Sourcing a Damper Plate

[Jon W]

A little off topic, but how do you know when you need a new damper plate? Thanks for the help.

[KWKloeber]

how do you know when you need a new damper plate?

Jon,
One of the possible times is when you hear metal rattling around.
In your bell housing not your belfry.

The host of our forum has been experimenting with AI/LLM searches:
https://groups.io/g/Catalina30/llm/3a9e4fb4-452d-49fe-9b16-b543d7a72b34

[robbjd]

I'm also looking to replace the damper plate on our 1996 Universal M35A(C). I almost had mine off today before the last cap screw head stripped. Our plate is a Sachs 04 1866 052001. Thinking of going with an H&D High deflection plate.

[Jon W]

Ken, thanks for the link. In gear at idle I hear a rattle. The rattle goes away when I increase rpm slightly. Maybe the springs?

robbjd I'm trying to learn from you guys experience. Why are you looking to replace your damper plate, and what's the benefit of the H&D high deflection damper plate vs the OEM? Thanks for the help.

[robbjd]

Jon, boat is almost 30 years old and I currently have the transmission off for a rebuild. I don't want to pull the transmission again to replace the plate if and when it fails. The springs are rusty but look to be otherwise ok. The high deflection plate is what several suppliers have recommended for our boat & engine combination. I haven't purchased a replacement yet so I'm following this thread closely.
John

[Jon W]

Thanks Robb, replacing it while you're in there makes sense.