How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

[BowTieGuy]

I'm looking a buying a 2000 Galstron GX 205 S/F with a 5.0 volvo drive system. I was wondering if you experts could give info on what to inspect before I buy it. I will only be hearing it run on the muffs, so I am already taking a risk. I know I should check the engine oil for water, and listen for any weird sounds. What else should I be looking for when I hear this run tomorrow.
I know quit a bit about engines, but nothing about the outdrives. Where should I check for play and wear? Any common problems or particular units to stay away from. The boat has about 150-200 hours on it.

Also what should I check for on the hull? I looked for cracks, rotting, and gouges on the bottom tonight. Everything looked good. Are there any spots that like to break that are not obvious to the average guy? Thanks the help guys!

 

[Radon17]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

I made the mistake of only doing a muffs test. Now I'm in the middle of a nightmare repower. Original owner dropped a nut in the intake manifold and the engine blew up on my the first time I took it out. All the little things I overlooked are costing me a lot of time and money. Spend the money and have it check out professionally.

$0.02

 

[Don S]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

Since the chances of the seller allowing you to do anything on the engine or drive other than look at it, your best bet would be to have your local certified Volvo dealer check the engine and drive over.
They can remove the drive, check the bellows ujoints gimbal bearing and alignment, check the drive gear lube for water.
They can also do a compression test on the engine and look it over.

I would not even consider buying a boat I couldn't water test. What sounds good on muffs tells you nothing about how it runs on the water.
You need to verify it reaches specified WOT rpm, if not, there may be problems with the engine or it may have been over propped and lugging the engine all it's life. Make sure the trim works, the steering, and that there are no major vibrations.
You also need to make sure it doesn't overheat under load or at WOT, if it does, you need to find out why before buying.

 

[BowTieGuy]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

Ok. Where could I find the specs. for the proper rpm and prop size. I think I will be able to take it out to the lake tonight. I want to be prepared with all the rpm specs, prop engagement rpm, steering slack and so on. I really appreciate all the help with this guys. You could be saving me thousands of dollars.

 

[Don S]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

The first thing you need to know is the full model number or the Volvo serial number of the engine and what drive it is. If it's the XDO drive, run away now.

 

[BowTieGuy]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

The first thing you need to know is the full model number or the Volvo serial number of the engine and what drive it is. If it's the XDO drive, run away now.

Thanks! Thats the info I'm looking for. Will it say if its the XDO drive or will i have to check the serial number. I have a smart phone so I could look it up if you could tell me what website will tell me.

 

[BowTieGuy]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

Were all the XDP drives dual prop's? This has a single prop onit so im guessing its the sx drive.????

 

[Don S]

Re: How to inspect a Volvo 5.0 before buying?

Were all the XDP drives dual prop's?

Yes, they are, and glad you figured out I meant XDP and not XDO. :redface:

Here's the site. http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopent...lication_search/pages/publication_search.aspx