07 vtx v-drive and trans question

[Vtxdave]

I've noticed a couple times while pulling someone surfing it feels like the boat has a neutral/ no propulsion feeling to it. It only happens for a split second and maby only a couple time a day if that much. I changed both my trans and vdrive fluid about 20 hours ago and it has done it a couple times before I changed it also. I used dextron 3 as specified in the manual and I have verified both fluid levels to be correct. I just checked both fluid levels again and noticed when I unscred the dipstick that both units have pressure built up in them. I can see vents for both units and am about to take them out to check and see if I can tell why they are allowing pressure to build up. I did notice some sparkle in the vdrive fluid which has me scared. I just wanted to get anybodies opinion on what could be causing the neutral feeling

[Ndawg12]

Not alot of help, but I get pressure on mine as well, I'm hoping/thinking that's normal.

[Vtxdave]

Ok well at least that part is ok then. Just don't get why they have vent caps tho. Big thanks Ndawg12 for checking

[Falko]

Is it drive train slip or ignition cut out? I get a chug once in a while pulling slow. I kind of attributed that to loading the engine and getting a misfire or fuel line bubble, or something I don't have a clue on.

[Vtxdave]

It's definitely drive train slip. I should mention the first time it ever did it I was full surf ballast heading in to the dock which wasn't far from where I was to pick up a friend. I gave it more throttle than I should to go faster (about 14 mph) and it did it. It was very very noticeable the first time and lasted more than a split second. I eased off I the throttle and it never did it again that day but has done it every day after that. It only does it when surfing and I have a tone of ballast in the boat. I'm scared the vdrive unit is the culprit being it has sparkles in the fresh fluid. I have no clue how the unit works or it transfers power

[justgary]

Are you sure that it isn't just cavitation?

[Vtxdave]

Not sure. I have heard of low fluid level causing a slipping feeling. I want to know how the internals work. Is it like a automatic transmission and has a clutch pack for forward and reverse?

[Vtxdave]

Ok I have the zf 45 iv. It's a simple auto trans with a typical auto trans pump, 1 clutch pack for forward, and 1 clutch pack for reverse. When I performed the fluid service earlier in the year I did not clean or check the filter. The fluid looked new tho and no burnt or discoloration so I doubt is will be dirty at all but I'm going to change fluid again and clean filter. I figure what is happening and causing my slip condition is the forward clutch pack might have some wear due to the amount of weight I run in the boat. I only have 190 hours on it which isn't bad for a 07. I'm gonna try and run it the rest of the season and I doubt it will fail or give me any big problems since it doesn't do it often. I did find a repair manual online that give complete rebuild instructions and it looks about like rebuilding a power glide trans only simpler. I found a forward clutch kit for 300 so when or if it ever fails I'll just pull it out myself and rebuild it. Way better than spending 2000 on a new one

[Michigan boarder]

Do you have a spare prop? How long have you owned the boat? It could just be that you need a fatter prop.

[Vtxdave]

I bought it last October and got an amazing deal on it, so haven't had it to long. I have a 1235 on it right now. I do have a spare prop but it's got a ding in it I need to get fixed before I put it back on. The guy that had it before me never surfed all he did was wakeboard.