Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

[CascoBay]

I have a 2000 Volvo Penta 5.7L engine mated to a DP-SM drive. The package has 700 hours on it, and I currently have the engine out (painted it, cleaned bilge, etc) and I was wondering if I should replace the Drive Coupler as a maintenance item? I have no issues with it at the moment.

Thanks for any input.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

How often have you been pulling the drive and checking alignment. If it hasn't been every year, I would. Get a Volvo one though.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

It certainly couldn't hurt since you have the engine out anyway. As bruce suggests make sure you align it after installation.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

Absolutely. I think its silly not too. Check bearings too

 

[Bondo]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

Ayuh,...... I think yer all Nuts,....

I'd Inspect the coupler,... if the splines are still square on the tips, 'n the rubber looks good, I'd Run it,...

A Coupler should last several thousand hours, provided it's been greased, 'n ain't been Abused,....

$400.00 is alota money to just throw away, replacin' a perfectly good part,....

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

Great points all around. I pull the drive yearly and check alignment and grease the splines so it is probably fine. Having said that I bought a brand new oem volvo penta coupler for $165 on ebay. I figure for the money it was worth doing since it could cost me a couple weekends if it failed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

Great points all around. I pull the drive yearly and check alignment and grease the splines so it is probably fine. Having said that I bought a brand new oem volvo penta coupler for $165 on ebay. I figure for the money it was worth doing since it could cost me a couple weekends if it failed.

Ayuh,.... Then sell yer Good Used one, 'n help out somebody that really needs one, cheap,...

You might actually do quite well in the long run,...

 

[tazrig]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

Come to think about it you might also want to take a peek at the starter and connections to it, oil pan and timing chain cover for rust as it's a whole lot easier to to replace those things with the engine out if you need to.

 

[saintlee]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

I would definitly check the oil pan for any bubbles in the paint etc.
Poke around with an ice pick and if all is good repaint.
I had one bubble that was hiding a hole. Had to remove engine to install new pan.
Not my choice of a fun weekend

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Changing Drive Coupler As A Maintenance Item?

I found an oem volvo penta starter and manifolds on ebay as well for cheap cheap money so I am good there. I probed the oil pan and painted it. The engine sits fairly high which I think helps.