Water in Outdrive fluid

[jluchuk]

I have a problem with my Volvo Penta DP-SM outdrive getting water into the drive fluid. When I drained it this year it was a mustard color. My other outdrive fluid is normal. I have been told that the problem is most likely the prop shaft seals. Is this correct or should I look for other problems? Can these be replaced with the outdrive on the boat without separating the lower gear case from the upper case? Is there any special tools or problems I should know about? I have the manuals on this drive but they do not cover replacing the seals and only show and exploded view of the lower gear case. Thanks in advance. Jerry

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

While the prop shaft seals do leak, I wouldn't call it the most likely. Maybe 3rd on the list.
Here is my list.
1. Water in the bellows is the most common.
2. The shift mechanism seal
3. Prop shaft seal.

You need to drain the gear lube, pull the outdrive, and then do a pressure test on the drive. Use a spray bottle with soapy water to check the seals while it's pressurized. The bubbles will tell the leak.

You also need to pull the outdrive yearly just to inspect the bellows for water, lube the splines in the coupler and check the engine alignment. You really don't want to pull the engine to replace the coupler because you don't grease them.

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

Thanks for the feedback. While I have always done most of the work on my boat myself, i have always been nervous about pulling an outdrive even though it appears fairly simple. To pressure test can you put air through the fluid drain hole or the dip stick hole? Do you have to pull the shift housing to see if the shift mechanism seal leaks? Also with the props off will you be able to spray soapy water into the prop shaft housing to see if these seals are leaking? Sorry about all the questions but I want to make sure I know as much as possible to find this leak and repair it. I will replace the bellows anyway because it has never been replaced since I have had the boat. Is there anything else I should replace since the out drive will be off? Thanks again I do appreciate the advice. Jerry

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

Pulling the props and the outdrive are just basic maintenance items and needs to be done yearly.
Go to the bottom of this link http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2360521#post2360521 and download the BY, WT, EF manual for your outdrive.

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

Don thanks for the links I have downloaded the manuals. There is a lot more information than I had and it is easier to understand then some of the other docs I have.
Jerry

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

I wanted to update this thread - I pulled the outdrive and it was easier than I thought. Pressure tested and it failed/ It was leaking from the shift housing. I am not waiting for parts to replace the seal and o-ring. One other question. I have the drive in my garage because it is getting cold here in New York. If I pull the pivot housing can I attach the new bellows and seal them on the pivot housing side in my warm garage even though I don't plan to install the O/D til spring, or should I wait until I am putting the O/D back on and install the bellows then?
Jerry L

 

[muc]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

You can do the bellows now.
When replacing the shifter seal be very gentle when driving the roll pin in and use the right size punch so you don?t mushroom the pin.

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

Thanks for the feed back. I will let you know how it goes after I get the parts.
Jerry

 

[jluchuk]

Re: Water in Outdrive fluid

I wanted to give a final update. I replaced the shifter seal and the drive now passes all pressure and vacuum tests. Thanks to you all for your help and especially Don S. for the manual and advice that allowed me to to this.

Jerry