Transmission Re-build!

After replacing pretty much all the bearings in the v-drive over the last few days and then reinstalling it back into the boat we've come to the conclusion that this was not the only cause of the vibrations. Unfortunately, the damage extended further and has affected the transmission as well. This has proved extremely frustrating as we were up until 1 am this morning putting everything back with the hope that all would be perfect but no such luck. With much head scratching and our ears to the floor trying to locate the source of a loud knocking sound Jimmy and Roger (our Singaporean engine guru) finally came to the conclusion that it 'has' to be the bearing in the transmission.

So today it was back to the grind stone and the slow process of removing the whole gear box, taking it up to Roger's work area and breaking it down. The bearing definitely needs replacing so that's good news and the clutch plates look perfect. Unfortunately it's a holiday here on Monday so we have to wait until Tuesday before we can get the new bearing (if I ever have to see another bearing after this it will be too soon) but in the mean time we can clean everything up including the inch of grease that covers every surface in the boat... and hopefully get a full nights sleep!

Roger has been fantastic and without him we'd be paying a fortune to have a mechanic come down and do the work for us. He even took us out for some traditional Chinese food last night of chicken rice which is really popular here in Singapore...all tasted great but I had to draw the line after a mouth full of boiled chicken feet skin...enough of a cultural experience for one night and I wouldn't recommend it!!