V Drive Service on 390 Sundancer

[perryk123]

I just bought a 2004 390 sundancer with the 8.1 496 and ZF V drive gears. I would like to know what service to complete and how often. I do my own maintenance and could not find anything in my sea ray bible. Any signs I have to look for? Any do's or don'ts? Thanks

 

[rondds]

Perry
Same engines as you with the same transmissions. I would start by changing the trans fluid and cleaning or replacing the filter. I'd also send samples out for analysis. I use Blackwood - they do a very nice job but there are other labs out there. You want to have a baseline, esp with a "new-to-you" boat.

Great looking boat - best of luck to you!

 

[perryk123]

Curious how often do you change the fluids and filter? Also what info would you get out of the analysis? Never had that done on a V drive

 

[rondds]

I change every other year, which, for me, is 60-80 hours. Analysis checks for water and presence of metals (indicatiing wear). This is the narrative Blackstone provides, along with measurements on various parameters, almost like a blood test. I had no idea how long the fluid was in these transmissions as the boat is new to me. But the unscathed condition of the paint on the transmission around the filter makes me think they were never removed in the 5 or 6 seasons that these transmissions were in service.


This sample contained less iron and lead, but a little more copper. We'll still have to see what the
next samples look like to see if these numbers are actually showing a problem, or if they're just normal for
these transmissions and the use they see. Insolubles read at 0.1% in this starboard oil, and that's more than
we like to see for a marine transmission. Those are solids from heat and use and they can get abrasive if
left in place too long. If this oil hasn't been changed yet, it should be because of those solids in the oil.

 

[perryk123]

Good to know! I will try and find what fluids and filters I need, get them changed and send off the oils. I look forward to getting the results back. Thanks for the info

 

[rondds]

Sure thing!