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Technical Guide to Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis of GW Series Marine Gearbox

May 8, 2025 | Technical Literature | 0 comments

FOREWORD

The marine gearbox GW series manufactured by Hangzhou Advance Gearbox Group Co., Ltd, the People’s Republic of China, has been approved by the classification societies such as ABS, LR, GL, CCS etc. with good selling at􀀁home and abroad.

Thanks to their compact design and wide matching range, GW gearboxes’rated input speed is 400 ~ 1800 r·min-•, ratios2:1 ~ 6: 1 and rated transmission capacity ( N/n ) 0.257 ~ 9.25 kW / r·min-1.

GW gearboxes have 6 series, each of which has 10 models. The GWC, GWD, GWS and GWH have the function of reverse and reduction, and the GWL and GWK without reversing function. Input and output shafts -can be arranged coaxial or offset ( vertically, horizontally or diagonally ) . The gearboxes have adapted to combined design, and all running parts have been carefully designed and machined to the highest standards for less wasted fuel, smooth operation which can be fitted to most engine models.

Gearbox controller can be selected pneumatical or electrical operation with manual emergency control device. Gearbox and engine are connected by a highly flexible coupling which may be ordered on request. In generally a stand-by pump set should be prepared. When fitting to the engine, please refer to the main transmission data and the instructions in the manual. For special requirements, contact with sales and design departments.

A thorough understanding of this manual result in lengthy and satisfactory service from the gearbox, please carefully read the manual before putting the gearbox into operation and install, operate and maintain according to stipulated requirements in the manual.

Description of GW Series Gearbox

Marine Gearbox CW series cover six models. There are the GWC, GWD, GWS, GWH reverse reduction gears and the GWL and GWK reduction gears (without reversing function). The six models differ as follows :

Advance GWC
Advance GWS
Advance GWL

GWC Series

The GWC reverse reduction gear has a primary stage, a reduction stage and a reverse stage. Input and output are coaxial and have same sense of rotation.

GWS Series

As the GWD model, the GWS reverse reduction gear has no primary stage, hut a reduction and a reverse stage.

Input and output are vertically offset andhave opposite sense of rotation.

GWL Series

The GWL reduction gear “‘Ithout reverse function corresponds to the GWC model in that it has a primary and a reduction stage.

Input and output are coaxial and have the same sense of rotation.

Advance GWD
Advance GWH
Advance GWK

GWD Series

The GWD reverse reduction gear has no primary stage but a reduction and a reverse stage, either one of the clutch shafts is driven directly. Input and output are diagonally offset and have opposite sense of rotation.

GWH Series

The GWH reverse reduction gear, as GWD and GWS, has a reduction and a reverse stage, but no primary stage.

Input and output are horizontally offset and have opposite sense of rotation.

GWK Series

The GWK reduction gear has no reverse function and is of single stage design.

Input and output are vertically offset and have opposite sense of rotation.

Instructions

General Information

The gearbox i s delivered without oil.

The gearbox is coated with anti-rust oil inside, which is valid for six months when stored in a dry warehouse with moderate temperature.

The gearbox is painted on the outside, and the flange, shaft end and the surface of the flange plate on the outside of the gearbox are coated with anti-rust oil

The joints of the compressed air pipe, oil pipe and water pipe to be connected during on-site installation have been sealed with flanges or plugs.

The pipes and joints that connect or replace the gearbox must be carefully pickled and cleaned before assembly.

The direction of rotation is shown by an arrow.

If the gearbox is stored in the open air, it must be covered with a tarpaulin or a roof.

Our factory will not be held responsible for any unauthorized disassembly of the gearbox.

Maintenance

Daily: Check oil level.

Tum gap-type filter in the switch line 2一3 times.

Check the gearbox for leakages.

Check the oil pressures and temperatures.

 

Monthly: Clean the gap-type filter.

Clean the lubrication oil filter.

Check the remote control operation.

Check oil for water contact.

 

Yearly: Check all exterior screw connections.

Check the protection covering of the sea water cooler if used.

 

Oil change: Under normal service conditions, the first oil change must be after approximately 250 working hours.

Further oil changes must be completed after approximately 2000 service hours, however, not longer than 12 months.

In special conditions consult a mineral oil company.

Before filling with new oil, in accordance with the enclosed lubricant specifications, the gearbox must be cleaned with flushing­oil.

