Using too much ATF! ??

[flyboy]

I have an 05 20 CSi that is consuming way too much ATF. I can not find the point of exit although its mixed in with any water in the hull its obvious that the ATF is coming from somewhere. I have been keeping an eye on it and filling as required, but this cant go on too much longer. I'll have to take the boat in for service which is a PITA for me mid-season

On a brighter note, I had my steering cable replaced and can now steer with my pinky finger:-)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Best,

[wired1236]

Have you checked the oil (ATF) cooler and hoses? That's the most likley place.

[flyboy]

Thanks Wired....no, I have yet to investigate the source. I will this weekend when I get back to the boat. Can someone direct me to a picture of the cooler? I'll check all hoses too.

TIA for the fast response!

[boatwakes]

There is an oil sorbent product available from most marine vendors/stores that only absorbs petroleum product and not water. Get a few sheets of it, about $1 ea and after cleaning the bilge thoroughly, place a clean new one under the transmission and one under the starboard side of the engine just about where the starter is located (follow the hoses coming from the transmission and this is where the cooler should be located, if not, just put one under where it is). Run the engine on a fake a lake if it's on the trailer and DO NOT PUT IT IN GEAR!!!!! The transmission fluid is under constant pressure from the pump when the engine is running and if the leak is anywhere but the output shaft, it will show up on the diapers. If you don't find any ATF on the pads, put the boat in the water, use it (with the diapers in place) and then check for telltale signs during the day. The pads will show you where it's coming from so you have an idea of where to start. Unfortunately, if it's a front or rear seal, the tranny will have to be removed. Keep us posted with your findings.

[flyboy]

Thank you. I will advise next week of my findings.

[flyboy]

There are no hoses going from my Tans to a cooler or anywhere else. But....this probably aint too good? The ATF is coming from the Flywheel area!

[chpthril]

Sound like the trans is pumping out through the in-put shaft seal into the bell housing.

[flyboy]

Sound like the trans is pumping out through the in-put shaft seal into the bell housing.

Thanks. @ $55 per 1/2 hr, wonder how many ponies this will cost And a 145 hrs, why this happened in the first place?

[Ewok]

145 hours for a 2005 boat is fairly low, which means the boat sat for a while or doesn't get much use during the boating season? Most average boaters put about 50 hours per season on a boat, I got 85 last year. So 50hrs x 7years > 145. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that boats and planes find ways to break themselves when they aren't being used regularly. Hopefully it won't require the trans to be pulled

[flyboy]

145 hours for a 2005 boat is fairly low, which means the boat sat for a while or doesn't get much use during the boating season? Most average boaters put about 50 hours per season on a boat, I got 85 last year. So 50hrs x 7years > 145. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that boats and planes find ways to break themselves when they aren't being used regularly. Hopefully it won't require the trans to be pulled

Well a relatively short season here in NY for us. We live on a 700 acre lake...so one or two rounds around the lake and then were good to just float along..Boat sits in a heated storage facility from Oct-April. I imagine its just going to be a seal....a $50 part with $1K in labor hrs

[boatwakes]

Ok, the color of your trans fluid is pepto which means theres water in it which means the cooler failed which means the water pumping into the trans overfilled it, caused it to blow the front seal and there's the result. Can you take a picture of the transmission please, some of the zf's have an integral cooler/heat exchanger but you definitely have water in the gear, which means you have a cooler and both the trans and the cooler will have to be replaced, do not try to rebuild it, same cost with no warranty.

[flyboy]

Ok, the color of your trans fluid is pepto which means theres water in it which means the cooler failed which means the water pumping into the trans overfilled it, caused it to blow the front seal and there's the result. Can you take a picture of the transmission please, some of the zf's have an integral cooler/heat exchanger but you definitely have water in the gear, which means you have a cooler and both the trans and the cooler will have to be replaced, do not try to rebuild it, same cost with no warranty.

Thank you for your post. Yes, I'm told the main seal has gone and have it scheduled for repairs next week. I was quoted $325.00 for the removal and replacement of the seal and find this to be acceptable. The dealer was previous a Tige dealer and previous work and work of others have always been above par.....

There is NO water in the ATF reservoir. The fluid is going through the main seal mixing with water there and exiting out of the area in the picture above into the hull. I will take a picture of the transmission this weekend and post it up for you to see.

[Ewok]

I hear you on the short season, glad I invested in a full wetsuit for the spring and fall months. At least during the short season your running it a bit and not letting it sit for months on end without being in storage. Hopefully when they get it apart it's just the seal. Stay warm.

[flyboy]

Trannys out and it is the seal!

Service center is having a difficult time finding a replacement seal? Marine Engine Tranny....anyone have a suggestion?

TIA,

[boatwakes]

Can you get a picture of the service plate on the transmission, that will have the mfg info to get service parts for it.