Paragon SAOD Problems.

[Henri Hali]

Thanks again to all of you as I work through this "Project".

As Gardner said I could not loosen the 3/16 Allen nuts with a standard Allen Key. Purchased a 3/8 socket type at my local NAPA, and was able to remove it without incident.
I now see how the gizmo works! The springs absorb the energy by compressing as the engine turns.
The springs in mime are loose enough to turn. Is that the sign the unit needs to be replaced? Or is there something else I should look for?

Henri Hali
Windrider

[SailingSeaDragon]

Henri,

If you can move the springs, then you need to replace the damper plate. The springs should be tight in their sets.

Garner

[Henri Hali]

Gardner,
Thanks for the response.
I've been intouch with the Perkins dealer in Upstate NY. They're checking to see if they can get the damper for me.
Would you know if the damper is common in all Perkins engines or are they one of the "marinized" items? Hopefuly its the first.

Henri

[SailingSeaDragon]

Henri

My understnding is that the same plate is used in both marine and nonmarine applications. I was directed to a tranmission shop that stocked parts for Perkins by two Westerbeke dealers.

Garner

[wedelstein]

I think that on the Westerbeake 40 they use the same damper plate for the paragon as the velvet drive. It looks like they modified the paragon to mount the same manner. It should be a standard item. Make the number of splines is correct.

[Henri Hali]

Hey Garner;
I was just informed by Thorton Marine that the Damper plate for my Paragon SOAD is no longer available.
I noticed in your web page your Paragon is PM10L. From looking at the photos it appears to be hydraulic, or are the hoses for cooling the transmission? (So many variables!!!)

I measured the diameter of my transmission input spline and as best as I can tell its diameter is 1 1/4 inch. Do you know if that's the same as yours?

Maybe I'll get lucky!!!!!

Henri

[SailingSeaDragon]

Henri,

Yes it is a hydraulic... The local Westerbeke dealer told me there are only 4 or 5 different damper plates used on Westerbeke engines and they suggested that I go to the American Transmission for parts.. Dave Layman is very knowledgable about transmissions & drives used with Westerbeke/Perkins.

I do not know what size shaft I have, but call Dave (420-956-2100) he is very helpful.. Also, he carries parts for the Walter V-drive if you need those...

Garner

[Henri Hali]

Thanks Garner, I'll call him tomorrow

[Henri Hali]

Garner:

Just a quick update on my transmission.
I spoke Dave Layman at American Transmissions and sent my SAOD and Damper plate to him about a week and a half ago. He said he'd call me when he's had a chance to look at it.
Sounds like a good guy.
Thanks for the suggestion and all the other input.

I'll keep you posted.

Henri

[Henri Hali]

Well guys and gals I think my transmission saga is over.
Dave at American Transmission returned my tranny and debited my Visa card for $2450.00.
(This included $186.00 for the new Damper Plate) While waiting, I investigated other sources for the Damper. Contrary to my first posting, they are readily available from several sources. If you're in the market get on the Internet or call Hamilton Marine in Portland Maine.
My experience with Dave was mixed. It took three phone calls over the span of a month to get things moving. The excuses reminded me of some homework my dog chewed up when I was a young pup. I wonder if my teacher's reaction was the same as mine was with Dave. He asked what color I wanted it painted I said "red" and got it back "distressed red". IE he sent it back unpainted. An oversight? Perhaps. I'll know better next May when I try it out.
Being a bit of a control freak, perhaps my angst was in part due to the distance of his shop. It would have been nice to see the process in person.

I'll let you all know how I make out next spring. In the mean time, Happy New Year everyone!

Henri Hali
SV Windrider

[gordo]

Hi Everybody

My paragon started groaning in reverse, so I've been rebuilding it in my basement. I was able to get all the parts from Transmission Marine in Ft Lauderdale. They UPS's everything I needed up to My house in VT.
Very quick service and quite reasonable prices.
The rebuild  has been a bit  daunting but it is all back together and I just shipped it down to Fl.

I bought a damper plate on e-bay. I not sure if it fits, but it has the right # of splines and slides on the transmission OK. There is one more plate on e-bay for sale at $55. I'm going to put it on next week. So if anyone is interested e-mail me and let you know if the damper works.

Gordon on "Osprey"   hull # 393

[Henri Hali]

Hi all!

Well as I said in my last posting back in December, I'm updating you on my rebuilt transmission.
I reinstalled my Paragon SAOD and launched Windrider this past week. Having previous experience doing this it took less than two hours.
While secured to the dock I tested the trans and found it very hard to snap into forward. I did not feel comfortable with this so I adjusted it to the point where it shifted easier. All went well at the dock and I was able to get her into forward and reverse.
So far so good.
We motored out to my mooring which is a few miles down river and all seems well

[Henri Hali]

Oops pressed the send button to soon!
To finish my posting.......
... and all seemed well.  After securing the boat on the mooring I did a visual check and found the upper housing  of the trans to be warm to the touch and the lower part quite a lot warmer, almost uncomfortable to touch. Since this was the symptom that led me to having it rebuilt in the first place I'm a bit sensitive to the heat.
Before getting on the horn with American Transmissions I'd like to ask those of you who have the SOAD if this is a normal condition.  Your response will be greatly appreciated.

Henri Hali
SV Windrider

[zaya]

yes it does get hot and it is normal.
as long it is not slipping you should be fine.
phil

[graemek]

HI
  mine gets hot cup of coffee sort of temp,to hot to hold hand on for to long'mine was rebuilt 2 years ago and has clocked 370 hours ! since,just changed the oil and looks ok,no metal dust ect
hope this is of help,ocean pilgrim