Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Hello gen set, goodbye transmission

As predicted the new gen set arrived on the Thursday after Memorial Day. Contrary to expectations, it took two days to install it, but by Friday night we had the ability to generate power again. Unfortunately the weather forecast for crossing Lake Ontario was not good, but it looked to be OK to cross by Thursday. so we settled in to wait a bit more.

The plan was to leave Brewerton on Wednesday to go the Oswego, NY, then cross the lake on Thursday. On Tuesday morning, Jim checked the engines as he always does before we travel. Guess what? Transmission fluid all over the engine room, not good. Once again the Ess Kay mechanic visited for consultation. This time the diagnosis was simple, we need a new transmission for the port engine.

There are two options, have the existing transmission rebuilt or buy a new transmission. Rebuilding will take at least a week and, love the irony, the transmission will have to be sent to Cleveland for the rebuild. The next boat yard down the Canal, Brewerton Boat Yard, could rebuild it but they can't schedule it for at least two weeks. The summer is slipping by rapidly. The other option, buy a new one, involves ordering, shipping by ground (too heavy for expedited shipping) and more waiting. What to do? The transmission can be purchased from Mack Boring Marine in Union, New Jersey, about 30 miles outside of New York City. The simple solution is to rent a car and drive down to New Jersey to get the transmission. The car rental is cheaper than shipping costs and the gratification is immediate, no waiting time.

So Wednesday Craig the mechanic removes the old transmission (Mack Boring gave us a $400 trade-in for it). We drive to New Jersey on Thursday, exchange the old, broken transmission for a shiny new one, and drive it back to central New York. Friday morning Craig comes aboard to install it and by 3:00 PM we are on a shakedown cruise in Oneida Lake. The weather gods favor us with a good forecast for crossing the lake on Sunday. We pull out Saturday headed for Oswego. Who cares that it is pouring rain? We are finally leaving Brewerton! Hooray!
New transmission
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3 comments:

  1. Phil and LorraineJune 14, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    Wonderful that you are on your way. Hope that you have a great sailing season!

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  2. UnknownDecember 26, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Transmission repairs can indeed burn the pockets, so it's good to know that you found a way to have your transmission replaced. That's why it's really important to look out early on for warning signs of a broken transmission, especially since it's difficult to see until it's too late. At least, you managed to push through with your trip. I hope you had fun!

    Kayla Dudley @ GeorgetownShell.com

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