Trouble-Shooting

Possible cause:

Remedy:

Oil level is too highCorrect oil level
Lubricating oil pressure too low (insufficient cooled oil)Re-set operating oil pressure to the lowest permitted value
Gearbox is overloadedReduce input power
Operating oil pressure is too low (clutch is slipping) Excessive pump pressureRegulate operating pressure (see 2-stage valve) Clean the filter
Oil does not flow back from the outer bearing sides Bearings damagedInstallation of end covers or seal covers in such a way that the oil can flow back
Seal too tightReplace damaged bearings
——Loosen
——END——

Possible cause:

Remedy:

Wrong direction of rotationAlter engine rotation or gearbox rotation direction
Filter obstructedClean filter
Oil level too lowRefill with oil and trace cause of oil loss
The viscosity of the oil is too lowChange to an oil conforming to the ” recommended lubricants”
Oil temperature too highSee “Excessive gearbox temperature”
Suction pipe obstructedClean suction pipe
2-stage valve is defectiveReplace defective parts or the complete valve
Pump drive is defectiveRenew the pump drive
Pump wearInstall new pump
Selector position is not correctAdjust remote control operation
Wear of the oil supplyRenew oil supply
Quick release valve does not closeClean quick release valve
——END——

Possible cause:

Remedy:

Drain plug is not tightReplace the gasket and tighten drain plug Replace dipstick gasket and tighten
Dipstick connector not tightTighten all fittings
High pressure system leakingInstall a plate under the air-vent
Oil loss through the air-ventSeal with new compound and tighten all bolts :a) Renew sealsb) Install sealing cover in such a manner that the passage is free from the outer bearing side
Mating faces of the housings are not sealedReplace the cooler stem
Leakage of the shaft seals——
Oil cooler is leakmg——
——END——

When switching over, the engine threatens to stall, at this manoeuvre the engine must be “caught” by fuel admission so that the power taken from the propeller will not be larger than the engine power at this moment.

Possible cause:

Remedy:

The idling speed is too lowIncrease the idling speed
The operating pressure is too high, therefore, engagement is too quickReduce the operating pressure to normal value
The gearbox controller is defect (uncontrolled at flow to one clutch)Replace gearbox controller
Clutch plates are damagedReplace damaged clutch plates
The splines of the clutch are damagedRe-work the splines or renew the part (check at critical speed ranges)
The release springs do not workClean the clutch. Replace the springs if necessary Renew damaged seal
Pistons of the clutch are jammed, seals damaged——
——END——

Possible cause:

Remedy:

Pressure gauge defect, higher pressure shown than in realityChange pressure gauge and re-adjust oil pressure:1. Clean filter 2. Check the control stage
Control oil pressure too lowAdjust the remote control operation
Gearbox controller is not exactly in the “Ahead” position Gearbox controller defectReplace controller
Damaged propeller shaft bearingsReplace worn bearings
Linings of the clutch in the incorrect sequenceMount the clutch plates correctly
Clutch plates brokenExchange damaged plates
Sealing rings of the clutch damagedReplace with new sealing rings
The splines of the clutch are wornRe-work the teeth or renew the part. Check the installation at critical speed ranges
——END——

Possible cause:

Remedy:

The vessel is still movingWait until it’ s at a complete standstill
The propeller is being driven by a currentAdjust the remote operation
Gearbocx controller is not directly on the ” stop positionReplace gearbox controller
Defect gearbox controller (uncontrolled oil to one clutch)Renew clutch plates
Clutch plates brokenRenew seal
Seal damaged, sticking pistonRe-work the teeth or renew the part
Splines of the clutch damagedClean clutch and if required, replace spnngs
Release springs not working——
——END——

Possible cause:

Remedy:

Idle speed is within a critical rangeIncrease idling speed
Gearbox runs within the critical speed range. (The noise is not to be observed throughout the whole speed range)Avoid running the gearbox continuously in the critical range
Input flange looseTighten the flange or replace when damaged
The oil level is too low (Suction noise of the pump)Correct oil level
Suction pipe not tight. (Pump sucks in air)Tighten all fittings on the suction line
Filter choked. (Excessive pump pressure)Clean filter
Pump drive not in order.Repair damaged parts, or replace
Gearwheel damaged or looseRe-align-The whole installation
Extreme misalignment between engine and gearboxRenew damaged bearings
Gearbox bearings damagedGrind damaged area and, if necessary, replace the gear wheel
Gear wheels are damaged by foreign matterRe-tighten the gear rims
The gear rims are loosened by overloadingRe-tighten the wheels
Gear wheels are loose on the shaft due to overloadmg Propeller damagedRe-set propeller and eventually repair
Output flange is looseRe-tighten the flange and replace if damaged
Extreme misalignment on the output side of the gearboxRealign installation
——END——

Conclusion

The GW series marine gearbox is a critical component designed for durability, efficiency, and reliability in demanding maritime environments. While this guide offers a general overview of its maintenance practices and common fault diagnostics, it is important to understand that the specifics of operation, servicing intervals, and troubleshooting procedures may vary depending on the model and configuration. Therefore, for accurate and model-specific instructions, users should always refer to the official instruction manual provided with the gearbox upon delivery. This manual contains detailed guidance on installation, lubrication requirements, operational parameters, and routine maintenance schedules tailored to your particular unit.

In addition, our technical team is always ready to support you with any inquiries or special requirements you may have. For further clarification on technical specifications, spare parts, or service procedures, we encourage you to contact our sales or after-sales support personnel. They are equipped with the knowledge and resources to provide prompt and professional assistance, ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your gearbox.

We are committed to helping our customers maintain the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency. Your satisfaction and the reliability of your marine equipment are our top priorities. Thank you for choosing the GW series marine gearbox—we look forward to supporting you throughout its lifecycle.

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