Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

[erikgreen]

Hi, all;


I've been looking for a salvage Volvo Penta drive train to pull and put into my custom 22 foot I/O... currently I have a Mercruiser, and I'd like to switch.

I have an opportunity to get a 1985 28' Bayliner that's got major hull damage in the bow.. it sank for a while in fresh water but was raised and is on stands now.

I don't care about too much of the mechanicals.. I think the engine is probably scrap, but the sterndrive itself should be ok, maybe with new bearings? The owner says it's a dual prop setup, so I'm guessing the DP unit was retrofit to whatever the original lower unit was.

I'll be getting serial numbers and pics soon, but does anyone care to venture a guess as to what type of engine Volvo used in 1985? In a perfect world I could use my 1981 vintage GM block with the volvo drive train, plus the controls salvaged from this boat. If I can't it still might be worth getting and building up an engine.

Here's the only photo I currently have of the rear of the boat, not sure if this is any help:

More details as I get 'em,
Erik

 

[chaparall villain 2]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

does the outdrive have trim that will work while under power ... i know one that ive been working on doesnt and i wouldnt change to something i couldnt trim ... i have heard the duo props do well for the boat running efficiantly but i would check to see what repairs would cost should something be wrong with the outdrive

 

[erikgreen]

ID Volvo from 1985 bayliner - more info

ID Volvo from 1985 bayliner - more info

No idea... looks like it can trim (has a pump), but dunno if that's while underway.... according to the info and pics I was sent today serial number of the outdrive is 306268 if that helps.

According to what the guy sent, he thinks it's a "240A" engine... but that would be a ford, and this is a GM block from the distributor (missing) placement.

The engine looks like it has some useful parts on it, and if the drive has a hope of A) Working B) Being a dual prop unit then I'm all over this one.

So, to rephrase my question: Can anyone tell me if this drive is anything modern, does it really have a DP setup and most importantly should I avoid it? I'm thinking of having a look in person tomorrow.

Thanks!!
Erik



Here's the pics they sent:

Engine view from the top:

Another view:

Looks like it's in better shape than the one I already have.. definitely some good parts on there.


One side of the drive:

Other side of the drive:

and a back view:

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

I'm pretty sure thats a 290 dp. Whether the dp was a conversion or original makes no difference as long as it was installed correctly.

The 290 is a good outdrive however fairly outdated by todays standards. Parts are available for those drives. Like anything else, maintenence is/was key.

The props are very expensive and even though the DP offers great performance and handling compared to a single prop, I'm not sure if I'd want one with all the shallow lakes I boat in.

The engine looks just like mine, Either an aq225 (305) or AQ260 (350).

The Hull cutout is bigger than your Merc.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

So, to rephrase my question: Can anyone tell me if this drive is anything modern, does it really have a DP setup and most importantly should I avoid it?

I had the exact same thing on my old boat. It is a 290DP, with trim.
There is no problem with parts or service on that drive at all.
Should you avoid it ??? Absolutely not, you should be thankful.

The engine is probably an AQ271 or AQ311, both are 350's , I can't imagine anyone putting a 305 in a 28 ft boat. Even Bayliner.
PS, My old boat was a Bayliner also, but I had a 280 drive and changed it to a 290 DP, transom shield and all.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

Woo! Thanks Don.

I'm going to look at it tomorrow and check the usual stuff... outdrive lube, look at the bellows, look for twisted metal/obvious problems in the drive. If there's anything else I should check let me know.

Assuming the engine looks like I can get some parts off it and the drive is good, the price is a steal, cheaper than a new Mercruiser lower unit.

Plus I was going to buy new twin lever controls anyway, and now I'll have 'em

Erik

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

Oh, and Mello, nice to see you on here. I grew up in Chisago City myself, never had a boat back then though

Erik

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

Oh, and Mello, nice to see you on here. I grew up in Chisago City myself, never had a boat back then though

Erik

Thanks, I've followed your refit, and look forward to the finished product.

I grew up in MPLS so we're keeping things balanced.

I'm a big fan of the older VP drivetrains. I believe they are very durable and can go for a longtime. I've done lots of maintenence and repair to my outdrive and find it well engineered. From what I can gather, the 290 is the first volvo outdrive to come standard with power trim. Previous outdrives could have the power trim as an option, but they are not very common.

Let us know what it looks like. It looks like the stickers are on the valve covers with the AQ###. They used a funny looking font when printing the model numbers. I'm thinking it may be an aq290, a 350. The owner may be misreading the sticker.

Good luck!

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

The sticker says, as far as I can read, "260" so I presume it says "AQ260"?

Went out there today..the boat looks good (for parts).. the drive is in good shape, not seized, although I couldn't check the lube (screwdriver not big enough). The engine compartment looked dry, but the engine wasn't winterized at some point so the block froze and cracked. The alternator, starter, mounts, and all the bolt-ons look good. Manifolds look only a couple years old, so I'm excited to replace my old log style ones.

Upper main bellows is rotted, but no visible corrosion inside... probably just from sitting (boat's been on stands since 06). The lower bellows is still solid.

Plenty of parts I want, starting with the drive, engine, controls, and some of the electricals, plus some nice stainless cleats, engine compartment insulation, a set of Bennett trim tabs with a power unit, a new trim pump for the Volvo drive, interior cushions, a cook top, two VHF units, two fish finders, about 40 feet of shiny stainless rail, teak accents, chrome and stainless, a leaning post/backrest, new bimini canvas (bows are a bit bent) glass windows and frames, port windows with dogs, two stereos and speakers... pretty much a gold mine.

Assuming they accept my offer ($350) I'll just need to find a way to get it home. They're moving their repair shop soon and want the boat gone.

After I get it home I'll pull the drive and have the thing serviced by a Volvo dealer. It's not corroded but the paint is a bit worn off the skeg (which is whole). The rest of the drive has some dried out algae and weeds on it, so it might need a repaint. The transom looked ok inside and out, probably I can count on it needing bellows, hoses, and maybe bearings. I can see the rubber of the shaft seals has cracked in the sun while it's been parked... the spring is still there though.

Sure was fun to turn the inner prop shaft and see the outer sleeve rotate smoothly the other way

Erik

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo from 1985 bayliner - engine replacement?

Sounds like a fantastic find!

Good Job.