DROPPED THE BOLT

[Martin610]

Well, in my first boneheaded maneuver of the season, I managed to drop the bolt to the transmission filter housing. I have the Volvo D4-260 and I believe it's the ZF transmission. I'll continue to hunt for it but it's not any place obvious. I'd like to button up the tranny filter housing. Does anyone know the spec for that bolt so I can get another one?

Appreciate any help.

-martin610

 

[JeffreyAC77]

Your best bet is to contact the parts department at Fluid Motion with your boat info, especially hull #.

 

[CaptT]

Martin, I have a 2015 28 Cutwater with the D4 260hp Volvo. My trans is the ZF 63. Fred Warner has the bolt listed on their website but, as Jeffrey said, it may be best to check with Fluid Motions. They are extremely helpful.

 

[Martin610]

I lucked out. My local HW store had one. It's metric, 30 mm long. Forget the diameter right now.

Got everything buttoned up. Despite watching the video's there were still a few things I didn't understand about this setup. The fact that it's essentially a friction fit seems a little strange. The fact that even Brian Brown had trouble getting a good seal once is truly frightening.

Now I need to hunt down that missing bolt. Not my best day.

-martin

 

[Martin610]

Thanks guys, appreciate the responses. I will contact parts and get another one. Then I'll have a spare.

Of course, now that I understand better how it works, there is really no need to back that bolt out as far as I did. Live and learn.

 

[Martin610]

Just to tie this off, I finally found the spec for the missing screw or bolt. It's a simple M8x30.

 

[knotflying]

Try frinding the bolt with a magnetic wand sweeping it under the engine and other places. You will be surprised at what other things you will pick up,

 

[Martin610]

I think the darn thing is stainless steel so a magnet won't work. I'm going to try it anyway just in case so thanks for the idea.

 

[knotflying]

Stainless will still be attracted to a magnet. Give it a shot.

 

[BB marine]

Thanks guys, appreciate the responses. I will contact parts and get another one. Then I'll have a spare.

Of course, now that I understand better how it works, there is really no need to back that bolt out as far as I did. Live and learn.

Taking the bolt out all the way is not a bad Idea. This gives you the opportunity to clean and inspect the top cover assembly and lower cover assembly. When the bolt is removed you should inspect the lower assembly threads to confirm there has not been any damage or Galling to the threads. The assembly is aluminum and the bolt is carbon steel or Stainless. I have seen a bolt threads lock up in this type of application. Recently actually! During a fellow boaters filter and oil change the bolt would not loosen at all.Removing the cover required slowly prying the cover up using the positioning tab on the cover. This took awhile to prevent damaging surfaces. Once the cover was removed we placed it in a vise with softners. The bolt was galled and would not loosen. Extreme force was used and it would not turn at all. The bolt and housing was fused. A new filter cover assembly was ordered at the cost of over 150.00 plus some next day shipping fee's attached.

During assembly apply a small amount of ATF (oil) to the threads to lubricate them. Put the assembly back together. Install the assembly with filter attached into the transmission. Push down on the cover while snugging up the bolt. Confirm it is a level fit then torque the bolt to the proper torque approx. 60 to 70 inch pounds.

Good luck finding the bolt. I would not be as concerned about finding it if you know it made its way to the bilge. It will eventually show up while cleaning the bilge. I get concerned when I drop something and have no idea where it went!