Pre purchase survey 2009 R25

[FLMan]

I'd appreciate some advice on the pre-purchase survey results for a 2009 R25 with the Cummins Mercruise 2.0 QSD and Twin Disc transmission:The survey included an oil analysis. The surveyor found a "salt line" in the engine compartment and some salt residue. The oil analysis found "severe" levels of sodium in the transmission oil, along with "abnormal" level of copper. No sodium found in the engine or excess metal particulates from wear.

I'm thinking that long term, I should replace the Twin Disc transmission (model 5005A). Are these transmissions still readily available? Is a re-build a reasonable ($$) approach?

Thanks

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi FLMan,

Not much we can tell you about these engines or their parts availability, as we have not installed these for over a decade. Not sure what they mean by "severe", but I would check to see if a transmission flush is possible on these units and what another analysis would show afterward. It's always good to heed what a survey finds, but I would take any result like this with a grain of salt (no pun intended) until you get a second opinion, if warranted. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[j&lgray]

About your question about the availability of parts and service for the twin disk transmission: here in the Pacific Northwest, I found several shops that service and rebuild these units. I am hopeful that you find the same in your region.

We had a twin disk transmission on a non-Ranger Tug that we used to take to Alaska and back and boated all over the Salish Sea for five years. I was worried about the transmission soon after purchase until the service tech at the transmission shop said, "Every time you change you change the engine oil, change the transmission oil. It uses normal 30 weight and is super easy to change." That was the fix for us and the transmission was a solid performer.

Off-the-topic: We had a Ranger 25, model year 2008 (built in 2007) for 5 years and loved it (See www.laurieann-ranger25.com). Check to make sure your boat has a very beefy ground cable going from the engine to the batteries. Initially, ours did not and we had a host of strange, intermittent electrical issues. A marine electrician quickly identified the over-sight and when installed, all these annoying issues went away.

 

[peterd@btsi.tv]

I replaced the transmission on my 2009 R25. Same unit. The problem I had was that the transmission turned the prop in neutral enough to move the boat. Rebuild was quoted at about $3500 but there was some doubt as to availability of parts. I lucked out finding a new one thru Crowley Marine. At the time they indicated that 2 were available in the Chicago Mercruiser warehouse. Cost was $2600. Pretty easy to install. The unit I received had an inventory tag on it from 2011 but it was clearly new and not a spec of rust or corrosion. Be aware that this unit is better known as a Technodrive TM345A. You will find very little reference to the MG5005 number anywhere. When I got the transmission it had the Twin Disc MG5005 name plate on it.