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Guide · FluidVelvet Drive Transmission Fluid: What to Use and WhyUse Dexron III automatic transmission fluid, no synthetics, additives or stop-leak.
Guide · IdentifyIdentify Your Velvet Drive or ZF Transmission and RatioThe part number prefix tells you the series (1017=71C, 1018=72C, 1004/1005=V-drive, 1013/1014=CR-2, 2001/20...
Guide · RebuildsHow We Rebuild a Marine TransmissionFull teardown and inspection, a brand new pump on every transmission, cleanup and primer, then an hour and...
Guide · CoolersWhen to Replace Your Transmission CoolerReplace the transmission cooler about every 5 years in fresh water or the Great Lakes and every 2 years in...
Guide · Buying a boatBuying a Boat with a V-Drive? Read This FirstCast-iron Velvet Drive V-drives (1004/1005 series) are obsolete.
Guide · RotationChanging Pump Rotation on a Velvet DriveLoosen the pump bolts, tap the pump loose, rotate it 180 degrees, and reinsert the bolts.
Guide · MaintenanceVelvet Drive Maintenance by ModelEvery Velvet Drive needs Dexron III fluid, a cooler replaced on time, a clean coupling face and patient shi...
Guide · Part numbersBorg Warner to Velvet Drive Part Number Cross-ReferenceOn a cast-iron Velvet Drive, the number starts with 10-17 (71C in-line), 10-18 (72C in-line), 10-04 (71C V-... Browse by model
ParagonService and rebuildsRead the guide →
▶ 10 videos
CR-21013 / 1014-xxxShop parts →
Series guide▶ 13 videos
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71/72 Front Seals Blowing Out: OEM vs. Aftermarket PumpsChris has never had a current Velvet Drive 71/72 pump blow its front seal: it has a guard and the seal is pressed in...Collapsible vs. Solid Output Shaft SpacersSome late-70s and early-80s Velvet Drives used a collapsible output spacer crushed at the factory to set torque.Creeping Neutral and Selector Valve ProblemsA little creep in neutral on an old Velvet Drive that stops when you hold it can be normal.Don't Paint the Coupling FaceYou're only allowed 3 to 5 thousandths between the transmission coupling and the prop shaft coupling.Finding and Fixing Transmission LeaksTrace a leak to its source with gray primer or baby powder before fixing anything.Impact Damage vs. Normal WearNormal wear leaves indentations where steel plates ride on the clutch gear teeth.Lost Reverse: Overheated or Shattered Reverse ClutchesLost reverse in a 71/72 series Velvet Drive is usually shattered reverse plates that take out the springs, most often...Low Transmission Pressure: Causes and FixesWhen a Velvet Drive shows low or no pressure, look at the selector valve.Output Nut Backing Off: Coupling DamageA backed-off output coupling nut lets the coupling move in and out and cut a groove in the bearing.Overheating Transmissions: Signs and CausesOverheating leaves signs: bluing, burnt or welded clutch plates, graphite in the clutch drum, a melted baffle, a brit...Paper vs. Bronze Clutch PlatesBorg Warner used paper clutch plates in Velvet Drives from about 1980 to the mid-80s; bronze is used today.Pink or Milky Transmission Fluid: Water ContaminationPink, red or milky fluid means water got into the transmission.Running a Velvet Drive in Reverse for ForwardDon't run a cast-iron 71/72 series Velvet Drive in reverse to go forward; it melts and destroys the gears.Snap Rings Installed Wrong: What Goes WrongSnap rings have an up side and a down side and a specific spot in the clutch pack: two on a 71 series, three on a 72.The Five-Second Shifting Rule for Marine TransmissionsTake five seconds going from forward to neutral to reverse and you'll never break the reverse clutches.Transmission Filter Locations by ModelFilter service depends on the model: the ZF63IV has a drain plug and the ZF63A doesn't (pull the filter to drain); ZF...
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