Volvo Penta 7.4GI hydraulic trim line question

[cobalt252]

Boat is a 1997 Cobalt 252 with a Volvo Penta 7.4GIPLKDCE.

Inspected drive unit section and discovered hydraulic lines to the trim tilt cylinder shaved - outer protective layer is shaved, exposing what appears to be a SS braided hose. It seems that the lines on both sides are not positioned/installed correctly. When turning, they rub on the housing. Are they safe to use as is? Should I replace or just reposition the lines so that no rubbing occurs? If replace, what is Volvo Penta part number? Buy OEM or after market? Any special precautions because of hydraulic pressure?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 7.4GI hydraulic trim line question

I wouldn't change them unless they were leaking. The rubber coating is only a protective coating for the braid.
If you knew what it takes to replace those lines, you would protect them with your life and make sure they don't get any worse.

 

[cobalt252]

Re: Volvo Penta 7.4GI hydraulic trim line question

OK, fair enough. I suspected that changing them would be quite involved ... I'll try to tie them out of the way in such a manner that they no longer rub with each turn of the drive. Is it OK to loosen the connections a bit and re-position the lines while still attached?

However, as you'll see in my next question, I'm planning on removing the drive unit to replace the bellows, gimbal bearing and grease the universal joints. What happens to the hydraulic line connections in that case?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 7.4GI hydraulic trim line question

Is it OK to loosen the connections a bit and re-position the lines while still attached?

Yes, but be sure they clear everything when all the up and down, and full left and right turns.

When working on the transom shield, I just remove the trim cylinders from the transom shield and let them hang without kinking the trim hoses.

 

[cobalt252]

Re: Volvo Penta 7.4GI hydraulic trim line question

Great advice! I haven't done this before, but detaching the trim cylinders and let them hang makes sense. That's what I do with the hydraulic lines and calipers on my car when I exchange the brake pads and rotors ... Thanks!