Volvo Penta lower unit oil -Checking / reserve?

[xanthras]

Hi All, Just got a new (used boat) and it has a 2005 Volvo Penta DP drive. I am launching soon and wanted to double check everything before i do. Regarding the outdrive oil, I am seeing that the VP has a dipstick on top of the drive. So I know I can check it before launch.

But what about throughout the season??? I have not seen any reserve kits like my old Mercruiser had. Would love to have one. Can you check it while its in the water? (on a calm morning maybe?)

I have lived through a leak situation and really don't want to burn up what looks like an expensive drive due to some unknown leak.

Thanks in advance!

 

[cnotecherry]

No way to check it safely in the water that im aware of might be a good idea to pressure/vacuum test it before you launch and maybe pull it out after your first day or two out and check the oil again

 

[xanthras]

Thanks. Yea kinda disappointing. I am shocked that such a nice outdrive has no better monitoring method / alarming system.

 

[cnotecherry]

Well mercruiser only added that system after having leaking problems so dont give them to much credit however I am still a merc fan volvo does some things better but for the most part they are terrible to work on mostly for lack of information especially up here in canada they won't even let you on there website from a Canadian IP address that just pisses me off eh!

 

[xanthras]

Yea that stinks about no access. I checked it from the dipstick and it was full of new fluid. Might just check into insurance if a slow leak smokes my $$$$ outdrive!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Depending on how you do it,if the dipstick can be removed and a fitting and some hose installed to go to a res container inside the boat. Just has to be functional

If I can add a Bravo type raw water pump an oil res system cant be much harder

 

[cnotecherry]

I would not do what bt doctor suggested the leg is not supposed to be completely full hence why the dipstick is 6" long if you absolutely felt you needed to I would just extend the dipstick somehow so you can check it in the water

 

[BRICH1260]

If your leaking oil you`ll know it by the sheen on the water. If no sheen, what`s in there will remain in there