Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

[Hitech]

Okay, I?ve disconnected everything but I still can?t get the drive off. Is there something holding the u joints in? They seem to be holding the drive in.

What I?ve done so far:

1. Disconnected U Joint bellows
2. Disconnected exhaust bellows
3. Disconnected water hose
4. Disconnected shift cable, removed threaded piece that connects to the
linkage and removed the plate that holds the cable in the drive
5. removed the nut that attaches the steering helmet to the the drive
6. Removed the axle pins

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

I always remove the upper unit first. Without looking at the manual, I think you need to do that.

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

The manual does not say to remove the upper unit when pulling the drive. However, I can always try that. Thanks.

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

Where can I get replacement gaskets?

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

Why are you removing the drive? If changing bellows, there is no reason to remove the complete drive. Only the upper gear box.
What gaskets do you want to replace?

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

I need to remove the steering fork/helmet asy. so I can replace the bushings. I can't see any way to get it out without pulling the drive.

I also had to remove the top cover to repair it. So I need that gasket. I was/am planning on removing the upper gear box as it seems that the u joint asy is stuck and not allowing me to remove the drive. I was hoping it would come off easier when just trying to take the gear box off. I'm afraid that it is rusted to the shaft(s). Although the u joint bearings seem fine (very little play).

Also, if I replace that top cover would I need to change the number of shims?

I think I found out where to get gaskets, unless someone as a better idea:

http://www.dougrussell.com/partscat...,3455,3456,3457,3458,3459,3460,3461,3462,3463

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

You don't have to remove the complete drive tor remove the fork and helmet. Just the upper gear box. But since it's froze on the shaft, my guess is you will be pulling the engine also so you can remove the bellhousing to replace the bearings on the intermediate shaft in the bellhousing.
Water in the bellows gets into the bellhousing and that's what rusts the shaft to the yoke assembly.

You can get parts here at iboats. Just to up to the top of this page and click on Volvo parts.

Yes you have to reshim the cap if you replace it. Drive kick up and break the old cap?????

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

Thanks. I'm hoping it's not going to require pulling the motor. There are no symptoms of any bearings about to fail, but I did get water out of the bellows. The bellows was replaced by the previous owner (it appears new) and I don't think the boat was run by the previous owner since then. I've only used it twice.

Wish me luck?!?

And no. Some one apparently left a machine/wood screw under the cap and when the drive spun up it shot it through the cap. I removed the screw and now there is a hole there that needs to be pluged/sealed. I was worried that I'd find something broken when I removed the top cover, but I can't even find a scratch. Other than the hole, of course.

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

I am no expert but......Enough expierence with outdrives and water tells me that if there was water where bearings are.........Its cheaper to replace the replaceable things while it is apart the first time because putting it back together half a#$ makes sure that youll be doing everything again twice as soon......so. Volvo's are very dependable. But costly. If the driveshaft has froze. then i Imagine that the u-joints and bellhousing bearings are ready for replacement. A broken u-joint will shred a bellows in about a 1/2 second. Will your bilge pump keep up?

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

Is the shaft in the center of the upper gear box susposed to stay in the upper gear box or in the intermediate housing? I can't lift it up high enough so that I can attempt to slide it back.

I assume to access the other end of the u joint asy will require the motor to come out?

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

Yes, the shaft stays in the upper gear box, but the coupler between the upper and lower usually tries to stick on the upper shaft. You have to raise the top box just enough to get a screw drive under the bearing and push down on the coupler. THEN, it will have room to twist and come out.
Do you have an OEM manual for this project??????

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

I have the Workshop Manual from Volvo in PDF form (it covers a lot of different drives). I must confess to not reviewing the manual again before trying to remove the upper unit. I read on here by numerous people that you just disconnect the linkage and remove the two bolts and two nuts and lift off. I'll review the manual again as I remember something about the shaft (I thought that was for disassembly, but I should probably start paying closer attention to the manual).

Once I get it off, is there any way to inspect the bearings in the intermediate shaft? Or should I just bit the bullet and pull the motor?

At least pulling the motor looks a lot easier in a boat than a car.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

The manual won't answer your question about lifting it off, I was just curious if you had a factory manual or not.

Once I get it off, is there any way to inspect the bearings in the intermediate shaft?

You can remove the seal and look at the grease in the housing. If it's milky, there is water in it, and yes you have water damage to the bearings. You can also see if there is any up and down movement (slop) in the shaft. ANY movement indicates bad bearings. There should be ZERO movement up and down or side to side.

 

[Hitech]

Re: Removing VP 280 Stern Drive

Thanks. I just re-read that manual and you're right, it doesn't mention pushing down on the coupler.

Once I get it off, I'll check everything out.

Thanks again.