Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

[R Wallerr]

Hello gentlemen. I have a question reqarding the oil in my outdrive: What color should the oil be? I change the oil in my outdrive once a year and it always looks like chocolate milk. Am I getting water in the outdrive?


Thank you for your help.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

yes, water in the outdrive. It should look like slightly used motor oil. pressure/vacuum test would be the next step, imo.

When was the last time you changed the ujoint bellows? water often enters the outdrive there.

 

[R Wallerr]

Re: Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

That is what I thought. I haven't changed the ujoint bellows. I have only had the boat for 5 years. I only use the boat right now 2-3 times a year and I change the outdrive oil everytime because it just didn't seem right. I have been meaning to ask you guys for awhile but I kept forgetting. Thank you for the information, I will check it out.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

The ujoint bellows should be changed every other year. as a matter of precaution and maintenance.

Here is a link that explains how to change the bellows.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=309095

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

If you don't perform pressure and vacuum tests, you won't be certain of the source of the leak. We can make some pretty good assumptions but nothing is certain unless you actually do the tests and verify which seal is leaking.

You can make your own tester or buy one. I use this one:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Outdrive-Lower-Unit-Leak-Tester-OMC-Mercruiser-/270773995165?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item3f0b63469d

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

Before you even go that far, do you have the correct seals on the drain and fill plug AND the dipstick? The reason I ask is when I bought my boat last year the dip S*%T previous owner had the wrong seal on the dip stick and who knows when the last time he changed the O rings on the drain and fill plugs.
We were test driving the boat, I go to look over the back while under way and I see green oil coming out from around the dip stick. He says "oh, must not have tightened the dip stick all the way". The guy had a green square shoulder seal like what you would find in an OMC lower unit, when he should have had an actual O ring. Consequently I had a bunch of water in the oil. Installed correct O rings and no more water in the oil.

That said, I would probably get your bellows changed out as well.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo 131A 275 Outdrive Oil Question

If you don't perform pressure and vacuum tests, you won't be certain of the source of the leak. We can make some pretty good assumptions but nothing is certain unless you actually do the tests and verify which seal is leaking.

You can make your own tester or buy one. I use this one:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Outdrive-Lower-Unit-Leak-Tester-OMC-Mercruiser-/270773995165?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item3f0b63469d

Very good point. I agree a pressure test is the right next step. Like another poster said, It could have been the drain plug, the pressure test should show.

Let us know how it turns out, or if you have further questions.