Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

[mikeauton]

I recently bought a 2007 Monterey 194FS, fitted with a Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H. 142 hours use.

Taking my time to make sure the boat is right before putting it on the water and wanted to check with other members here that I have done everything. Here is my list of jobs carried/carrying out thus far :-

Spark plugs and set gap to 0.60. Checked leads.
Fuel filter
Oil and oil filter
Checked belt for wear and stretching (looks fine)
Checking exhaust manifold and risers, but not sure exactly what I am supposed to be checking for?
Lower unit oil change
Re-greased prop shaft and prop sleeve
Cleaned contacts and rotor arm in distributor (they were pretty well fouled up!)
Removing and replacing impeller (about to buy a 2 more - 1 spare to carry on board) $60 bucks a piece
Cleaned air filter
Checked and tightened all hoses
Checked engine mount bolts

Apart from the above, I am also wondering about checking the gimbal bearing? It looks like a scary job which requires special tools and questioning if 1. I am capable and 2. Is it really required?

I will be checking the visable parts of the out drive for wear(hoses, bellows etc).

Really want to be 100% confident all is good before I take her out on the water, don't want to be doing any jobs in the middle of the summer here in Florida! So now is the time, whilst it is nice and cool.

Any help and advice is greatly appreciated

 

[Don S]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Remove the outdrive, check alignment, grease the coupler splines. (This needs to be done yearly).

 

[Don S]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Here is how to remove and reinstall the drive https://www.dropbox.com/s/1keyldeluez9oia/SX R&R.pdf

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Thanks so very much, having looked at this document I more than confident I can do this!

Need to buy a stern drive trolley and alignment tool, but I am sure they will pay for themselves many times over.

Can I ask where this information came from? I would like to have access to more clear instructions like this.

The only thing I am a little unsure about now is how to adjust the engine bolts if it is indeed out of alignment?

Very grateful for the info - thanks again

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

So having looked at this task, to me the hardest part looks like re-seating the outdrive back on the drive shaft? I am working alone, so I am a little concerned about the logistics here. Is there an affordable trolley I can buy or is it possible to build one myself? I want to be clear on all possible hurdles before I remove it

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

So having looked at this task, to me the hardest part looks like re-seating the outdrive back on the drive shaft? I am working alone, so I am a little concerned about the logistics here. Is there an affordable trolley I can buy or is it possible to build one myself? I want to be clear on all possible hurdles before I remove it

Getting it back on isn't too bad. Just let the skeg take the weight of the drive, get the shaft through the gimbal, turn the u joints a little unitil everything lines up and you're done. Before doing all this get the boat in a position where the drive is level and sitting on your stand OR the skeg is very close to the ground.

I made a stand out of scrap 2x4's and put some casters on the bottom. Do a search for plans pics. Very easy.

 

[Don S]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

There is a whole section on home made outboard stands and dollies up in the stickies at the top of this forum.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

I have an 07 boat with a 5.0GL-H also. My drive is an SX-A so yours may or may not be the same. Either way, the SX-A drive is removed basically the exact same way as the SX drive. I did mine on my own without a dollie (so it is possible) but I wouldn't recommend it. Huge pain. I'll be building one up this year.

Also, don't forget you have a water filter by your fuel pump, front of engine on starboard side. If you want to take all your precautions, it wouldn't be a bad idea to change it out either.

Have you ran it on muffs yet? If so, did it idle and respond okay?

 

[DDameron]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Checking exhaust manifold and risers, but not sure exactly what I am supposed to be checking for?

I'm with you on this one... not sure how to complete this check myself.. waiting for one of these professionals to answer this one.

I'm getting ready to do this very thing, also in Florida... so if you're near Spring Hill, FL. you can use the sterndrive caddy I made for mine... which is virtually the same drive; SX-A Cobra.

NOTE: Add this to your Spring Service... remove, grease & re install your 2 pivot pins for the trim cylinders! I just had to cut mine off due to not doing this in previous years and corrosion became an issue.

The following is a decent checklist, which I am attempting to follow for mine this year:

1. REMOVE PROP, LUBE PROP SHAFT
2. REPLACE WATER/FUEL SEPARATING FILTER
3. CHANGE GEAR OIL
4. CHECK POWER TRIM/TILT FLUID, TOP OFFAS NECESSARY
5. CHECK CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENT
6. LUBRICATE THROTTLE/SHIFT LINKAGE
7. CHECK FLAME ARRESTER FOR PROPER MOUNTING
8. CHECK TENSION ON ALL BELTS AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY
9. CHECK ENGINE MOUNTING BOLTS FOR TIGHTNESS
10. CHECK FUEL SYSTEMS FOR LEAKS
11. CHECK ANODES AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY
12. CHECK ALL STEERING COMPONENTS FOR TIGHTNESS AND LUBRICATE
13. INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM, TIGHTEN ALL HOSE CLAMPS AND CHECK FOR LEAKS
14. CHECK ENGINE FUEL FILTER FOR CONTAMINANTS
15. CHECK BATTERY WATER LEVEL, TOP OFF AS NECESSARY AND CHECK CONNECTIONS.
16. CHECK ENGINE TIMING SETUP
17. CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
18. PULL DRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE ALIGNMENT, IF REQUIRED.
19. GREASE GIMBAL BEARING, IF REQUIRED
20. CHECK U-JOINT SHAFT SPLINES
21. REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
22. CHECK PVC VALVE
23. REPLACE WATER PUMP IMPELLER.
24. RUN ENGINE ON HOSE AND CHECK SYSTEMS.

