1999 Volvo DP Checks with outdrive off?

[JoLin]

Hi-

I've searched the forum a couple of times in different ways and can't seem to find this info...

The 1999 Chris Craft (5.7 GSi/DP) I'm dealing on is sitting in the boatyard with the outdrive removed. This is my first experience with an I/O boat and I'm asking what I can check (and how to do it) while the outdrive is off the boat?

I have looked over the bellows- they're pliable but not mushy anywhere, and I don't see any surface cracks or signs of water intrusion on the inside. When I look up into the large one, what I see mostly is a lot of grease. I know there's a gimbal bearing and some other stuff up there (yes, I'll be buying Volvo manual(s) after I buy the boat)

What can I check by reaching up into the bellows, and what should I be feeling for? Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1999 Volvo DP Checks with outdrive off?

Look through the gimbal bearings at the splines in the coupler. If they come up to a point, the coupler is about worn out and you should expect to pull the engine to replace it. if the splines are about the same width as the gaps between them, that's normal.
The alignment should be checked before installing the drive.
If the bellows is over 5 years old, I would replace it. It's only about a 20 minute job with the drive off, and easy to do.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 1999 Volvo DP Checks with outdrive off?

Thanks, Don

Before I go over to the yard again I'll find some pics of the coupler in the adults only section. I'm still getting some questions answered by the owner concerning the age of certain parts including the bellows, so will plan accordingly. One of the disadvantages of working through a broker is that I don't have direct access to the seller- I have to think out all my questions ahead of time and write 'em down instead of just being able to converse with the guy.

Anyway, thanks again. Keeping my fingers crossed- it looks to be a real nice boat.