Spencer, I do not know any sure signs of impending doom but a small leak may be a tired seal instead of a complete rebuild. If the oil smells/looks normal (not burnt) and you are not experiencing other signs of wear like slippage or extra hesitation when changing between fwd and rev you may be able to get in a few more seasons before a rebuild.
If you do pull the reduction gear to inspect and repair, be sure to include an inspection of the dampening plate. Many dampening plates look like a cross between a thin flywheel and an automotive clutch plate. It will likely have springs similar to a clutch plate. Another area to inspect for wear is the clutch system. Some reduction gears have cones that wear out causing slippage. Back in the 80's I owned an Ericson 30+ that suffered a dampening plate failure. The boat was in a timeshare charter program. The drive train experienced some hard use as the charterers were learning how to dock. The signs of impending plate failure included an unusual rattle under light load. The plate is easy to replace when the reduction gear is out. It is a PITA if one is not planning to remove the gear for other reasons. Martin Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle [Description: cid:D1BF9853-22F7-47FB-86F2-4115CE0BAF2F] From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Spencer Johnson via CnC-List Sent: Friday, September 05, 2014 7:07 AM To: CnC-List@cnc-list.com Subject: Stus-List Red spots under transmission...Oh My! It is a Hurth V Drive....with not quite 3,000 hours on it. That's an average of 100 hours per year.... I have had Alegria since 2006 (the engine had about 2,100 hours on it when purchased) and this is the first time I have ever seen any trans fluid. It appears to be a spray perpendicular to the drive shaft. Not to much, but, a concern. It may only happen when the engine is running....I was running at 2800 RPM for 24 hours at one point. The Westerbeke's top RPM is 3300...which I can achieve, but, the stern really digs in and leaves a moustache on the gelcoat. Bob suggested new shaft seals. I will get my mirror out and see if I can locate the source. He also suggested a Hurth rebuild every 1,500 hours. If so I am waaaay overdue... Martin suggested oil cooler lines.....I have none that I know of...just the Hurth bolted onto the engine. No tubes. So, maybe it is time for a rebuild and get the seals replaced. I don't know of many other C&C's with Westebeke 27 engines....so far it has been quiet,smooth, and reliable...just a bit of exhaust soot on the gelcoat. No smoking at all on startup..or ever. Has anybody else had to rebuild the tranny and what are the symptoms of pending doom? > Wally Bryant via CnC-List wrote: >You didn't say what kind of transmission. That's important. I really appreciate all of your support and the depth of the collective experience. TIA! Spencer Johnson 1984 LF38 "Alegria" Racine, WI (home in Mount Prospect, IL)
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