Penta SX lower outdrive case

[Heller1]

Well, had a bad thing happen, got the boat outta storage and the outdrive is cracked. Did everything by the book for winterizing. 12 hours on the boat. Took it to the dealer, he said volvo wont cover it. go figure, water in the exhaust cavity froze and cracked it there saying. Not really sure how that happened with the motor down. Anyway, they want a ridiculous amount for a new case, does anyone know where i can get one, or how to fight with the volvo rep on this? I winterized the same way i did on my merc for 15 years, first year with this one and this happens. Any help appreciated!<br /><br />Ron

 

[natwales]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

Only 12 hours on the boat? That's a shame. Do you agree that it was cracked due to freezing water? If so was there any faulty manufacturing that may have prevented water from draining? I guess if it was your fault then you can't expect warranty to cover that sort of thing, but if you think somthing is legitimately unfair I know in my state there is a law called the consumer protection act. <br /><br />Specifically you would need to file a 95A demand letter. I had to do that once for an insurance company that refused to pay for damages and right away after sending that letter the claims representative responded by sending me a check for my full claim. (no, I was not backing up when the lady rear ended me on the exit ramp!)<br /><br />Under the consumer protection law they are liable for up to 3x damages if they are responsible for "unfair or deceptive" practices and apparently that term is broad enough to cover a lot of different circumstances. In your demand letter you would outline what occured and specifically ask that they repair your outdrive. If you can include something to support the idea that the problem was due to faulty materials, etc.. then that will help a lot. You will want to send it via certified mail and then Its up to the dealer to respond properly in a certain amount of time with his reasons. If it remains unresolved then it will go t to small claims court and that can be a pain, but the threat of triple damages often means the other party will conceed or at least offer to work out some sort of deal.

 

[Heller1]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

I really dont know what happened. The motor was not tilted up, so I dont see how water could have sat in the exhaust cavity and froze it. They first told me it was water in the oil, I said no way and had them pressure check it. Held 12 psi. I cannot explain how it happened, My only argument at this time is it was winterized by the book and the same as i have been doing since 1984 with a merc. First winter with the volvo and this. I find it unlikely that it froze, but i have no other explanations for it either. They are quoting me $2200 to fix it. I might just file an insurance claim at this point and pay the $500 deductible and just rid myself of the problem. Just dont want it to happen again next winter.<br /><br />Ron

 

[Heller1]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

hey natwhales, please contact me, i have some questions regarding this<br /><br />ron.heller@comcast.net

 

[muc]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

Might want to get a second opinion on the crack.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

muc is right, get second opinion. I'll tell you that the opinion of your insurance company will be "it froze, that's not covered". So you aren't going to get them to pay for it either.<br /><br />On a side note, Glastron SX175, you ever play football for the Eagles?

 

[Heller1]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

a second opinion isnt going to get me anywhere, the volvo rep for the area is the one who decided on this.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

Are you able to tilt the drive all the way down, or is it somewhat up, like on boats that sit low on the trailer? Could it possibly not have drained all the way? When I winterize my old OMC Cobra, I drain everything but also backfill the engine and manifolds with a 50/50 mix of propylene glycol antifreeze, and make sure it runs out of the exhaust to displace any water that did not drain. Never a problem doing it this way, even with temps down to zero.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Penta SX lower outdrive case

Originally posted by Glastron_SX175:<br /> a second opinion isnt going to get me anywhere, the volvo rep for the area is the one who decided on this.

Well, you're not going to get far. You have to go over his/her head, and I don't know who that is, sorry. <br />You're gonna be opening your wallet, real wide, one way or another. <br /><br />You say you did it by the book, but then mention doing it the same as your Mercury/Mercruiser. Maybe they are done differently?<br />Doesn't iboats.com have drive units? doug russell does.