Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

[beason]

2005 220 SSi
5.0L GXI-E Volvo Penta with DP-SM drive


i smelled a strong odor last time i rinsed the boat out. It smelled like natural gas, but i couldn't find the source.



skip a few days, and i go out to measure some stuff on the trailer, and turn off the fan. I see a puddle under the lower unit. Its not a lot, but its only been 4 days.



skip a few more days and I got the tool, and was trying to take the props off, but I cannot get it to budge. I've already bent the tool. Are these reverse thread? I have the shop manual, and it says to put the drive in reverse to remove the outer prop. This would mean left hand threads, but if you flip over to the part about putting it back together, it says put it in reverse to install, which would be right to tighten right hand threads. Please help! I looked at the instructions that came with the tool, and it says to put in forward to remove, so i think the shop manual is wrong.





i checked the level, and its about 1/2 to 3/4in over the notch, even after leaking a little. I think that may have been what caused it. It is dripping about a drop every 10 seconds, but only when down. when i put it up, it doesn't leak at all.



I still cant get the props off, but i can see down the hole and its the seal. its wet above the drain plug about 1/3 around the seal. I cant tell if it is pushed out or just wet. I can get a 30mm socket and a 1/2 drive breaker, but i dont want to damage anything cranking on it. Also, how hard is it to change the seals?





Is it OK to run like this? i only have a handful of outings left this season.


i did some research (RTFM) and it says i need a spanner tool to remove the seal retainer ring. Is this something i can rig up, or do i need to buy a $80 tool? between the socket, breaker bar, special prop tool, and this tool. plus the seals, oil, and whatever else i find wrong. it may be "cheaper" to take it to the shop. im going to call tomorrow to see how much they want to do it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

Both nuts are regular right hand threads. Counter clockwise to remove.

You don't need a special tool for the outer prop. Just a regular socket that fits.

Are you using an OEM Volvo shop manual?

The real shop manual says reverse to remove outer prop and forward to remove inner.

Always replace the o-rings on all plugs( 3 including dipstick) when you replace the gear lube. Putting the o-ring on the drain plug behind the prop is a bit difficult and you can damage the o-ring if you are not careful. The way I do it is to wrap the threads with electrical tape so that the o-ring slides across a smooth surface into its notch. Then remove the tape. If you don't so that, its very easy to nick that o-ring and you can have a leak.

I have the Volvo prop wrench and I also welded up my own that has a socket on the top so I can use a tourque wrench on it.

 

[beason]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

i have a prop wrench but its one of the floating ones, and after putting as much torque on this one without it budging, id probably snap that one off. I plan to get a 30mm socket and breaker bar just for it.

the tool i have looks similar, but just has a hole in the top to run the handle of the other tool through. its a joke. you made that one? any interest in making another?

this is what i have.

Volvo Penta Prop Tool Kit 3855516 | eBay

 

[beason]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

Both nuts are regular right hand threads. Counter clockwise to remove.

You don't need a special tool for the outer prop. Just a regular socket that fits.

Are you using an OEM Volvo shop manual?

The real shop manual says reverse to remove outer prop and forward to remove inner.

I downloaded the real shop manual. and it does say reverse to remove the outer prop. it also says reverse to install outer prop.

the removal instructions are wrong.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

I downloaded the real shop manual. and it does say reverse to remove the outer prop. it also says reverse to install outer prop.

So it doesn't give instruction for inner prop?

My brother stole my tool so I need to make another for me! Definitely get a 30MM socket and a 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar. Use a torque wrench when you reinstall.

 

[beason]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

So it doesn't give instruction for inner prop?

My brother stole my tool so I need to make another for me! Definitely get a 30MM socket and a 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar. Use a torque wrench when you reinstall.

this is the instruction

 

[beason]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

it says to put the control in reverse to both remove, and install the outer prop nut. it cant be the same for both. Removal instructions are wrong.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lower unit is leaking oil, cannot get the props off, need advice.

Yep. Backwards from my manual which I am looking at right now.