliable transmission for all your boating needs. Don't let transmission problems ruin your time on the water – take the necessary steps to keep your Velvet Drive in top condition.