Volvo penta 280 outdrive lock mechanism slack

[straub9@gmail.com]

hey guys i have a 1985 volvo penta 280 sterndrive and the locking mechanism locks in forward and reverse but there is about 1/2” of slack in the mechanism which is causing a bang in reverse... if i lift the leg 1/2” to use up the slack i can see the locking mechanism actually grab the bar but when it rests in the down position its slightly released... not enough to unlock but enough for it to bang in reverse.
what is going on? And what do i have to buy to fix it?

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

you have to buy the manual so you know what to work on and adjust on your 280

you can also view a copy on-line at boatinfo.no and look in the library. the quality of the scans may not be the greatest.

 

[straub9@gmail.com]

So far nothing in the manual is helping. Ive tried backing off the jam nut on the thrust sleeve thing... still no change.

 

[captmello]

I'd say your lock is fine. if you were to adjust the outdrive crossbar out to the third hole, furthest from the transom, you would lose the play, but perhaps effect the boats performance.

 

[straub9@gmail.com]

Very interesting... well i agree with you on the performance loss i have quite a large boat, but i wonder if i move the cross bar to the next hole it may cut the play in half at least?

 

[kenny nunez]

The small stainless sleeve that protrudes from the starboard side of the suspension yoke that is threaded on the rod and is connected to the mechanism may either be damaged or broken off and is partially stuck. The other thing could be the lift mechanism is not retracting enough and is in contact with the above mentioned sleeve.
Also check that none of the small coil springs on the mechanism are not broken, you have to look real close. Also try working the parts os the mechanism with a pair of channel lock pliers and some good penetrating oil.

 

[straub9@gmail.com]

Yeah i originally had an issue with the sleeve not being able to fully protrude so i completely took it all apart and rebuilt it theres zero corrosion everything is in great shape and when the leg is all the way down u can by hand move the rod nothing is jammed... bushings on leg have no play...im going to play with that rod/sleeve adjustment again and see if something is out of adjustment.