SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

[Ahousaht Eagle Spirit]

Don S. thanks for the information you posted in the thread noted below.....

http://forums.iboats.com/volvo-pent...-outdrives/sx-top-cover-clearance-597061.html

I am wondering if any have ideas on how to best torque the dipstick bolt (screw driver, torque wrench) because the book that came with my engine from VP gives a torque value, that when used on my last cover sheared the threads in the top cap. Also, is there a thread lock that can be used to seal this point of water intrusion?

Thanks for any ideas.

On another note, Volvo Penta is a great outfit and certainly do their best to help the customer....they replaced my top cover on my almost out of warranty sx-a....I talked directly with VP and they were very supportive. This worked out because of course using a heli-coil on the top cap does not work so good, and therefore what could have been a $50 repair instead of the $500 it was going to cost me cost me only shipping...thanks VP.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

Whenever you change your gear oil, replace the o-rings on all the plugs.

I normally always use a torque wrench on everything I do but I do have to say I have never used one on any of the plugs.

 

[Ahousaht Eagle Spirit]

Re: SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

Whenever you change your gear oil, replace the o-rings on all the plugs.

I normally always use a torque wrench on everything I do but I do have to say I have never used one on any of the plugs.

Thanks for the reminder. I have received all new gaskets/o-rings, and am likely to only use my screwdriver this time. But I am still wondering if a thread lock would be a good idea for the plugs? thanks again.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

What torque value did you use? You probably already know this, but make sure you notice that the book value is in-lb. My first (and only) trip to a mechanic involved him shearing off those threads also because he read it as 48-72 ft-lbs when it is actually 48-72 in-lbs (i.e. 4-6 ft-lbs). Hence creating that thread you linked to.

Having said that, I too never torque it down. I tighten it by hand, then use a screwdriver to give it a small turn and call it good. As long as the o-ring isn't compromised it will do it's job without needing the dipstick incredibly torqued down.

 

[Lou C]

Re: SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

You only have to get it snug to seat the gasket. My OMC Cobra has a similar design but OMC must have used better quality helicoils because I have never had a problem and its 26 years old. New gasket, just get it snug. All it does is seal in oil and seal out water....

 

[muc]

Re: SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

Some of the SX-A covers had this problem. You won't have to worry about the new cover.
Don't exceed 48-72 in-lbs and you'll be fine.

 

[Ahousaht Eagle Spirit]

Re: SX-A Top Cover Clearance - torque on dipstick bolt

Thanks to all who helped. I completed a pressure test to 15psi all was good. I did a vacuum test and it lost vacuum...so I will bring it to the dealer. I have refilled with gear oil because I live on an island (12miles to nearest dealer) and need to get the boat to the dealer. I have had the boat on my trailer for a few days now. I pulled the dipstick yesterday and heard an audible escape of pressure when I unscrewed the dipstick....anyone know if this is normal?

thanks in advance.