Installation Tips

RICE MARINE, INC.
YOUR MARINE TRANSMISSION SOURCE

Installation Tips

RICE MARINE, INC.
2221 Magnolia Drive
DeLand, Florida, 32724
386-717-5225
Service@boatgears.net

BASIC INSTALLATION TIPS
for
New and Rebuilt Marine Transmissions

A. Pre-Installation:

1. Check the Damper Plate* (located on the engine flywheel inside the bell housing) for worn spline
coupling, looseness of center hub and loose or damaged springs. Replace if there are any defects.

2. Flush oil cooler hoses and inspect for defects. Replace if necessary.

3. Replace the transmission fluid cooler* (required by transmission warranty). Boats operated in
very warm water, at high RPM or under heavy loads may require a larger cooler.

   4. Insure that the cooler is located after the water filter and ahead of the engine cooler.

   5. Check the water pump impeller. Replace if worn or damaged. Proper water flow  is critical for for
       both the engine and transmission.

   6. If not already equipped, consider installing a heat alarm* on your transmission. If the ATF exceeds
       190 F (88 C) the anti-foaming agent starts to break down. Foam in the fluid causes loss of pressure
       in the hydraulic system leading to clutch plate slip and heat damage. While motor oil doesn't have
       an anti-foaming agent heat alarms are also recommended for units using motor oil as heat buildup
       is a sure sign of pending transmission trouble.

7. Check the prop shaft for looseness or binding. Most noise that seems to come from the transmission
is actually from the prop shaft, damper plate or the engine.

B. Installation:

   1. Insure that the transmission fluid pump is correctly matched to the engine rotation.
       THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT OPERATE IF THE PUMP IS NOT SET FOR THE SAME
       ROTATION AS THE ENGINE!

   2. DO NOT paint the output flange surface that mates to the porp shaft coupling.

   3. Insure the transmission is supported during installation so that no weight or twisting force is placed
       on the damper plate hub. It not designed to hold the weight of a transmission and is easily damaged.

   4. Insure that shift controls at all stations move the Fwd-Neu-Rev shift lever on the transmission to the
       exact positions indicated by the detent or pin stops on the transmission.

   5. To prevent damage to the output shaft oil seal and bearing insure that the alignment of the prop
       shaft coupling and transmission coupling is within .003 inch or better. Alignment must be done with
       the boat in the water! Thirty-six (36) to fourty-eight (48) hours (48 is better) should be allowed for
       the hull to resume proper shape after being hauled.

.
6. Fill the transmission with new Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or oil, of the type recommended
by the transmission manufacturer, to the top (hot) mark on the dipstick.

       Start engine, run at low idle for 10 seconds, stop engine and refill to mark. Start the engine and at
       low idle place in forward for 15 seconds, return to neutral at least 5 seconds and place in reverse for
       15 seconds, return to neutral, stop engine and check fluid level. Repeat until there is no change in
       fluid level then run in neutral at idle speed while checking for leaks. This procedure will insure proper
       lubrication of the transmission during the initial fill and check out.

For specific installation tips relating to your brand of marine transmission see your factory supplied info
or go to one of the following: