Volvo outdrive problem

[Robj]

I have a 1992 Volvo with an SP outdrive, 230 engine. The engine runs great, however there seems to be a rattling coming from the top of the drive. I replaced the bearing and seals on the short shaft that sits in the bellhousing, and the U joints were smooth so I do not think that they are the problem. I think it is inside the upper part of the drive. Does anyone have any ideas what that might be, and what are the options to repair it?

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

Does it rattle all the time, only at idle, only under heavy load, in gear out of gear.
Basically if you sure the sound is in the upper gear box, there are 3 gears, a shaft, shift cone, and 4 bearings, any of which could be the problem.

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

Thanx for your reply Don,

I only heard it rattle at idle, will do some more digging after work today. I had a guy who claims to be a mechanic look at it and he said it is an internal gear box problem. He also told me that I should be running VP synthetic gear lube, not engine oil, but we have had this discussion before and you told me to run just plain engine oil, so I think he is wrong. Just for curiosity, could a misadjusted shift cable cause problems like this? I did just hook it up. Last time I started the engine, I do not recall hearing any noise, I may disconnect the cable later today and check. I think it is worth checking out. Was planning on taking the boat to the Okanagan this weekend, but it sounds like that plan is on hold. Don't want to blow up the gearbox. Can these upper gearboxes be replaced as an exchange unit? I have no problems working on an engine, but have no experience with gearboxes. Don't feel comfortable opening one up.

Thanx for your help and suggestions,

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

If it only does it at idle and in neutral, it may not be a problem.
If the engine idles rough the back lash in the gears will rattle a little bit, especially if the bearing preload is real light from lots of use. Diesels are REAL bad for that rattling nose, and it's not a problem. Just the nature of the beast.
You could always pull the upper gear box and have it inspected, reshimmed, and the bearing preload reset if it's real loud. But if it's just a light rattle, I'd just leave it alone and see if I could smooth the engine up.

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

The engine seems to run smooth, the rattle is light but regardless it is there and it distinctly soulds like it is coming from the top. Unfortunately I have a good ear on picking stuff like that up. So assuming the rattle is in the upper gear box, are you suggesting that it may not be that serious of a problem? Would I be an idiot to try running it the way it is? What if it is also doing it when the prop is turning? But I guess what you are suggesting is to put it under load which it really would not be. The boat has not yet been in the water, I am just completing an stringer, transom, and floor replacement. Now I have this problem to deal with, but that is boating. Bring Out Another Thousand.

Thanx Don for your suggestions. You are up aweful early, I have an excuse, my boat won't let me sleep.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

It may still do it when in gear, if you are out of the water and on muffs. If you put it in gear in the water, a load is put on the gears and they don't rattle the backlash. If it stops rattling when in gear, it's probably ok. I can't hear it, so impossible to say. But, if it is just the backlash rattling, I would just run it. Like I said, the diesels all do it because of the way they run.

PS: Before 5 am is early, not after ............

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

Thanx for all your suggestions. What I will do is launch it maybe this evening, tie it up to the dock, put it in gear and then listen. That should put enough of a load onto the gears to remove any lash. If the noise still remains the same, then it is probably a more serious problem than what you are suggesting. But lets be optimistic, it will be very faint and then I am good to go. Wouldn't that be great, and then I would be able to sleep. Have lost lots of sleep over this thing.

Thanx again and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo outdrive problem

Update,

I had some time last night to try and figure things out. Disconnected the shift cable put it in neutral and fired it up. The noise I heard the night before is gone. I think it was because my cable was out of adjustment a little. It may also have been the shift linkage, there is a bit of play there within the mechanism. The only noise that I hear now is the the gear noise which sounds normal. Long story short, the drive is OK and will be taking this project on the water this weekend for the first time. Thanx again Don for your help, I am always learning, and I guess that is what makes this fun and sometimes a real pain. It is all good.

Have a great day,

Rob.