1997 Four Winns Volvo Penta Cobra SX Outdrive question

[racindego]

Forgive me if this has been asked/answered - I couldn't find it. It may also be a newb question so take it easy on me.

I bought the mentioned boat - 1997 Four Winns Horizon 18' with a 4.3/Volvo Penta Cobra SX. I pulled the outdrive to inspect the U-joint and anticipated changing the bellows and whatever else looked like it needed to be changed. It turned out that the previous owner had very recently serviced the u-joint and bellows and they were basically new. To my surprise, though, the outdrive bolted to the swivel mount with no gasket. There is an o-ring where the coolant water passes through, but that is it. After poking around, I found this is normal/correct. So I put it all back together.

Now my question - it seems that everyone is hyper sensitive about the condition of the u-joint bellows because if it leaks, water will go into the outdrive oil. Makes sense. But if the outdrive bolts to the swivel housing with no gasket, what is stopping water from getting in through there? It seems like an easy leak, especially since it is underwater.

Am I missing something?

 

[Don S]

Re: 1997 Four Winns Volvo Penta Cobra SX Outdrive question

The nose of the outdrive seals against the bellows, that's what keeps the water out. Volvo also recommends you put grease on the nose of the drive so it slides easier and doesn't push the bellows out of place
That VW shaped oring should be replace every time the drive comes off. If it leaks air when on plane, you will get an overheat.

 

[racindego]

Re: 1997 Four Winns Volvo Penta Cobra SX Outdrive question

Got it! That makes me feel much better.

Thanks!