Help w/ Volvo AQ171A bellhousing, Please.

[why did I do this?]

Hello-
This is my first boat. I bought it knowing it was going to be a project, but this is becoming a real pain.
Its a 1988 Volvo aq171a engine w/ a 290 outdrive. While trying to replace the bellows, I noticed that the bell housing is toast. Unfortunately a new bellhousing is serious $$$ and used are hard to come by. Is the 171a compatable w/ any other models such as the 151?
any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks-

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Help w/ Volvo AQ171A bellhousing, Please.

Is this a inline 6 engine. If so PM me

 

[robjen1019]

Re: Help w/ Volvo AQ171A bellhousing, Please.

the bell housing is the same for the aq 151, 171, 131 By toast what do you mean. If it is just the bearings, you can replace them. Don't get discouraged. That motor is a very nice motor to have. The head on it is probably worth as much as the boat. I bought a bell housing on ebay for 25 a year ago for a buddy and then replaced all the bearings for 75.

 

[why did I do this?]

Re: Help w/ Volvo AQ171A bellhousing, Please.

Thanks for the replies.
By toast I mean the bearings are shot, the flange where the bellow attaches is destroyed (falling apart).
All this started on my first time out in the boat. Heard a banging sound when put the engine under load. So I go lift up the hatch and notice serious amounts of water coming in. Go back to shore, get the boat on the trailer and notice that the bellows are shredded. After having a buddy take a look, we saw the carnage on the bell housing.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Help w/ Volvo AQ171A bellhousing, Please.

The flywheel covers are readily available. Going rate is $50 to $350. Marine dealers will want the higher price but individuals will let it go for less. Your flywheel damper is probably shot as well and the forward yoke of the driveshaft is probably all chewed up. You can also find most of the parts on ebay.Some people will be more proud of them than others .

Once you pull the engine, to replace the cover, might as well remove the flywheel to clean out all the aluminum shavings and chunks that are behind it. Would be a good time to send the starter to the shop for R&R and cleaning the aluminum from it as well while it's out. When the bearing goes and the driveshaft chews up the snout, aluminum shavings go everywhere - it's not a pretty sight.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but that's the price of someone not doing the preventative maintenance. If that engine is in good shape, it's relatively rare and a screamer with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder.