Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

[CascoBay]

I just purchased this boat last fall, it has a 2000 Volvo Penta drive package, DP-SM model year 2000 with 450 hours on it.

The previous owner replaced the driveshaft bellow last year, so I am not sure where my problem is. I did notice that there is blue sealant (RTV?) around the water inlet and driveshaft housing.

Here are some photos:

Water in the bellows:

Blue RTV around the water inlet:

Rusty but smooth u-joints:

What needs to be replaced? What caused the problem in the first place (assuming the new bellows are not suspect, they appear to be like new and I have a receipt for a part dated about a year ago).

Is the RTV sealant required or something that isnt supposed to be there? I noticed the o-ring around the water inlet is flat, I assume this was not replaced when the bellows were done. Is there a gasket that is supposed to go around the driveshaft housing?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

could be several things, could be the silly cone,that should NOT be used ANYWHERE on the shield leaked.
could be the hull filled with water and leaked into the bellows from the hull side. could be something cut the bellows or the bonding clip got installed under the bellows.}
at a minimum,if you can find them, you need ujoints, a gimbal bearing and a bellows.
I would also remove the driveshaft from the bearing box and inspect the seal area on the yoke and replace the shaft seal.
DO NOT use silly cone it WILL leak every time.
no gaskets used on that model other than the water transfer packing.
DonS may have the part number for the outside keeper Ujoints for the SX style drives.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Thanks for all the help!

I went outside and looked it all over again, I think I figured out where the water came from. That o-ring for the water intake tube is beyond trash, its flat, I am sure there was not a good seal.

So what keeps water out of the u joint area? Is the u joint cone/case machined to such a spec that it seals out any water?

Anyway I also took a rag and wiped everything down:

Looks a lot better, do I still need to replace?

 

[Don S]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Yes, you need to replace the gimbal bearing and ujoints. They have water in them, and on machined surfaces that causes rust. Replace them now or on some weekend you really wanted to go boating.
If the previous owner used an aftermarket bellows, I have had several leak for no reason, I now only use OEM bellows.
Another place that may be leaking is the tube where you grease the gimbal bearing. Some of those tubes leak for no apparent reason, and replacing doesn't help. I have fixed several by tapping and installing a grease zirk right where the plastic tube fits into the gimbal housing.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Where is a good source for parts? I really don't want to buy OEM parts due to their price.

Is there a proceedure online that shows how to remove the gimble bearing?

I have also heard the zirk fitting can leak, any idea the size of the tap?

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

buying OEM now will save you money over the long run because of replacing aftermarket many times more than OEM.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Where is a good source for parts? I really don't want to buy OEM parts due to their price.

Maybe OEM parts are more expensive, but if the aftermarket doesn't work and ends up costing you more than an OEM parts to begin with....... you figure it out.
Right here at iboats is a place to get OEM parts. Just above your original post, click on Volvo Penta Parts

Is there a proceedure online that shows how to remove the gimble bearing?

Second post in the forum (Titled Adults Only) has OEM manuals you can download for free.

I have also heard the zirk fitting can leak, any idea the size of the tap?

1/8" NPT, be careful and don't go too deep or it will leak, sneek up on the depth with the tap. Kind of hard to do and keep straight, but you need to.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Didn't realize how simple the gimble bearing was. The only thing I question is, how do I put it back in? Just lightly tap it in?

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Just checked here for the parts, looks as though volvo doesnt offer the joints anymore and the rest of the stuff is only available through my local dealer.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

There is a special tool for installing gimbal bearings, it aligns the center of the bearing and when you hammer it in, you are applying pressure to the outer ring of the bearing. You are also going to need an alignment bar, or you never will get the drive back on.
You can find the alignment bars on ebay, usually around the $60 to $70 range. Probably find the installer too. Some have made their own installation too.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Pardon my ignorance I hope I am not driving you crazy yet- but how does an alignment tool get the bearing installed correctly?

Since the bearing is made of steel, how does anything change the alignment of it? Or are the adjustments made on the motor mounts?

I did get the bearing pulled, was a peice of cake using a slide hammer I rented from advanced auto. It looks fine, but doesnt roll (frozen).

 

[Don S]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

The actual ball bearing itself is inside an aluminum outer ring. The bearing has to be set to line up with the coupler when first installed. Then you may also have to adjust the engine up or down to do the FINAL alignment.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Thanks.

Cant seem to find the gimble bearing anywhere- volvo #3850852 has the number been updated or will another # fit?

Same goes for the u-joints, are these not replaceable?

 

[Don S]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Might want to read this thread about the ujoints.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=367174

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

Great info!!

But WOW $99 a pop for those u joints really hurts!

Now onto the gimble bearing-

The closest that I can find states: For: All OMC Cobra and King Cobra Drives; OMC / Volvo - 3.0L, 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L, 7.4L, ( 1994-1998 ), 5.8L, ( 1994-1996 ), 8.2L ( 1998 ); Mercruiser- 120HP / 140HP (2791957-6225576) ( With Gimbal Trim Sender), 165HP (2763442 & Up), 225S (3856268-4200499), 228HP (4782330 & Up), 233HP (4200500 & Up), 250HP (4791300 & Up), 1, R, MR and ALPHA (1974-97)

It LOOKS the same, just doesnt match the volvo #.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

I have been doing some research, (dangerous I know) and the original U-Joints are made by a company called GKN, who also makes the Spicer commonly sold here in the USA.

I could not find an actual # off the original u-joint but did find a thread on here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=296325

It appears that this is a commonly used u-joint on Land Rovers and late model (1993) Volvo 240's. A quick search on Advance Auto's website shows that these can be had for $12.49 and it does cross with the #'s listed in the thread I listed above.

I am going to buy a couple today when I return their rental tool and post the results.

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Pulled the outdrive off, big problems

The u joints appear to be the same.

Back to the gimbal grease fitting- do I need to drill the hole larger to accept the 1/8" NPT tap?

If I do need to drill a hole- how the heck do I get a drill in there? I removed the steering helmet, do I need to go further?