TRS tranny woes
03-09-2004, 12:19 PM
#12
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Thank you - You guys are awesome
Thanks guys. You have made me feel better about it now. I was rather depressed when the drive went out and was about ready to throw in the towel. But, I have my second wind now. My 357 needs a lot more work than just the drive and I was noticing the 357 "flex" this past weekend which made me a little uneasy. But, if I can hang on to it for a few years I should be in the position to get a something much newer then.
Also, I am used to a F-272 with two 260s that you have to hammer out of the hole to get on plane. With the 357 you hammer it and boom it's on plane. I did that a few times this weekend. Man, that thing gets up fast. I mean in just takes a moment and your not only on plane but you're hauling ass (at least to someone who is used to a boat that only goes 62mph). But, I guess I won't be doing that anymore. Perhaps me hamering it out of the hole along with it being low on fluid was just too much for it. Or, maybe age just caught up with it like Outlaw said. When South Austin Marine (SAM) serviced it they said that starboard outdrive looked like new inside. The port is old but the starboard was new. So, I guess the former owner hammered it out of the hole a few too many times also. I read that the right hand drive was much weaker than the left and that's probably why the right side was new.
Anyway, It looks like we'll be keeping her. I also think that SAM will take care of me at least to some degree. Perhaps they'll offer to split it or I can pay for parts and them labor or something. My step father bought a new 30' Monterey from them about a year ago. They're the only Formula dealer around and they have a great reputation. Plus, they know I am wanting to get something newer in a few years so I am hoping for the best.
It is very good to hear that these drives can handle the power. It's also good to learn my lesson about not hammering it out of the hole (although it is quite fun) and about checking the fluid levels. I won't make that mistake again.
Once again thanks for the support. I'm very glad to be a part of OSO.
Also, I am used to a F-272 with two 260s that you have to hammer out of the hole to get on plane. With the 357 you hammer it and boom it's on plane. I did that a few times this weekend. Man, that thing gets up fast. I mean in just takes a moment and your not only on plane but you're hauling ass (at least to someone who is used to a boat that only goes 62mph). But, I guess I won't be doing that anymore. Perhaps me hamering it out of the hole along with it being low on fluid was just too much for it. Or, maybe age just caught up with it like Outlaw said. When South Austin Marine (SAM) serviced it they said that starboard outdrive looked like new inside. The port is old but the starboard was new. So, I guess the former owner hammered it out of the hole a few too many times also. I read that the right hand drive was much weaker than the left and that's probably why the right side was new.
Anyway, It looks like we'll be keeping her. I also think that SAM will take care of me at least to some degree. Perhaps they'll offer to split it or I can pay for parts and them labor or something. My step father bought a new 30' Monterey from them about a year ago. They're the only Formula dealer around and they have a great reputation. Plus, they know I am wanting to get something newer in a few years so I am hoping for the best.
It is very good to hear that these drives can handle the power. It's also good to learn my lesson about not hammering it out of the hole (although it is quite fun) and about checking the fluid levels. I won't make that mistake again.
Once again thanks for the support. I'm very glad to be a part of OSO.
03-10-2004, 06:59 AM
#15
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Hell ya it is. When you are done posting your boat blown up or in my case rotted out questions you can run right over there and you suddenly feel better 
Jon
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03-10-2004, 07:21 PM
#17
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My 311 has blown 454's in it with TRS / BW trannies throwing around 550 hp. I just got the boat last year, but the blowers have been on it for about 10 years. So I wouldn't worry about the power thing too much. As said before, don't do crazy hole shots and watch the air situations which both cause tremendos loads.
However, if your drive works in reverse and not forward that usually is a sign of the tranny is damaged. There is no shifting in that drive from what I understand - all done in the tranny. I guess you will have to wait until they get it apart.
As far as low fluid, did they drain them and see how much came out, or just by the measuring dip sticks on the transom boxes? The sticks on those things always read low, just on the very bottom of the stick. Everyone I know has the same issue, but it isn't a problem from what I understand. You fill that box up to the correct level on the stick, go out for a run, and the stick is back down again to the bottom. However, it never goes below that bottom of the stick level even if I don't ever add fluid. I had one of my drives resealed, and it still happens. Happens to all my friends TRS's as well. Seems to be the way they behave... anyone else see this?
Also, is the marina and mechanic you are using very familiar with TRS? Some say they are but really aren't...
However, if your drive works in reverse and not forward that usually is a sign of the tranny is damaged. There is no shifting in that drive from what I understand - all done in the tranny. I guess you will have to wait until they get it apart.
As far as low fluid, did they drain them and see how much came out, or just by the measuring dip sticks on the transom boxes? The sticks on those things always read low, just on the very bottom of the stick. Everyone I know has the same issue, but it isn't a problem from what I understand. You fill that box up to the correct level on the stick, go out for a run, and the stick is back down again to the bottom. However, it never goes below that bottom of the stick level even if I don't ever add fluid. I had one of my drives resealed, and it still happens. Happens to all my friends TRS's as well. Seems to be the way they behave... anyone else see this?
Also, is the marina and mechanic you are using very familiar with TRS? Some say they are but really aren't...
03-11-2004, 10:56 AM
#18
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Thread Starter
Thanks Jaybird -
They do say they're familiar with TRS and the trannys but I have my doubts. It is interesting about the fluid level though. Both are exactly where you stated. Right at the bottom of the stick.
I should know more Monday.
BTW what type of speed are you getting out of it with 550hp in a 311? I'd think you'd be near 80mph.
They do say they're familiar with TRS and the trannys but I have my doubts. It is interesting about the fluid level though. Both are exactly where you stated. Right at the bottom of the stick.
I should know more Monday.
BTW what type of speed are you getting out of it with 550hp in a 311? I'd think you'd be near 80mph.
03-11-2004, 12:09 PM
#19
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If you are concerned about the bill and time, ask them to pull the drive off first w/o taking it apart. Then try shifting it and see what happens. If the tranny is cooked, and you are unsure of their capabilities, I wouldn't screw around with them. Ship the tranny to a known marine trans shop, like BAM, for a rebuild plus upgrades. This stuff is "old school", and there is plenty of expertise around, so take advantage of it.
As far as speeds go, I can only guess since I haven't GPS'd it yet. I have run along side my friends Formula 382 at 76 mph on his GPS, and then proceeded to walk right past him. I'm guessing low 80's. For what it's worth (not much!!), I have put the speedo needle between 6-7 o'clock position (75 mph is around 5 o'clock, stock gauges) on flat water, no bouncy bounce. Fast enough for me! I need new props though - turning 5600 rpm.
Good luck with the repair!
As far as speeds go, I can only guess since I haven't GPS'd it yet. I have run along side my friends Formula 382 at 76 mph on his GPS, and then proceeded to walk right past him. I'm guessing low 80's. For what it's worth (not much!!), I have put the speedo needle between 6-7 o'clock position (75 mph is around 5 o'clock, stock gauges) on flat water, no bouncy bounce. Fast enough for me! I need new props though - turning 5600 rpm.
Good luck with the repair!
