How to instal a new sterndrive?

[Lou C]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Sounds like you are well on the right track. I would not change what you have for a Merc set up because of the cost of the transom and engine mount work. That is work that requires specialized skills (wood/fiberglass) and being able to tolerate working with stuff that is pretty unhealthy (fiberglass dust=very bad for your lungs, fiberglass resin=bad vapors) I'd rather buy a new or remanufactured engine if its needed than rebuild a transom and if you had to pay for the 'glass work it is pretty expensive.
You are not mentioning problems with the drive itself so you are really just having to sort out the issues with the Volvo 2.3 4 cylinder. They are good engines when maintained well and in good tune.

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Good news at last.
My boat spent a couple of weeks in the "boat hospital" being attended to by a very capable non-franchished Volvo car mechanic in his spare time.
The cylinder head (corroded at #4 exhaust) and the carburetor were removed and sent to specialists for restoration.
The engine was then reassembled and properly tuned with new plugs, new rotor cap to replace one I accidently smashed, new heat exchanger cap, fuel and oil filter etc.
Compressions were 175psi:180psi:180psi and 180psi.
I have just taken it for a "sea trial".
The tacho is still not reading accurately (unless I can get over 6,000 rpm from the motor)but I took speed estimates from a GPS app on my smart phone.
Where previously the motor used to cough and splutter and miss fire, it now runs smoothly and quietly.
Where before the boat struggled to get on a plane with only a couple of occupants, it easily planed with a full petrol tank, 6 adults (and a small child) and our picnic hampers. (I'm using a 3 blade aluminium 14x19 genuine Volvo penta prop).
On a later run with 2 people only, it got onto the plane in around 4 seconds.
Top speed (by GPS as above) was 66 Kph (or 41Mph) by my phone app, and 38Mph by by NavMan "fishfinder" which has a paddle wheel type speed sensor. It felt like a completely different boat than the one I have had for 10 years. Compared to the manufacturers quoted figures from 1993 (43.5 Mph at 5,000 rpm and 3.5 seconds to plane) I reckon I'm pretty close to the mark.If anyone is interested I'll do a more comprehensive check later on with an accurate tacho if I can get mine fixed.
I'm still smiling.
Now I'll spend some time on cleaning, polishing and perhaps re upholstering her. It's amazing that, after 20 years, people still approach me to have a look at her and admire her lines.
Thanks everyone for all their suggestions and help.
This forum is great.


I

 

[captmello]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Great report! Glad to here the engine is dialed in. Now don't forget to service your outdrive yearly. With proper maintenance you should get many more years of enjoyment from that boat.