Problems with Volvo Penta SX-A Outdrive

[gardengate]

I have two problems with the outdrive on my Four Winns.

One of the four hoses has a slight leak when the outdrive is raised all the way to the top. If the outdrive is raised just a little bit shy of the top, there is no leaking. All four hoses were just replaced along with the O rings inside the motor that controls the hydraulics. The people who worked on the boat (a 2008 Four Winns H200) said that the leaking is a chronic problem with system in the 2008 boat and that the recommended fix is to replace the entire system with a new and improved unit. The cost for the new unit is $1,200 plus labor. Has anyone out there experienced a similar problem? Is there a way to fix it without replacing everything?
Another problem I am experiencing is with the switch that controls raising and lowering the outdrive. Sometime it works and sometimes it doesn't. To get around the problem temporarily I made a pig tail to get around the switch and connect directly to the battery. Most mechanics I have talked to say that the way to fix the problem is to replace the entire shifter, about $700 plus labor. Another alternative that was suggested is to pry open the shifter casing and gently separate some of the components of the shifter that are too tightly compressed and prevent the switch from working. Has anyone had this problem and do you have a suggestion about how to fix it?
I have already replaced the high pressure fuel pump and the starter. The boat has 125 hours on it. Maybe it's time to let it go.
Any suggestions on a replacement are welcome. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

I have two problems with the outdrive on my Four Winns.

One of the four hoses has a slight leak when the outdrive is raised all the way to the top. If the outdrive is raised just a little bit shy of the top, there is no leaking. All four hoses were just replaced along with the O rings inside the motor that controls the hydraulics. The people who worked on the boat (a 2008 Four Winns H200) said that the leaking is a chronic problem with system in the 2008 boat and that the recommended fix is to replace the entire system with a new and improved unit. The cost for the new unit is $1,200 plus labor. Has anyone out there experienced a similar problem? Is there a way to fix it without replacing everything?
Another problem I am experiencing is with the switch that controls raising and lowering the outdrive. Sometime it works and sometimes it doesn't. To get around the problem temporarily I made a pig tail to get around the switch and connect directly to the battery. Most mechanics I have talked to say that the way to fix the problem is to replace the entire shifter, about $700 plus labor. Another alternative that was suggested is to pry open the shifter casing and gently separate some of the components of the shifter that are too tightly compressed and prevent the switch from working. Has anyone had this problem and do you have a suggestion about how to fix it?
I have already replaced the high pressure fuel pump and the starter. The boat has 125 hours on it. Maybe it's time to let it go.
Any suggestions on a replacement are welcome. Thanks.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... I guess the simplest, easiest, cheapest fix for the leakin' lines is,.... Don't raise it All the way,... stop short,....

For the trim Switch,... Those controls can be taken apart, 'n serviced,... No Pyrin', 'n bustin' should be necessary,.....
You could also just hardwire in more switches, where ever you'd like, kinda like yer pigtail,...
They're all wired in, in parallel,... any 1 can run the system,... so long as they're all on the same battery,...

 

[John2037]

Where is the leak? On my lines, the crimp sleeves on the ends had cracked causing them to leak slightly and I know it'll be a whole can of worms to fix so I just put some hose clamps on the sleeves for now - no leaks. Because usually the switch is worn from salt or UV so I wouldn't have a lot of hope in tearing it apart to discover a quick fix. The new switch on the dash for a cheap temp solution isn't a bad idea and the wires should be easy to get to (if you have an open slot - I wouldn't cut a new one out). Aftermarket controls are pricy but no $700 - http://www.iboats.com/Control-Singl...8367109--session_id.677698076--view_id.169291

 

[skydiveD30571]

I'll repeat what I said in your other thread with the same exact question:

There is no need to replace the entire trim system because of a single leaking line. That's just a mechanic trying to run up the bill. The usual fix for a leaking sx-a trim pump is to replace the pump cover with the new design which seems to eliminate most leaks. It is part number 21945911. If you search for leaking sx-a trim you'll find plenty of results...so yes it is a common problem with this design. Not one of Volvo's best designs.