A27 transmission seal leak

[Randall]

Hurth HBW transmission rear seal is leaking when shaft is in motion. Any chance of changing seal and bearing without backing driveshaft out? Something simple to repair would be a welcome change.

Randall
1986 A27. “Meridian
North Fort Myers, Fl

[hetek]

I hate to say it but... brace yourself. You might want to sit down for what you're about to read...

I had the exact same leak with my Hurth. Long story short: The seal is only accessible after disassembling the entire box, and if I recall correctly, a full day's labor.

I pray I'm wrong for your sake. Hopefully you have a "new and improved" later model gear that doesn't need such extensive work. I have to say I was almost floored when I heard the news about mine.

I think mine was about $500 +/-, but the shop also reshimmed the end play and gave it a good bill of health.

[Randall]

Did you pull transmission yourself and the $500. + - for bench repair only? Amen to the help from above. I’m looking into parts and boatyards and also hope my Albin in one put together without the center bearing. Will investigate soon. Thanks for the information Jon. B.

Randall
1986 Albin FC “meridian”
North Fort Myers, Fl

[hetek]

It's been a couple years. The gear was on the Vetus engine I was repowering my Albin 25 with. I had not yet installed it in the boat.

I discovered the drip while I was test running the engine in my driveway. I even made a video!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4biETfTllOM

You can see in my "to do" list at the end is the "reseal gear" item. The alarm on the panel was the raw water temp sensor - since replaced.

Special cameo appearance by the original 40 year old Albin "Elastomuff" muffler, now gone.

I used LI Marine Engine and Transmission in West Babylon, NY. They do bench tests for $75. Mine needed more than a bench test.