My Velvet Drive manual has quite explicit instructions on free-wheeling noting that it is temperature dependent. I suppose overheating damages seals. Here's what it says: "Short periods of free-wheeling are permissible. Extended periods of free-wheeling at high speeds may cause the transmission to overheat; therefore, it is recommended that transmission sump temperature be monitored and free-wheeling discontinued whenever 230 degrees F or 111 degrees C is reached. ... A suitable propeller locking device may be found advantageous on installations requiring extended periods of free-wheeling at high speeds." Cheers, Garrett

E16 wrote: > > My Velvet Drive manual has quite explicit instructions on free-wheeling >.. A suitable propeller locking > device may be found advantageous on installations requiring extended > periods of free-wheeling at high speeds." > To lock my Velvet Drives I keep a rather large , as in 24 inch pipe wrench, on brd. Easy on Easy off, just like on the Interstate. CCC -- Charles C. Culotta Patterson, La. 95 Miles West of New Orleans On ICW

E16 wrote:My Velvet Drive manual has quite explicit instructions on free-wheeling > noting that it is temperature dependent. I suppose overheating damages seals. > > Here's what it says: "Short periods of free-wheeling are permissible. > Extended periods of free-wheeling at high speeds may cause the transmission > to overheat; therefore, it is recommended that transmission sump > temperature be monitored and free-wheeling discontinued whenever 230 > degrees F or 111 degrees C is reached. ... A suitable propeller locking > device may be found advantageous on installations requiring extended > periods of free-wheeling at high speeds." > > Cheers, Garrett Garret, My velvet drive manual (models 10-04;04;06'13'13'17 & 10-18) states: "3.4 Freewheeling-It has been determined by tests and practical experience that all Velvet Drive marine transmissions can be freewheeled without risking damage in sailing or trolling applications. Caution should be taken to be sure that proper oil level is maintained prior to freewheeling as well as regular running. Freewheeling one propeller of a twin engine boat at trolling speeds will not cause damage to the transmission connected to the freewheeling propeller." I guess the only question remaining is "What is trolling speed? BTW - the transmission is a 1989 model on a Carver Santego 380.