Clunky Volvo DP

[mikesyam]

Got a 2002 Volvo 5.7GL DP with 200 hours, clunks when shifted into forward or reverse, it also makes a whirring noise in neutral, oil in the leg is clean and at the correct level.<br />Any ideas<br />Thanks

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

without actually hearing the nosie its hard to say if its normal or not. check the suspension fork and steering hemet for looseness.<br /> and is the correct synthetic oil being used ?

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

The clunking is probably due to idle rpm. If it's too high, they will clunk. Also, if you have stainless props they will clunk worse.<br />The whirring noise may very well be the gimbal bearing. Have you pulled the drive and checked the alignment, gimbal bearing, and ujoints this year?

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

Hi<br />Not sure about the oil but it came from marine max as a swap for a new boat,it has a problem with the rev counter reading crazy but it does seem to be a normal tickover, it does have stainless props and the noise going into gear isnt like a Alpha 1 which can grate, its just a loud "clean" clunk selecting either forward or reverse. I always thought Volvo legs with the cone were silent selecting gear, so some do clunk do they and its ok?<br />Thanks<br />Mike

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

and depending on the hull some are way louder than others<br /> but do check that idle RPM with a known good inductive tach.<br /> much over 700 RPM and it whacks things

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

So what should the idle rpm be, and is that in gear or neutral?<br />Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

550 to 650 rpm in fwd.<br />I usually set them around 675 to 700 rpm in neutral and they usually end up between 600 and 650 rpm.<br />If it won't idle at those speeds, then you probably need a "COMPLETE" tuneup.

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

The hulls a Wellcraft Martinique 2600, going to dig out my optical tachometer and check those rpm's.<br />Thanks for the help guys.<br />Mike

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

Just checking, there is only the 1 oil level to check on the leg and it is the one one on the dipstick?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

Still assuming you have the SX style DP, yes you check the drive lube with the dipstick.<br />Thread it into the drive to check the level. Should be in the upper part of the flat surface of the dipstick. DO NOT overfill.

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

Don thanks for the reply,<br />I only know its a 2002 dp, the legs anti fouled so the stickers are not readable, I take it by your reply there is more than 1 type/are they easy to identify?<br /><br />Do you know what the average hours/life should be for the gimble bearing so long as the bellows are ok?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Mike

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

If the gimbal bearing stays dry and gets lubed regularly, they will last for many years.<br />The drive should be pulled at least yearly (Usually during winterization) to check for water in the bellows, check engine alignment, inspect the gimbal bearing and ujoints, and check for drive oil in the bellows. Even having the drive oil in the bellows will wash the grease out of the bearings in the ujoints and gimbal bearing.<br /><br />Yes, there is more than one style and type of Volvo DP drive. Check the link to the drive chart below. Yours is probably the DP-S series. There is a metal tag on the port side of the drive that will give you the model, PN, gear ratio, etc. Info is stamped into the tag.<br /><br /> Volvo Drive Chart

 

[mikesyam]

Re: Clunky Volvo DP

Ok understood, many thanks for you help, going to get the leg removed and checked asap<br />Thanks again<br />Mike