Hurth Transmission Troubles II
Do these things come in batches? Went to post my story and question and found someone else has been having transmission troubles lately.
Here's my story about my transmission on a Universal M-15:
Last fall, as I always faithfully do, I filled up the transmission fluid to the top, per the owner's manual. I assume you do this to make sure all components are bathed in oil over the winter so you don't develop rust on internal parts.
After a record late start in spring preparation due to amazingly wet weather here in New England, some delayed interior woodwork and illness in the family, I finally got her in the river in Portland, CT.
Went down for engine startup and checkout Thursday night. Per owners manual instructions I drain the transmission fluid and refill to the dipstick line. Well, about 1/4" above the line but as an earlier poster mentioned it is a real pain to get the level right. I assumed I was close enough.
Engine starts up OK. I then checked out the transmission. While still attached to the mooring I powered back and forward. Went through my usual checkout including (after a warm-up) operation for 30-40 seconds at full throttle in forward and reverse. Absolutely no problem with the engine or transmission.
All set to take her down the river Saturday morning. Even though its drizzling this seems like the best weather window we've had all spring. Again engine starts up like a charm. Takes about half hour to get ready to go while I leave the engine at idle, transmission in neutral.
I go to cast off. Because of river current I have trouble taking loop off the cleat in the last line and realize I'm going to have to nudge her forward to take off the tension. Go back to the cockpit and put in forward. Nothing. The lever wants to spring back and even while I hold her forward no engagement. Try reverse and the lever won't come back.
I assume I have a clutch cable problem. Go below and push and pull on the lever on the transmission. It seems to move easily. However, nothing happens when I push her into foward or reverse. No clashing, no banging, no grinding, just no engagement. I check the oil level again. It's right there at the same level (I always use that paper towel trick.). No problem there. I thought it could be a loose lever where it clamps to the shifting shaft entering the engine but using a flashlight it looks like the lever is clamped on tight and moving with the lever.
Well there goes that weekend. Gave up and went home. Filled out a service request to the yard to check it out. Haven't heard back from them yet.
My question is, does this sound familiar to anyone and does anyone have any idea what this could be? I'm guessing it could be anywhere from something stupid I forgot ($100 yard bill) to, like the earlier posting $1,500 - $2,000+ for new or rebuild transmission.
Could my overfilling by even that small amount have caused the problem? Also, the manual says to use Mercon or Dextron II. When I bought the boat there was a half bottle of Dextron III with the boat so I assumed this is what the PO used so this is what I've consistantly used as long as I've owned the boat. Someone in the yard said that Dextron II was no longer made but that Dextron III was the compatible fluid now made. Is this correct or could this have contributed to the problem?