Twin Disc MG516 Rebuilt Marine Transmission – Comprehensive Guide

June 2, 2025

Overview


Twin Disc MG516 Ratios for Sale


Key Features and Benefits


Engine Compatibility for the Twin Disc MG516


Confirmed Compatible Engines


Additional Compatible Engines


Compatibility Considerations


SAE Housing and Installation Details


Duty Classification Performance Information


Installation and Maintenance


Service Classifications


Important Notice


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Twin Disc MG516 Rebuilt Marine Transmission – Comprehensive Guide

50 Frequently Asked Questions About the Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

April 1, 2025

Introduction


A. General and Specifications


1. What is the Twin Disc MG516 marine gear?


2. What’s the difference between MG516 and MG5161?


3. What is the typical gear ratio?


 


4. What is the dry weight of the MG516?


5. What are the overall dimensions?


6. What is the recommended operating oil pressure?


7. What is the oil capacity?


B. Operation


8. Can it be shifted under load?


9. How is it controlled?


10. Does it have a neutral position?


11. What type of vessel is it best for?


12. Is it suitable for twin engine applications?


C. Oil and Fluid Management


13. What type of oil should I use?


14. Can I use synthetic oil?


15. How often should the oil be changed?


16. How do I check the oil level?


17. What if the oil is milky?


D. Maintenance & Inspection


18. How often should I replace the oil filter?


19. What’s the best way to inspect clutch wear?


20. Should I use additives?


21. What are signs of cooler failure?


22. How do I rotate the shaft in storage?


23. How do I winterize the MG516?


E. Troubleshooting


24. Why does the transmission slip in gear?


25. Why is there a delay when shifting?


26. What does it mean if there's no drive in forward or reverse?


27. My oil is foamy—what should I do?


28. What causes high transmission temps?


29. Why does the transmission vibrate under load?


30. I have pressure in neutral, but none in gear—why?


F. Valve & Control System


31. What type of solenoid is used?


32. How do I test a solenoid?


33. Can the MG516 be manually shifted?


34. Why are shifts jerky?


G. Rebuild & Replacement


35. When should I rebuild the MG516?


36. What does a rebuild include?


37. How long does a rebuild take?


38. When should I replace rather than rebuild?


39. Where can I buy a rebuild kit?


40. Do I need special tools for rebuild?


H. Storage and Lay-Up


41. How do I store the MG516 for long periods?


42. Should I remove the cooler during storage?


43. Can I store the MG516 outdoors?


44. How do I recommission after storage?


I. Parts & Sourcing


45. Where can I get replacement filters?


46. Do I need the transmission serial number?


47. Are aftermarket parts as good as OEM?


48. Can I upgrade the MG516 for higher output?


J. Performance and Upkeep


49. How long does the MG516 last?


50. What’s the best way to extend service life?


Final Word


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50 Frequently Asked Questions About the Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

Storage, Preservation & Long-Term Maintenance for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

April 1, 2025

Introduction


Preparing for Long-Term Lay-Up


Step-by-Step: Storage Preparation Process


✅ 1. Perform a Final Operation Test


✅ 2. Drain or Replace Oil


Option B: Fill with Clean Preservative Oil (Wet Storage)


✅ 3. Fogging and Internal Coating (Optional but Recommended)


✅ 4. Seal External Ports


✅ 5. Inspect and Protect External Surfaces


✅ 6. Mounting and Support


Fluid Recommendations and Corrosion Prevention


Preferred Storage Oil Types


Anti-Corrosion Additives


Cooler and Line Considerations


Periodic Maintenance During Storage


Weekly (Short-Term Storage Only)


Monthly


Quarterly


Annual


Additional Tips for Preserving the MG516 in Storage


Climate Control Considerations


Shaft Seal Protection


Electronic System Storage (if applicable)


Tagging and Documentation


Recommissioning After Storage


✅ 1. Inspect Exterior and Connections


✅ 2. Drain and Refill With Operational Oil


✅ 3. Install New Filter


✅ 4. Rotate Shaft Manually


✅ 5. Check Shaft Seals


✅ 6. Reconnect Cooler Lines and Prime


✅ 7. Conduct Initial Start-Up


✅ 8. Load Test


Summary: Storage, Preservation & Long-Term Maintenance for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


