stern drive dipstick cover has stripped hole

[jazbo]

Got a problem and looking for a fix or new cover. Was checking the drive fuild level in the drive unit and low and behold, I discovered that the hole the dip stick screws into, is stripped but good. Unless anyone knows of a quick fix, I think I need to replace the Top Cover. I've searched but can't find a source for the top cover, seals, and shims. I have a 1996 Four Winns Vista with a Volvo Penta SX Cobra. Engine is VP, 5.7L GSI. Anyone can point me to fix or source for a top cover, sure would appreciate it.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: stern drive dipstick cover has stripped hole

Welcome to iboats.....
Stick around, someone will have an answer for you....​

 

[blueoval1]

Re: stern drive dipstick cover has stripped hole

Spendy , but here's one.
http://www.dougrussell.com/partscat...,2984,2985,3046,3041,3047,3048,3051,3042,2986
You might try a marine salvage yard.
I would not take the chance of trying to fix it , although a helicoil for aluminum might work.
It would worry me though. Drives HATE water!

 

[Don S]

Re: stern drive dipstick cover has stripped hole

The real problem with helicoils in they have to be absolutely straight so the oring will seal completely. Plus, the metal in the cap is only about 1/4" thick where the threads are. Not good for a 3/8 or longer helicoil.
On many boats, the dipstick isn't underwater and you could get away with it with only a slight leak when water shoshes over it. But on most, you could kill your $6000 drive.
Most Volvo dealers will probably have one or two of those caps saved from junked drives. Make sure you check and adjust the shimming between the bearing and the cap.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: stern drive dipstick cover has stripped hole

Seems this is sorta common with VP. A good friend of mine has a SX drive and had same issue. We used a keen-sert thread insert rather then a helicoil because it is solid and you can put a slight taper on it to insure the o-rind sealed properly. Removed the cover obviously and installed it using loctitie. A good idea to check th oil for water intrusion every time out for first couple times to make sure it does not leak, like Don said drive parts are not cheap.