Does anyone have any pointers on checking a used sterndrive?

[73manatee]

Hi, i have an opportunity to pick up a used sterndrive, the guy is parting out the boat (bad motor) supposedly its in good shape but we all know how that works... "it ran great last time it was used"... yeah right. Anyway i was wondering if any of the more experienced boaters in here have any pointers for checking the internals on a volvo penta outdrive. As far as what to listen for when turning the prop and putting it in gear. I was turning the prop and it made a little noise but didnt sound bad just like regular gear noise, its on the boat with a bad motor so he cant take me out on it so i put it in gear and turned the prop it turned the one way and then in the opposite direction it turned a little like half a turn then got tight i would think it should lock immediately, it does this in both forward and reverse gears, anyway The one on my boat is good internally as far as i know but i really dont want to pass up the opportunity to get a spare one at a great price. The sterndrive im talking about is a volvo penta 280. Anyway, maybe someone has a few pointers....

 

[jtybt]

Re: Does anyone have any pointers on checking a used sterndrive?

Pretty hard to tell. Take a look at the vent and fill plug magnets. You can look at the drive oil at the same time.


...and jiggle the drive and prop shaft.


...and pop the top cap.

 

[73manatee]

Re: Does anyone have any pointers on checking a used sterndrive?

oil looked pretty good no chunks came out when he pulled the plug, he didnt drain it all just a little so i could see it and no chips on the plug...

 

[Don S]

Re: Does anyone have any pointers on checking a used sterndrive?

Does it have the same gear ratio as your old drive?
Is the threaded hole where the helmet attaches the same as your old drive?
Turn the ujoint shaft, put it in gear (Fwd and Rev) and turn the shaft. Is it smooth. Any lumpy feeling or stiff spots could indicate bearing or gear damage.

 

[73manatee]

Re: Does anyone have any pointers on checking a used sterndrive?

I asked about the ratio, he said he dosent know but it did have a v8 in the boat and it was the original engine and outdrive, the outdrive is on the boat unfortunatly so i cannot turn the driveshaft, i will have to see if he wants to pull the outdrive off since hes parting out the boat anyway. Good thinking, i never even thought about the helmet!! i dont remember.. i have to go look at it again tomorrow and maybe convice him to yank the outdrive off... is it normal to have the prop turn about half a turn when its in gear? you can feel it get gradually tighter when it turn it in gear...