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Thanks everyone for the very valuable input, I will take a look at plans for the dolly and will construct one this weekend. Trying to get all jobs out of the way before the heat hits us - not far off!!

DDcameron - Really appreciate the offer, we are down in St Pete and I would prefer to have one I can use again next year.

I went through your check list and I have done everything on there apart from engine timing, which I am a little unsure about? Wondered if you or anyone else has some more information on this? Last time I did it was on an old VW some 20+ years ago!

Skydive - I am in the process of changing the fuel filter under the pump, I assume this what you are referring to? I have not fired her up yet, more work to do before I get there. This does prompt another question, this engine is fitted with a fresh water flush pipe which you can attach to a garden hose to - forgive me for asking a stupid question, but do you also need flush muffs or can this be used in place of them? On previous outboards, I have always used muffs.

Is it a good idea to flush the whole engine and put fresh coolant in?

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Maybe I am being dumb, but I am struggling to navigate this forum and for the life of me I cannot see where the 'stickies' are? Would really like to see some plans for this dolly before I start constructing mine.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

 

[DDameron]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Maybe I am being dumb, but I am struggling to navigate this forum and for the life of me I cannot see where the 'stickies' are? Would really like to see some plans for this dolly before I start constructing mine.....

Here's a link directly to the sterndrive caddy examples: http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/building-outdrive-stand-49747.html

Once you realize you're basically working with a stock Chevy 305 truck motor, all your "second guessing" and doubt will dissipate. I was in your shoes just a few weeks ago... until the people on this forum got a hold of me! Everything you need to know about that boat is in here somewhere.... just have a look around when you get some time. You'll come into information you didn't know you needed! Good Luck!

 

[mikeauton]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Thanks - I found the 'stickies' and what a mine of information there is in there I am speechless!!

I really enjoy doing all this work myself + I don't trust mechanics to give my engine the extreme love and attention I know I always will

I see the filter on your pic and I have already removed this and am sourcing a new one.

Impeller is out (blade missing so wondering where the rubber bits went??!) I have priced a new one $60.44 - wondering if there is an after market one which is cheaper and just as good? I intend to also carry a spare, so am in for a $120 hit if not - ouch.

 

[DDameron]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

I wouldn't go cheap on the impeller; I know these guys will agree, as they've told me the same. I bought the good one on Ebay for around $40... I'm frugal, but willing to buy what is best for the boat and my security while out on the gulf.

See you out at Anclote Key Island / Sandbar if you ever make it out that way look for "Aquadesiac" and say hey.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

You mentioned initially that you cleaned the points and rotor and are now concerned about checking adjusting timing. Since you know the points were crudded up, they should be replaced since they are critical to a good running engine. Contacts in a point set should not be filed or dressed with any type of sandpaper or abrasive product. That just hastens their deterioration. Replace them, adjust the gap using a feeler gauge or dwell meter and then adjust timing. Those two adjustments go hand in hand so do not skip either one. And remember this -- adjust dwell/gap first, then timing. Timing does not affect dwell but dwell affects timing. If you remember nothing else -- remember that sequence.

 

[Don S]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

I am pretty sure he was talking about the contacts in the cap since his engine has electronic ignition (Delco EST) and that really shouldn't have anything to do with the timing. Volvo hasn't used points in a V8 since the mid eighties.

To the OP, there is timing information on the Delco EST ignition system in the sticky as well. It really shouldn't change unless you turn the distributor for some reason.

 

[Don S]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Here are the R & R instructions for the SX-A drive. Didn't give it a thought the H was that new when I posted the other link.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jvdy352oyo3f285/SX-A,DP-A R&R.pdf

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Skydive - I am in the process of changing the fuel filter under the pump, I assume this what you are referring to? I have not fired her up yet, more work to do before I get there. This does prompt another question, this engine is fitted with a fresh water flush pipe which you can attach to a garden hose to - forgive me for asking a stupid question, but do you also need flush muffs or can this be used in place of them? On previous outboards, I have always used muffs.

Is it a good idea to flush the whole engine and put fresh coolant in?

Yes that's the filter I was referring to.

Whenever I run the boat out of water I always screw a garden hose into that flushing hose that you are talking about...you can do that or traditional muffs. I think it's easier to do, just make sure when you are done you put the cap on securely. Sounds obvious but it is very possible to not seat it properly and you'll get an overheated engine (ask me how I know).

What exactly as you referring to when you say "coolant"? If your model number is -H and not -HF then you have no coolant. Only water being pumped up from the drive, circulated around the engine, and exited thru the exhaust.

 

[DDameron]

Re: Full service Volvo Penta 5.0GL-H

Here are the R & R instructions for the SX-A drive. Didn't give it a thought the H was that new when I posted the other link.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jvdy352oyo3f285/SX-A,DP-A R&R.pdf

Dead link :embarassed: ..I was going to grab this for myself, as I have the VP SX Drive as well.