Need some info?

[RetNav]

Can someone enlighten me as to the difference between the 270, 280 and 285 volvo out drive units? In checking for parts from Doug Russell we (my fishing partner and I) have found lots of the same numbers in all three units. I guess that is what brought up the question..

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Need some info?

The 270 is an older unit. <br />The 280 has a different lower unit housing.<br />The 285 has power steering.<br /><br />Shouldn't the place you buy it from be able/willing to help with this question?<br />Email me directly if you need a quote.

 

[Don S]

Re: Need some info?

While some of the parts are the same, there are lots of them that are different. The lower housings are completely different between the 270 and 280's, the 280 is more streamlined.<br />Just remember, when you go looking for parts, look them up under the correct drive, cause there is no way someone can explain the difference of every part.

 

[RetNav]

Re: Need some info?

Thanks for the info.<br /><br />Don S, I guess I should have been more specific.<br /><br />My fishing partner has an older boat with a 302 and 270 out drive. He said the boat was about 1971 or close. He also has a 280 and 285 in good shape in his shop. It looks like we could put either units on the out drive at the pivot points and they would work. <br /><br />I have been telling him to bite the bullet and either upgrade with another engine or another boat. He is hard headed, sort of like us all.. <br /><br />My question is, do you know if either of the other units would fit?

 

[Don S]

Re: Need some info?

There are a few things that could be different. The pivot pins that the drive tilts on should be the same, the the bolt for the pin that hold the helmut on to the upper gear box may change. There were 3 styles. Small single bolt, Large single bolt and 2 bolt that hold in the center pivot (only 2 are shown in pic below in the inset) They are not interchangable, and you would have to replace either the clamp ring on the upper gear box to match that on the helmut (and the gears are matched sets so not changine front sections) or replace the helmut and steering, and that can turn into a whole can of worms. You also need to make sure you have the right gear ratio's.<br /><br />

 

[RetNav]

Re: Need some info?

Thanks for the info Don. I will pass it on to my partner and see what he wants to do.