Question 1

What are common signs of a failing marine transmission?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Slipping gears, delayed shifting, grinding noises, or difficulty going into forward or reverse are all signs your transmission may need service. We diagnose and repair gearboxes for smooth, reliable operation.

Question 2

Do you repair both inboard and sterndrive marine transmissions?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Yes – we service inboard transmissions like ZF, Velvet Drive, and Borg Warner, as well as Bravo and Alpha sterndrives. From fluid leaks to gear damage, we’ve got you covered.

Question 3

Can old or contaminated transmission fluid cause damage?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Dirty or low fluid leads to overheating and premature wear. We flush the system, inspect seals and coolers, and refill with marine-grade ATF to restore performance and protect your drivetrain.

Question 4

How much does marine transmission repair usually cost?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Basic repairs like seal replacement start at $300. Full transmission rebuilds range from $1,200–$3,000 depending on the model, damage, and parts required. We provide free diagnostics with repair.

Question 5

Why does my boat jerk when shifting into gear?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Harsh or jerky shifts can be caused by worn clutch packs, misaligned shafts, or hydraulic pressure loss. We’ll pinpoint the cause and ensure your boat shifts smoothly and safely.

Question 6

Do you offer mobile transmission diagnostics at the dock?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Yes – we perform on-site transmission testing and fluid checks across all Los Angeles and Orange County marinas. Whether it’s a minor leak or a full rebuild, we’ll diagnose it right at your slip.

Question 7

Do you service marine transmissions for Volvo Penta and MerCruiser?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Definitely. We repair and rebuild transmissions for Volvo Penta, MerCruiser, Yanmar, ZF, and more. We use OEM or top-tier aftermarket parts to ensure long-term reliability.

Question 8

What is a marine gearbox cooler and why does it need cleaning?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

A marine gearbox cooler regulates transmission oil temperature using seawater. Over time, salt, debris, and marine growth can restrict flow, leading to overheating. Regular cleaning ensures proper cooling and protects the gearbox.

Question 9

What problems can a clogged gearbox cooler cause?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

A clogged cooler can cause high transmission temperatures, slipping gears, contaminated oil, and premature gearbox failure. Early cleaning helps avoid expensive transmission repairs.

Question 10

What does gearbox cooler cleaning include?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

The service includes removing the cooler, flushing internal passages, clearing salt and debris, inspecting fittings, and reinstalling the unit to restore proper cooling performance.

Question 11

Why is pressure testing the gearbox cooler important?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Pressure testing checks for internal leaks that could allow seawater into the transmission oil. Detecting leaks early prevents oil contamination and serious gearbox damage.

Question 12

How often should a gearbox cooler be cleaned and tested?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We recommend inspection and cleaning every 100–200 engine hours or annually, especially for boats operating in saltwater or warm environments.

Question 13

Can this service extend the life of my marine transmission?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Yes, maintaining clean cooling passages and leak-free operation reduces heat stress and oil contamination, significantly extending gearbox and transmission lifespan.

Question 14

Do you inspect transmission oil during the service?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We inspect transmission oil for signs of water intrusion or overheating and provide recommendations if fluid replacement or further service is needed.

Question 15

What is a damper plate and what does it do?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

A damper plate is mounted between the engine and transmission and absorbs engine vibration and shock. It protects the drivetrain and reduces rattling noises, especially at idle and low RPMs.

Question 16

What are the symptoms of a failing damper plate?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include rattling or clunking noises at idle, vibration when shifting gears, and harsh engagement into forward or reverse. Ignoring these signs can lead to transmission damage.

Question 17

Can a bad damper plate damage my transmission?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Yes. A worn damper plate allows excessive shock to transfer directly into the transmission, which can cause premature wear or failure of internal gearbox components.

Question 18

How do you confirm that the damper plate needs replacement?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We inspect for noise patterns, check drivetrain alignment, and verify play between the engine and transmission. In many cases, the damper plate condition can only be confirmed once the transmission is removed.

Question 19

How long does damper plate replacement take?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Most damper plate replacements take one full day, depending on engine access and configuration. We also inspect mounts, alignment, and coupler components during the process.

Question 20

Do you replace the damper plate with OEM or upgraded parts?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We install OEM or heavy-duty marine-grade damper plates designed for your engine and drive type. Upgraded plates are available for higher torque engines or heavy-use applications.

Transmission repair boat

Keep your boat running smoothly with our top-notch transmission repair services. Whether you are experiencing issues with shifting, noise, or performance, our expert technicians have the experience and know-how to diagnose and fix any transmission problem your boat may have.