Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:51pm

Hi, Does anybody know anything about an old Coventry Victor twin diesel with UPRIGHT cylinders? It starts and runs but the gearbox does'nt work. I have an engine number: COMO/383/L2260. If you can help I would be very grateful!

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:55pm

I am sorry but I have no inexpedience of those engines and I doubt many of our readers have either but I do know people who might know can be contacted on the Canalworld forum. www.canalworld.net. They may ask you for photos so they can identify the gearbox. I suspect it is a planet gear gearbox and they usually have adjustments for the ahead and astern gear but where and how I don't know. You will also need to tell them more that "the gearbox doesn't work. Does the leaver move t each position? Does the lever feel a sf t goes into gear but the shaft won't drive indicating slipping clutches and so on.

Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2020 12:27pm

Since my last reply I have been searching the net and it seems much as I suspected it is a common type (not make or model) of gearbox from that time so I may be able to help you. As I indicated more information about the exact symptoms are needed and to be sure I need photos of the gearbox sowing both sides and the top. Please email them to me directly - Tony@tb-training.co.uk

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:51pm

I have found a photo of an vertical Coventry Victor with a TMP hydraulic gearbox attached and if your box is one of those a lack of gearbox oil will prevent it operating. I can't be sure without photos.

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 12:56pm

Thank you very much for all your research. As soon as I can get down to the boat I'll photograph the gearbox. The selector does move albeit reluctantly! One thing I did notice was the oil does not look like ATF hydraulic fluid.

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:26pm

Thanks, I await the photos with interest. ATF is not often used in gearboxes. The ones I know are Hurth and PRM mechanical boxes but they are too new for your engine and Borg Warner Velvet Drive. That one is probably old enough but I don't think it would be fitted to your engine. Most use engine oil and very few (Lister) use EP80 gear oil. There is a good chance that you have a reduction box on the end of your gearbox and if so that will have oil in it as well. The reduction box (if fitted) might use gear oil.

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2020 3:31pm

To wrap this topic up I have been in email correspondence with this reader and he has sent me photos. They seem to show a non-marine gearbox that is unlikely to be contemporary with the engine.and from elsewhere there is a suggestion it may be off a mower or small road roller. I have given the OP some checks to do to help decide the next step but Covid restrictions seems to have got in the way so I wait more photos and info.