Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

[Seaswirlstripper99]

I have a Volvo Penta dp sm out drive that is leaking oil. Last time I took it out it was bubbling oil out. When I trailered it. I removed the shift linkage cover and the center bolt on the gear shift was removed. Must of loosened out. I just replaced the shift cable few weeks prior. Would the bolt loose cause it to leak? Can I just change the gear oil and tighten bolt and that's it or is there a bigger issue ?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

Assuming that bolt is the one talked about in the file below, it is more than just a bolt. It is what holds pressure on the shoe that goes into the shift cone. Too tight and you will destroy the shift cone, too loose and it won't shift.
The procedures for shimming it are shown in the file.

View attachment Shift shimming.pdf

 

[Seaswirlstripper99]

Re: Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

Ok that shows me how to reshim it. Do I need to remove the stern drive to reshim? Also would that shoe bolt removed cause it to leak oil? Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

Yes, you need to remove the drive (the ujoint shaft will need to turn) and remove the lower unit.

You should be removing the drive yearly to check the alignment, and most of all grease the coupler splines, or you are going to be learning how to remove the engine to replace that coupler.

 

[Seaswirlstripper99]

Re: Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

The gear switches from neutral To forward and reverse fine so I just need to reshim the bolt. Understood. But my question is will it leak from the bolt? I just want to verify that, that is where the leak is.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

Yes it will leak oil and water from there.

 

[Seaswirlstripper99]

Re: Outdrive/lower unit leaking oil

Thanks Don. Have a good new year!!