Huge left pull when getting on Plane

[FelixDaKat]

I have recently replaced the upper gear seals on a 2005 Volvo Penta SX-M outdrive. I feel like everything went according to plan but I noticed when I running it yesterday that it pulls to the left very hard when getting up on plane. Once I get it there it does not pull as hard but it is. Could it be something I did wrong when installing it back onto the boat? Also it felt a little slower than before, like less top-end power than before I did the job. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated

2005 Four Winns Horizon180LE

 

[airshot]

Probably need to adjust the steering tab/ sacrificial anode under the cav plate if you have one..

 

[Captain Caveman]

Steering tab

 

[FelixDaKat]

Steering tab

Can you elaborate a bit? I'm not sure what you mean

 

[airshot]

Right under the anti cav plate should be a small fin sticking down...loosen the bolt and turn it slightly in the direction it is pulling.. Keep making small adjustments until the pull is corrected. If your still not sure what to do, then you need a factory service manual or take it to a service center.

 

[KJM]

Right under the anti cav plate should be a small fin sticking down...loosen the bolt and turn it slightly in the direction it is pulling.. Keep making small adjustments until the pull is corrected. If your still not sure what to do, then you need a factory service manual or take it to a service center.

I'm just wondering.....if the OP didn't touch the steering tab during the seal repair, shouldn't everything go back together same as if was originally? Then there shouldn't need to be a tab adjustment? Would some kind of misfit or misalignment in the drive shafts where the seals were replaced cause this steering problem and the lose of power? Like I said, I'm no expert, just wondering.

 

[Gary H NC]

I'm just wondering.....if the OP didn't touch the steering tab during the seal repair, shouldn't everything go back together same as if was originally? Then there shouldn't need to be a tab adjustment? Would some kind of misfit or misalignment in the drive shafts where the seals were replaced cause this steering problem and the lose of power? Like I said, I'm no expert, just wondering.

That tab is adjustable and some have to be removed to access one of the other bolts that hold the lower unit on.

 

[airshot]

What angle is the tab set at right now ?? Some have a small calibration dial on them mabey on the underside??