Click for Mulder Click for Westport Click for Comfort Click for Mag Bay Click for YF Listing Service

Water in transmission

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by breakaway1, Apr 18, 2019.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. breakaway1

    breakaway1 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    NH
    I noticed water in my transmission fluid. I'm good about checking fluid levels I just sent the cooler out to be tested. My question is. Can this transmission be flushed out has anyone had this problem and had success flushing out and running the boat.
    Thanks
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,648
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    What clutch mfg/model do you have?
    Yes, keep changing the fluid/oil and it can be fine.
  3. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2010
    Messages:
    2,261
    Location:
    Beaufort, NC
    Depending on how much water is in the tranny you may be able to run a tube to the bottom of the sump and pump it out also. Don't forget to empty the existing oil filter and then replace with new when you've completed flushing.
  4. gsholz

    gsholz New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2018
    Messages:
    23
    Location:
    PDX
    I had to flush three times (+ bring it up to temp in between) to get rid of all the emulsified water in the transmission. No long-term damage as far as I could tell.
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,648
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Also, its usally better to replace the oil cooler than repair it.
  6. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2010
    Messages:
    2,261
    Location:
    Beaufort, NC
    Keep a watch on it, and even if it looks clean after a few runs, I would change it at least one more time with the filter
  7. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    Messages:
    1,648
    Location:
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    How did water get in there in the first place ?
  8. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2010
    Messages:
    2,261
    Location:
    Beaufort, NC
    . If you have twins you may consider replacing both coolers if that was your problem.
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,648
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Other than the clutch sinking (submersion), It's the oil cooler.
  10. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2017
    Messages:
    1,149
    Location:
    Florida
    On a previous boat had high sodium on a gear oil analysis, the cooler failed the pressure test. Mechanic replaced the cooler and changed oil/ filter, said to retest at 50 hrs. Gear was ok, caught the cooler leak in time.
  11. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    Messages:
    1,648
    Location:
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    Ahh ...as usual learned something new again on YF...I did know there was a trans cooler somewhere on my DDs , but forgot about them and their purpose and the other reason to check the oil other than just for the proper oil level.
    My trans dip sticks are right in my face easy as can be to check , now I'll put them on an "always" basis.
  12. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2010
    Messages:
    2,261
    Location:
    Beaufort, NC
    Check the same time you check your oil- that should be every time you start them up even at the dock. You'll never know your oil bled out thru a hose or metal failure unless you look.

    Most manufactures also recommend a filter and fluid change every 200-250 hour or 2 years, I believe. My ZF's do. Mine use straight 30w
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2019
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Or, if the gear lost oil, you'll get out of the slip and have no forward or reverse on one engine and a major OH NO moment.