Pre-Purchase Gearbox Oil Test with Elevated Metal

[Splasher]

Hi... Hoping to tap into a bit of your experience and expertise.

Purchasing an 2013 Oceanis 45. Experienced prop slip at max revs in the sea trial. I have done a lot of reading about the SD60 sail drive issues. But yesterday I received the oil sample tests back with the following results found in the gearbox - copper (66), Iron (47), Al (4), Silicon (5), Tin (2).

The recommendation was to inspect the gearbox, but I am hearing that that is not an easy thing to do.

Engine is a 2012 Yanmar 4-JH5E. SN 13477. 2344 hours.

I am concerned that the prop slip might be more of a serious issue, related to the gearbox.

I guess I am wanting to get an idea on the likelihood that I am going to be up for major engine repairs within the next 2 to 4 years, and whether I should be factoring that in to the purchase price now, or at least a percentage of it.

Any constructive feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Searles]

If the oil tested is in the g/box and drive leg ,it’s on the way out ,way to much metal in oil ,this however has no relationship to the condition of the motor,would suggest an oil analys on the motor ,sample taken when oil is hot .⛵️👍

[JimsCAL]

This sounds like the gearbox is on its way out. I would get a price on a replacement and get the offer reduced by that amount.

[SailingHarmonie]

Just to put a bit of a caveat on this, the numbers only mean something if you know when the oil was last changed. I am always highly skeptical of any SINGLE lubricate analysis. Just as an example, if this oil was last change 200 hours ago, these numbers are a red flag. If the oil in the gear bow is 1000 hours old then the number might very well be expected. Of course if the seller doesn't change his oil or just can't/won't tell you when it was last changed, that tells you something else.

I know this recommendation is no help as part of the purchase process, but if it was MY boat, I'd change the oil and resample after 10 hours, and again after 50 hours and that will give you a much better idea of whats happening inside right now.

And then there is another "but" coming... If it was my boat, with more than a few years in salt water, I'd budget for a saildrive replacement anyway. They are fragile creatures with the best of care, and ANY lack of really good maintenance just compounds that.

[JimsCAL]

To me, the comment about slip at max power during sea trials tells me there is an issue with the gearbox.

[more]

Originally Posted by Splasher

The recommendation was to inspect the gearbox, but I am hearing that that is not an easy thing to do.

Engine is a 2012 Yanmar 4-JH5E. SN 13477. 2344 hours.

I am concerned that the prop slip might be more of a serious issue, related to the gearbox.
.

how you inspect. if slip clutch must be replaced. this is easy +2000€
and only specialist can proper do this job. but becouse uper gearbo is dismanted recommended is change all oil seal,bearing,rubber seal if boat on dry.

but is possible find sometime all saildrive for 2-5000€
when i buying boat (i buying continius boat) i dont look engine ,saildrive if start buy sound i know is engine good or need replace,replace engine is more chepe easy repair ws sail,must,standing riging,hull,rudder,autopilot ecc