Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

[am_dew]

Was going to go fishing Sunday, but not long after motoring slowly away from the launch ramp I noticed my steering was not right. Upon investigation, I found out that the steering helmet pin and bushing were both gone. So, now I am trying to figure out what the best course of action is. I can't tell if the threads in the clamping ring are good or not, so I thought I would start by buying a helmet pin to see if it will thread into the clamping ring and take things from there. I know I had the single bolt style helmet pin but I understand there are different diameters and lengths, so I'm not even sure what part to try and find. It's an old AQ130C/270 (bought new in 1972) and I have the PZNR number for the outdrive if that helps. Anyone know of a good supplier of old 270 drive parts that may have something for me? Thanks!

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

No affiliation and never done business with them, but they do have a Volvo Penta "boneyard"
http://www.sterndrive.com/

 

[am_dew]

Re: Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

Thanks very much!

 

[am_dew]

Re: Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

After a lot of research and talking to some people, I think I have determined that the parts I need are as follows:

Steering Helmet Pin (single bolt style, 1/2" UNC thread) - Volvo # 832716
(NOTE: There are two different versions of this part with the length of the un-threaded shank being slightly different; I picked up one of each at a local marine recycler and will just use the one that works best for my setup)

Steering Helmet Bushing - Volvo # 814641

I have yet to try installing either item but will post another update when I do. Hopefully this information might help someone in the future.

 

[am_dew]

Re: Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

I understand that installing the bushing into the steering helmet requires a special spanner wrench. Now that I think about it, that makes sense. Is such a tool available at a local auto parts store? Or can I improvise and use something else?

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

This is for the "two bolt" bushing (290 drive), but maybe it can help you along:

[page 136]
"18. Lower the steering helmet and align the helmet
bushing with the recessed hole of the upper gear
head. Grease the attachment (2) with low temperature
grease, Volvo Penta part no. 1161417-9.
Install the attachment in the helmet bushing with the
recessed holes vertical (one hole over the other).
While moving the sterndrive slightly from side to side,
push home the attachment until it bottoms in the
upper gear head recessed hole. Install the two allen
head bolts (1).
Tightening torque: 35 Nm (25 lb.ft)."

 

[am_dew]

Re: Lost the helmet pin and bushing on my 270 drive!

This is for the "two bolt" bushing (290 drive), but maybe it can help you along:

[page 136]
"18. Lower the steering helmet and align the helmet
bushing with the recessed hole of the upper gear
head. Grease the attachment (2) with low temperature
grease, Volvo Penta part no. 1161417-9.
Install the attachment in the helmet bushing with the
recessed holes vertical (one hole over the other).
While moving the sterndrive slightly from side to side,
push home the attachment until it bottoms in the
upper gear head recessed hole. Install the two allen
head bolts (1).
Tightening torque: 35 Nm (25 lb.ft)."

Thanks just the same, but I can't imagine how this will apply to installing the single bolt bushing.