Volvo 3.0L SX Drive Issues

[neald]

I recently damaged my prop, I ran into an area with rocks. Although the prop looked a bit damaged, the boat ran just fine (it's a only 3yrs old with about 55 hours on it). Well the dealed told me that much more damaged was caused, beyond just the prop, and the total is about $3800.00 for the repairs. My question is whether or not the SX drive has some sort of shear pin that should give way before such extensive damage is caused to the prop. Also, is this typical for a Volvo SX drive or not?? PLEASE HELP with any information.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 3.0L SX Drive Issues

No, there are no shear pins. The SX does have a coupler between the upper and lower units that is called a drive saver, but it doesn't really do much to save anything.
My question is what the damage is that costs 3800 bucks. The price means nothing if we don't know what is being fixed for that amount.
Did you have a Stainless steel prop or aluminum?

Also, is this typical for a Volvo SX drive or not??

Typically the SX drive is used in water, not rocks. Using them in rocks is normally a lot more expensive than using them in water only.

 

[neald]

Re: Volvo 3.0L SX Drive Issues

I have an aluminum prop. They claim shaft damage, bent, two shafts (??) and most of the lower unit gears. But no damage to the upper unit. Believe it or not, I was in a no wake zone, which means I wasn't moving very fast and the rpm was low. I think this is what was most troubling. If I was running say at 3~4k RPM, then okay I would expect severe damage.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 3.0L SX Drive Issues

I've never seen minor damage to an aluminum prop bend the prop shaft or the vertical shaft, you might want to have the shop SHOW you the bend with a dial indicator, also have them show you the splined coupling that connects the upper and lower unit vertical shafts. If the splines are straight, they are blowing smoke.