outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

[skysurfer2010]

I went to do my first oil change on my Volvo SX outdrive today. I ran it for about 10 minutes, drained the oil, and then went to put new oil in with a pump through the drain plug. The oil pump the marine shop sold me doesn't fit my drain plug hole! All the local marine shops are closed. Is my outdrive ok to sit for a few days without oil in it since it should be coated internally or will it develop condensation and start to rust? What should I do?

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Won't hurt a thing, if going to be a long time, just put the plugs in and tag it saying NO OIL.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Sir.... you are truly amazing. Not only do you provide amazing information, but you do it with lightning fast speed while I'm sitting here covered in oil and grease praying for a quick response to ease the nerves! Thanks!!

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Its messy but you can refill the gear case without a pump if you want to by just rolling up the quart bottles (three of them) and using your finger in between. Pump is much easier though.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Thanks for the tip, but as long as it's not going to hurt anything I can wait until I have the right tools to do the job. My dad always taught me to do it the right way or don't do it at all. Rain is expected here the next two days so it'll get done on Tuesday.

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Once you get it full, give it a half an hour to sit and check the dipstick. DO NOT go over the full line. It has a tendency to blow out the front seal, then you have to take it apart and fix the seal because you don't know it it had too much oil or a bad seal.
Can I assume you found the OEM service manual download links up in the Adults Only sticky ??????

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Yeah, I read that tip on here. My plan was to fill it with 2 quarts and see if it comes out the oil level plug (located under the rear drive cover). I'll then check the dipstick to see what it looks like and if it needs more after sitting for a half hour I'll add a little more until it either comes out of the oil level plug or reads ok on the dipstick. My engine should hold 2.1L which is about 2.2q.

I think I'm set on manuals. I downloaded the oem manuals from that sticky, I found a Volvo Penta workshop manual for my engine on ebay for .99, and I have the original Volvo engine owners manual. I always read all of them before, during, and after I do any work.

On a side note, the next task is to remove the outdrive to lube the gimbal and u-joints. The downloadable drive manual's pictures are horrible and I don't have any other drive manuals. How difficult of a job is it to remove? I'm moderately mechanically inclined.

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Use the manual below for pulling the drive. They are really easy, just pull the cover off the drive. Disconnect and remove the cable end for the shift cable. Remove the aft shaft from the trim rams, and remove the 6 nuts. Pull it off.

http://www.4shared.com/file/50982625/e2bdb42c/SX_DP-S_Service_Manual.html

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Already have the manual. It just looks a little daunting to do the first time. Thanks!

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Like Don said, it is really simple and straight forward. I did mine for the first time this year.

As far as the pictures in the manual, they are pretty bad. I ordered a manual for the drive to try and get some better pics, but they are exactly the same photos.

Once you get the covers off, the pics and instructions make a little more sense.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: outdrive ok to sit without oil for a few days?

Ok, cool. Thanks!