Volvo Penta SX-M seized

[Jimleopold]

My SX-M ran low on oil (about a quart low I think) and seized. Found metal fragments on mag pickup.
Before starting rebuild, I was wondering what to expect.
1) Do the bearings generally fail first or gears? Bearings wouldn't be so bad but gears are so expensive that it probably makes more sense to find a used drive for $1000 - $2000.
2) Does the top half typically fail first?
I rebuilt a Mercury outboard drive years ago. It wasn't fun but managed.
Thanks for any help I can get

 

[dubs283]

You'll need special tools to perform a complete disassemble/rebuild

Probably cost as much as a new drive oem

Find a good used drive of same model/gear ratio, they're around

 

[Jimleopold]

You'll need special tools to perform a complete disassemble/rebuild

Probably cost as much as a new drive oem

Find a good used drive of same model/gear ratio, they're around

OK, thank you.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Plan on finding a drive

However with the factory manual, you can pull yours apart to inspect

 

[Jimleopold]

Plan on finding a drive

However with the factory manual, you can pull yours apart to inspect

I downloaded it today. Probable have to buy some of the speciality tools to even get a look at the bearings and gears,
Looks like $3000 is the going price for the drive.
Would be nice to know if the problem is in the top or bottom or both.
Thank you

 

[Donald0039]

So my DPS-A OXI had two missing teeth in the forward gear. And metal fragments in the gear oil when it was drained. What I was told is that the metal fragments would circulate throughout the drive going through the gears and bearings. So the potential exists for a lot of damage to occur. I got my drive completely rebuilt, upper and lower but it was not cheap.

Now does that mean all the gears and bearings need to be replaced? Unsure.

If you have the time and "drive" I would pull the drive apart and inspect every gear and bearing and replace anything that was not in perfect shape. Expect some parts to be delayed and need to come from VP in Sweden.

Yes you will need some VP specific tools, but I'll bet you can buy the ones you need for less than it will cost for a new or rebuilt drive.

There is a five part set of YT video on rebuilding a VP outdrive. The guy that makes the videos has "cave" in the name. He knows his stuff.