Velvet Drive / Borg Warner Steel Forward Clutch Plate 3-176 | 71C / 72C Transmission
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Part Details
- Part Number: 3-176
- SKU: 1016-166-001
- Aftermarket Cross-Reference: 023701
- Brand: Borg Warner / Velvet Drive
- Official Product Type: Steel Forward Clutch Plate
- Supersedes: No known previous number — 3-176 is the current active reference
- Replaced By: No further supersession identified
- System: Marine Transmission — Forward Clutch Pack
- Diagram Position: Alternates with friction clutch plates inside the forward clutch pack; positioned between the clutch drum and pressure plate
- Thickness (approx.): 0.068 in. / 1.73 mm
- Construction: Flat steel
- Weight (approx.): ~100 g / ~0.22 lb (individual plate)
What This Part Does
The 3-176 is a steel clutch plate used inside the forward clutch pack of selected Velvet Drive marine transmissions. It alternates with friction plates to transmit engine power through the transmission when forward gear is engaged. Steel plates must be flat and within specification to maintain consistent clutch engagement — warped or heat-damaged plates cause slippage, delayed engagement, and overheating.
Compatible Applications
Documented fitment for Borg Warner / Velvet Drive marine transmissions. Always confirm the complete transmission model and serial number from the ID tag before ordering. Quantity required varies by transmission model.
- Velvet Drive 71C / 10-17 — typically 4 steel plates required per forward clutch pack
- Velvet Drive 72C / 10-18 — typically 6 steel plates required per forward clutch pack
- Velvet Drive 1004
- Velvet Drive 1005
- Velvet Drive 1013
- Velvet Drive 1014
- Velvet Drive 1017
- Velvet Drive 1018
- Selected MerCruiser II-TR / S transmission applications
Fitment & Quantity Notice
Confirm the complete Velvet Drive transmission model and identification number from the ID tag before ordering. Borg Warner used different forward and reverse clutch-plate combinations across models, reduction ratios, and production generations. The required quantity of 3-176 plates varies between 71C and 72C assemblies.
Important: Do not confuse the 3-176 forward steel plate with similarly shaped reverse clutch plates such as 72-176 — these are different components used in different clutch packs within the same transmission.
Borg Warner service documentation shows 3-176 steel plates working alongside 5C-A66A friction plates in applicable 71C / 72C forward clutch assemblies. When replacing steel plates, inspect and replace friction plates at the same time.
Cross-Reference / Alternate Part Numbers
- Borg Warner / Velvet Drive: 3-176
- Aftermarket: 023701
When This Part Needs Replacement
Inspect all steel clutch plates whenever the forward clutch pack is disassembled. Replace any plate showing:
- Heat discoloration or blueing
- Warping or distortion out of flat
- Deep scoring or grooves on the friction surface
- Excessive thinning or thickness outside the service specification
- Corrosion or pitting
- Damage caused by deteriorated friction plate material
Worn or warped steel plates contribute to clutch slippage, delayed gear engagement, overheating, and inconsistent transmission operation.
Installation Notes
- Confirm the correct number of steel and friction plates per the Velvet Drive service manual for your specific transmission model before assembly
- Check each steel plate for flatness on a known-flat surface; discard any plate that does not lay flat
- Measure plate thickness against the applicable service specification
- Replace the full set of friction plates at the same time — mixing old friction plates with new steel plates accelerates wear
- Inspect the clutch drum, hub, and snap rings for wear or damage
- Set clutch-pack clearance according to the Velvet Drive service manual for your model
- Refer to the applicable Velvet Drive / Borg Warner service manual for complete overhaul specifications and torque values
Related Parts
- Velvet Drive Neutral Safety Switch Update Kit 1004-420-052 — 71C / 72C safety switch service kit
- Velvet Drive 71C Forward Piston Housing Bearing B107A — forward piston housing bearing for 71C / 1017
- Velvet Drive 71C Reduction Main Shaft AS2-L4-2 — main shaft for 71C / 1017 reduction applications
- Velvet Drive C80-074 Damper Plate — damper plate for Velvet Drive transmission applications
- Browse all Transmission Parts & Components
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: The 3-176 is the right part when you are rebuilding the forward clutch pack in a Velvet Drive 71C or 72C transmission and need to replace steel plates that are warped, discolored from heat, or worn beyond specification. The most important step before ordering is to pull the transmission ID tag and confirm the exact model — this determines how many plates are required. Ordering a single plate is common when one is damaged; ordering a full set is best practice during a complete overhaul.
Common issue: The most frequent mistake is ordering without confirming the quantity or confusing the 3-176 forward steel plate with the reverse steel plate (72-176). Both are flat steel plates that look nearly identical, but they belong to different clutch packs. Always identify the plate by the clutch pack it came from and the Velvet Drive service documentation for your specific transmission model before ordering replacements.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
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If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
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