VP 280 Pins and Helmet

[adamkat22]

hey all,
i'm trying to replace the bellows on a volvo penta 280. not sure of the year. i have two questions (so far). first question is that i'm having a hell of a time getting the steering pins (is that what they are called) out. i have the ones with a flat head slot on them. i pulled the two set screw things, gave it lots of pb blaster. heated the aluminum around it. hit it with the extension of a socket (inwards..towards the bellows). no luck so far. I'm wondering if the position of the outdrive has an effect on it? my boat is on jack stands, and is titled towards the stern. so i lifted the prop a little bit in order to get it level with the ground, and then slid a little 2x4 stand under it to rest on. do i need to take more pressure off it? or have it dropped down all the way? or just keep doing what I'm doing?

my other question, is that the helmet was only held on with one bolt (an allen bolt that was right in the middle of it). it looks like there should be two more bolts (one on each side of it, connecting it to what i assume is called the fork. there are no bolts there. but i've had the boat for 4 years and it's probably been like for all that time. should something be there? if so, what are they called...so that i can order some? (the holes in the helmet and the fork look pretty rotten, so it's possible whatever was there just fell out at some point?)

alright. as always, thanks for any advice.

 

[kenny nunez]

Can you post some pictures? Early 280s used 1 large socket head bolt like the 270s. The bellows can be replaced by just removing the upper gear housing.

 

[adamkat22]

i ended up realizing that i didn't have to pull the whole thing so i went the route of just pulling the upper gear housing. thanks!

 

[jerryjerry05]

FYI there are two holes in the knuckle that have 1/4- 20 threads in them.
Get 2 bolts (1/4-20x 2-3"
Turn them in evenly and the knuckle lifts out as you turn them in.

 

[72fj40]

You should download factory service manual along with the asemmbly diagrams which show the order of how things are assembled and give part numbers. They're 3 or 4 of them for the compete outdrive assembly.

I just glanced at the manual, it doesnt say which direction the splined sleeve goes in, maybe that info is on the diagrams. The manual states to use permatex #3 on the upper and intermediate housing surfaces along with the seals and proper shims. Permatex 3 is their aviation sealant.