1998 Cobalt with a bad Volvo Penta SX

biglurr54

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 14, 2011
Messages
234
Hey guys, I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 Cobalt with a bad Volvo Penta SX drive. Im not sure if its just a bad lower unit or if the whole outdrive is bad. My question for you guys is what am I looking at for repair costs and can I do it myself? I very mechanically inclined. I do all my own automotive work except wheel alignment because I dont have the machine. I also know my way around an outboard. I have absolutely no experience with I/O's and I know nothing about the Volvo Penta SX. Is it any good? What do you guys think?
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
Joined
Sep 20, 2010
Messages
5,431
Re: 1998 Cobalt with a bad Volvo Penta SX

If I were you I would goggle search remanufactured volvo drives and see what comes up, if you can do your own wheel alignments I am sure you can replace your outdrive, I know Mercruiser remanufactured parts are very available but I have never had volvo parts so I never looked. Most just assume that the outdrive is above their paygrade with your mechanical knowledge you are in good shape!

tell us more about the boat!!
 

TyeeMan

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
849
Re: 1998 Cobalt with a bad Volvo Penta SX

If you do all your own wrenching on your vehicles I'd bet you can change out an outdrive. Best advice would be to purchase a shop manual, check the I/O forum on this site, there might be some free down loads. I have 1995 Volvo Duoprop, totally different drive than yours, but if the SX is like my DP you'll love it!! I had a Mercruiser before Volvo, personally, the volvo is a better unit. Good luck.
Post some pics of your boat, , I love Cobalts!
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,138
Re: 1998 Cobalt with a bad Volvo Penta SX

Hey guys, I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 Cobalt with a bad Volvo Penta SX drive. Im not sure if its just a bad lower unit or if the whole outdrive is bad. My question for you guys is what am I looking at for repair costs and can I do it myself? I very mechanically inclined. I do all my own automotive work except wheel alignment because I dont have the machine. I also know my way around an outboard. I have absolutely no experience with I/O's and I know nothing about the Volvo Penta SX. Is it any good? What do you guys think?

Ayuh,... If ya budget 5 or 6 grand to it,...

You won't have any Surprises...
 
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