[C320-list] KM2 Problems

[Jane & Ken]

Karl,
   I have an older hull (#219) with the perkins engine; however, it would be intesting to know where the boats with problems are located--i.e., cold/winter lay-up or warm year around usage--many problems are temperature/usage related--I remember the transistor radios used in 1960 autos basically died in the Arizona heat---who knew when the Detroit temperatures never reached 90?
   All additional information would be helpful---how many hours---how were the hours logged?  short in/out runs or long trips/full hull speed or slow motoring--adherance to the maintenance requirements--etc. 
Thanks for your effort in this quest
Ken  #219  OBUOY

--- On Sat, 7/10/10, Allan S. Field <allan.field at verizon.net> wrote:


From: Allan S. Field <allan.field at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] KM2 Problems
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 12:14 PM


Gee Karl, all this time I thought it was only my transmission.  I will try
and find some time to write something up on this but note that despite hours
of my work and 2 different Yanmar mechanics, it remains an unreliable
system.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Karl
Mielenhausen _/)
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2010 6:19 AM
To: C320IA Discussion List
Subject: [C320-list] KM2 Problems

Fellow Owners:

I am in the process of authoring an article about shifting difficulties  
with the KM2 transmission on the Yanmar 3GM engine. The intent is to  
publish same in the November Mainsheet as well as on our association  
website. Fortunately, I have not had the problem so my information is  
largely based upon a friend's experience with the same engine on his  
Hunter 34.

I would like to hear of the experiences that any of you might have had  
with this problem, incorporate them into my article, and have you critique  
what I write.

Specifically, I'm interested in:
What were your symptoms?
Did you attempt shift cable lubrication, adjustment, and/or replacement?
Did you need transmission repair (and what components were replaced)?
What was the specific damage (ex. cone scoring)
Did you receive any advice from your mechanic on probable cause of the  
hard shifting problem or transmission damage?

My friend had to have his drive cone replaced. What he has found out is  
that this is not that uncommon a problem, can happen at relatively low  
hours (800-1200), and worse yet, has no apparent owner-induced cause.
He did learn that Mack Boring (who did his work) is now recommending  
AGAINST using multiweight oil in the KM2 transmission, saying to go with  
the straight 30w (as my manual states). Torrensen stills recommends using  
the same oil as the engine.
Mack Boring also said to always sail with the transmission in neutral.  
This also is a departure from what we were always told (ie. put  
transmission in reverse) and was the subject of a poorly publicized 2008  
service bulletin...  
http://www.catalina320.com/filemgmt_data/files/MSA08-003.pdf

Your experiences are needed. Please contact me back-channel. Thanks....

Karl Mielenhausen
Catalina 320 Hull 690