Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

[scb1712]

Hi All,

I just did a pressure test on the intake section of my 1999 Volvo SX-M stern drive. I am getting water coming out of two small holes on both sides of the drive up near where it attaches to the upper unit (see photo). I'm pretty sure i shouldn't be getting water coming out here and that this represents a leak somewhere in the drive. However, before pulling the lower unit off, i thought i better check here first. Anyone have any ideas??

 

[scb1712]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

Well - i think i might have found the problem in case anyone else runs into this. The seal on the inlet tube into the lower unit was shot. Someone had tried a band-aid fix by wrapping it in electrical tape:facepalm:.

If i'm replacing the lower seal on the pick-up tube, does it make sense to also replace the upper seal? I can't seem to get the tube out even though i think its just a pressure fit.

 

[DrNo08]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

Im confused. I thought those two holes on each side are where the outdrive "pees". Are you sure water isn't supposed to come from those 4 holes when idling on the muffs or in the water?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

Outdrives don't pee.

 

[0352Marine]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

I have water coming from my 4 holes and I have no cooling problems. I pretty sure water is supposed to come out of those holes

 

[Don S]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

They are drain holes so those pockets in the castings drain. When running on muffs the exhaust pushes the water out...

 

[scb1712]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

Good to know - so if i see water coming out of them when running on muffs i won't worry. Is there any concern about those holes sucking air when up on plane? Either way - the lower water tube seal was shot.

 

[Don S]

Re: Water leak in Volvo SX Lower unit

No.