Gearbox
Found the manual for the PRM 280D gearbox and it affirmed that the oil needed to get changed. It also stated that the oil must be non-synthetic 15w40 – which I have. Found the dipstick. It looks like a bolt head on the top of the unit (among others) because it gets screwed in. I evacuated the oil via the dipstick hole and this was made a bit easier because of a hole in the mounting plate above. Nice! Although I now know that I have to take along the evacuation pump just for the gearbox oil change.
Still the dipstick hole is in a difficult place for filling the thing with oil. I used two long neck funnels and then transferred the oil from the large jug and into the gearbox using a drinking glass. It took awhile but worked out fine. I added about 2.24 liters with the extra oil being for the hoses etc. I think 2.5 came out so I may check on that after a day or so of running. Having too much is about as bad as having too little.
The only real problem I had was reading the oil level on the dipstick – clean oil on a silver/grey dipstick! I used my fingers to feel for the oil on the stick – not ideal.
Took stock of the gearbox serial number…
…and the CV coupling (SigmaDrive) serial number.
Misc
Added labels to the throttle controls to make it easier for anyone new on the boat. Could also help Valerie or the kids out if I fall off of the boat (or get a jammer) while underway with them on the boat.
Revisited the general purpose gear pump. Serviced it but also added a switch to turn it on/off. Put some WD40 in it but I suspect that it will get stuck again without use for some months.
Felt inspired to do some sewing and created a tool roll for one of the wrench collections. It will not ‘win any awards’ but this will be easier to store away. Note to self – make the back panel several inches higher than the wrenches so it can be folded over the wrenches before rolling the wrenches up.