Key Takeaways:


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Storage, Preservation & Long-Term Maintenance for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

Troubleshooting Guide for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

April 1, 2025

Introduction


Common Symptoms and Causes


⚠️ 1. No Drive in Forward or Reverse


⚠️ 2. Slipping in Gear


Common Causes:


⚠️ 3. Delayed Engagement


⚠️ 4. Overheating Oil


⚠️ 5. No Reverse or No Forward Only


Diagnostic Tips: Pressure Testing and Performance Indicators


Step 1: Check Oil Level and Condition


Step 2: Read Hydraulic Pressure


Step 3: Shift Function Test


Step 4: Listen and Feel


Step 5: Inspect Filters and Coolers


Step 6: Check Electronic Inputs (if equipped)


Step 7: Check Linkage (Manual Units)


Interpreting Pressure Behavior


When to Call a Specialist


Call a Twin Disc Specialist or Rebuilder If:


Summary Diagnostic Flowchart


Real-World Troubleshooting Examples


Case 1: Charter Boat With No Drive


Case 2: Workboat with Slipping Forward


Case 3: Intermittent Delay in Reverse


Preventative Tips to Reduce Downtime


Recommended Troubleshooting Tools


Final Takeaway: Troubleshooting the MG516 Is a Step-by-Step Process


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Troubleshooting Guide for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

Recommended Spare Parts and Kits for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

April 1, 2025

 


Introduction


Rebuild Kits for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


What Is a Rebuild Kit?


What’s Typically Included in an MG516 Rebuild Kit?


Types of Rebuild Kits Available


Why Use a Pre-Packaged Kit?


Where to Buy MG516 Rebuild Kits


Commonly Replaced Parts for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


1. Filters


2. Gasket Sets


 


3. Shaft Seals


4. Clutch Friction and Steel Plates


5. Control Valve Components


6. Bearings and Thrust Washers


When to Replace vs Rebuild a Twin Disc MG516


Rebuild the MG516 When:


Replace the MG516 When


Cost Comparison: Rebuild vs Replacement


Downtime Considerations


Rebuild Lead Time


Replacement Lead Time


Maintenance Stock Recommendations for MG516 Operators


Emergency Spare Parts


Long-Term Support Inventory


Quality Considerations: OEM vs Aftermarket


OEM (Twin Disc)


Aftermarket (Diesel Pro Power)


Tips for Successful Rebuild Planning


Summary: Recommended Spare Parts and Kits for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


Key Takeaways:


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Recommended Spare Parts and Kits for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

Reassembly Tips and Best Practices for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear

April 1, 2025

Introduction


Torque Specifications for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


Why Torque Specifications Matter


General Torque Guidelines (Typical MG516 Values)


Component


Torque Specification


Using a Torque Wrench Correctly


Torque Sequencing Examples


Fastener Cleaning and Preparation


Use of Gasket Sealant and RTV for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


Why Sealants Are Critical


Types of Sealants Used in MG516 Service


Sealant Type


Use Case


Best Practices: Using Gasket Sealants on MG516


Common Sealant Mistakes to Avoid


Pre-Startup Checks for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


Pre-Startup Inspection Categories


Step-by-Step Final Inspection Checklist


✅ 1. Confirm All Fasteners Are Torqued

✅ 2. Oil Filled to Proper Level

✅ 3. New Filter Installed and Primed

✅ 4. Control Valve and Solenoids Connected

✅ 5. Rotate Transmission Manually (If Possible)

✅ 6. Inspect Seals and Breathers

✅ 7. Verify Alignment with Prop Shaft

✅ 8. Setup for Initial Start

Initial Startup Procedure


Pressure and Temperature Monitoring


Post-Startup Torque Recheck


Real-World Reassembly Oversights and Lessons


Example 1: Leaking Flange After Sea Trial


Example 2: Oil Starvation at Startup


Example 3: No Reverse After Rebuild


Final 30-Point Reassembly and Startup Checklist


Summary: Reassembly Tips and Best Practices for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear


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Reassembly Tips and Best Practices for Twin Disc MG516 Marine Gear