ZF Marine transmission sounds like cement mixer

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Hi all. I just came back from a 3 hour run at 7 kts and my starboard transmission started sounding like someone installed some rocks in it. This is not the normal clunking you get from these transmissions when in forward or reverse around idle speed. I have a 2001 Carver 356 with 700 hours on it. I have be doing some research and some say this noise is also normal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
How is the fluid/oil? I would pump it out and inspect it smell it and then send it out to be tested you may learn a lot much of which you may not want to now.
I use Blackstone Laboratories if you call or email they can send you sample containers to ship back to them.

BTW my ZF's don't make any odd noises
 
Fluid was at the proper level, good colour and no noticeable odours other than the oil smell. I am running ATF now, but may switch to 10W40.
 
Mine says use only 30 straight it is a little had to find but they are very clear about this. I would check you manual and make sure that ATF is actually OK to use this might be the problem in and of itself. If it is OK to use I would still send out a sample to be tested and then change to whatever they recommend in the manual with fresh filters and clean screens.
 
I have to agree with Dave. My ZFs do not make weird noises. And the manual, like Dave says, very clearly states only straight 30wt. I sent my trans oil to cat with the engine oil last year and it came back all good. It is good piece of mind.
 
700 hours? Did you ever change out the oil? If not, it's over due. AND check the manual as Dave recommends.
 
Are the output/coupler fasteners by any chance contacting the transmission casing. ( That can happen on some Velvet Drives, dunno about ZF.)
Could the noise actually be transmitting up from a shaft donut that has slid down to the strut, or loose pancake anodes on rudders or tabs?
Or, if you happen to have them , Spurs line cutters with worn nylon bearings allowing them to contact?

If you are sure it is internal to the transmission or reduction gears and not say, the damper plate, it may be time for professional assistance . Still, it doesn't sound too serious if it's only evident around idle.

Has that engine had a good tuneup recently so idle in gear is very smooth? And what is idle rpm in gear, - set to spec.?

From ZF site:
"What oil is in my transmission?
Models 5 through 85 will primarily use automatic transmission fluid. Models 220 through 60000 will use 30W. Refer to ZF oil list for specific instructions or contact ZF."

From Foley Engines:
http://www.foleyengines.com/resourc...rine-transmissions-ins-and-outs-basic-service
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

Are the output/coupler fasteners by any chance contacting the transmission casing. ( That can happen on some Velvet Drives, dunno about ZF.)
Could the noise actually be transmitting up from a shaft donut that has slid down to the strut, or loose pancake anodes on rudders or tabs?
Or, if you happen to have them , Spurs line cutters with worn nylon bearings allowing them to contact?

If you are sure it is internal to the transmission or reduction gears and not say, a broken damper plate spring, it may be time for professional assistance . Still, it doesn't sound too serious if it's only evident around idle.

Has that engine had a good tuneup recently so idle in gear is very smooth? And what is idle rpm in gear, - set to spec.?

From ZF site:
"What oil is in my transmission?
Models 5 through 85 will primarily use automatic transmission fluid. Models 220 through 60000 will use 30W. Refer to ZF oil list for specific instructions or contact ZF."

From Foley Engines:
http://www.foleyengines.com/resourc...rine-transmissions-ins-and-outs-basic-service

Click to expand...
 
Manual states ATF. Changed last year. Nothing loose. I think I will pull transmission and check springs on plate. Will disconnect prop shaft first and check to see if noise is still there.
 
Do you zinic on your shaft it probably came loose and spinning around your shaft. It happen to me I have same boat 2001 with 8.1 engines.
 
Just a note to those with diesels...not all ZF transmissions use the same fluid. Gas engine transmission aren't nearly as large or nearly as strong as diesel engine units. A lot of gas units don't even have a filter
 
Sal356. Sounds like I am going to take a dip on the weekend. I will check for that first.
 
If it's a loose zinc someone forgot to bang the zincs with a hammer and re-tighten them a few times.
 
You have internal bearing/gear problems. Pull it and get it serviced before you do further damage.
 
If the oil is clean I have to wonder. I'd drain it from a plug first. If there is a filter, I'd swap it out and open it up.
 
Many plugs are magnetic are there any metal parts on the darin plug?
Bill
 
I had a similar situation with my 370 Dancer.....after a lot of searching.....turned out to be the 7.4 motor had a miss in it. A good tune up and the tranny sounded like new again.
 
I want to second that assessment, DoubleD. We just had one at work like that...finally, after looking at the tranny and v-drive, found out that the head gasket was bad. Engine ran fine (or so it seemed), but after eliminating all of the gearing units, we dug deeper into the engine, and voila!
 
quote:
Originally posted by Salvatore356

Do you zinic on your shaft it probably came loose and spinning around your shaft. It happen to me I have same boat 2001 with 8.1 engines.

Click to expand...


+1.

I had the exact same problem. Turned out to be a loose shaft zinc and the noise was telegraphing up into the V drive.

Bob
 
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