Just finished installing a ZF15M transmission on my 2003 M35B. The motor only had 377 hours and it went out. The old transmission was a ZF10M. I had to raise the engine 10mm. I purchased a new prop coupler and had a machine shop remove 7mm from the back of the coupler. If I hadn't done that the coupler would have been to close for my comfort to the PSS drip less. The new transmission is 12mm longer. Even with cutting off 7mm of the prop coupler, the prop shaft key still fit in its full length inside the new coupler. Ran it today for about 3hrs and everything worked well. I also replaced the damper plate even though the original one look good. One little caveat with the new bigger ZF15M and the is the face plate fits on it but the two bottom bolts bolts on each side will not go in when you are ready to bolt it up to the bell housing. A little trick I learnt was insert the two bottom bolts on each side in first then mount the face plate to the transmission. That way when you are ready to bolt the transmission to the bolt you're in the game. Otherwise you have to shorten the two bottom bolts on each side. Hope this helps.
2003 Catalina 36
That's great info! Thanks for sharing.
Couple of other questions:
Where did you purchase?
Did you notice any reduction of noise ?
Did you make any prop changes?
Thanks Again!
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
I purchased the transmission and damper plate from Trans Atlantic Diesel. I ordered a new shifting control bracket from Transmission Marine, Inc. The old shifting bracket could have worked had I had the time to play with it but the new one was only $53.10 and fit right on the tranny without any work arounds.
The transmission was not all that noisy. The new one with the new damper plate was a bit quitter and it shift easy and doesn't slip anymore.
I do have a Max-Prop. I was concerned about the pitch setting. With the old transmission I was only able to get up to 2400rpms. I took a leap of faith a left the pitch alone. With the new transmission I was able to get up to 2800rpms. I have the M35B engine and the max rpm for that is 2900rpms. I can live with just 100rpms less than specs.
Should you decide to DIY don't forget to use loctite on the damper plate bolts and you'll need a stubby wrench set for the bottom two mounting bolts on each side
2003 Catalina 36
Again, really great info! Thanks for sharing.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
I moved up to the ZF15 about 3 years ago. It's been great! No problems at all. I like having a little beefier transmission than the OEM install.
Steve Bogert / Bonnie Sprague
"Wild Spirit"
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II, Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1412
Bellingham, WA