How to instal a new sterndrive?

[Greebo]

I would like to replace my existing sterndrive (an old Volvo Penta) with a new motor and leg. I have been quoted what appears to be to be simply excessive prices for labour. I wonder if I could remove my old sterndrive and instal a new one myself. Is this a difficult job? and does it require specialist tools? As the marine scene here is not very competative, I'm examining the options of importing a sterndrive and leg from the US (to Australia).
I am considering:
1. replacing the existing motor (4 cylinder) with another 4 cylinder (possibly a Mercruiser & leg) or;
2. replacing the 4 cyclinder with a 4.3 6 cylinder. I know that this would involve structural work which I am not keen on.
Ay andice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards

 

[86 century]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Can you give us the ser# from your eng and drive

The earlier volvos have a different cutout in the transom.

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Hi,
The boat is a about 100 miles from here.
The motor is an AQ130 with a stern drive labelled CD drive from memory. It is an above the prop exhaust with power trim if that helps.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Hi,
The boat is a about 100 miles from here.
The motor is an AQ130 with a stern drive labelled CD drive from memory. It is an above the prop exhaust with power trim if that helps.

I know that this would involve structural work which I am not keen on.

Ayuh,... It sounds like the task is over yer head,...

Whatever motor, 'n drive ya choose, other than another copy of what's there, will require Alota work...

 

[captmello]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Hi,
The boat is a about 100 miles from here.
The motor is an AQ130 with a stern drive labelled CD drive from memory. It is an above the prop exhaust with power trim if that helps.

It sounds like the outdrive has been upgraded once before. Your biggest problem will be the cutout in the transom is much bigger than the newer, standard opening. However, the outdrive you have now is a good drive if it's been maintained properly. Maybe a rebuild or newer, overhead cam volvo engine would be a better option.

More info on the boat and your motivation to repower it is needed to really give practical advise.

 

[oldsub86]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Let me suggest that you can do pretty much anything that you set your mind to. However, a change of this nature will no doubt take a lot of time and effort. You will spend a lot of time finding and obtaining all of the little extra bits that will be required to make it all work. You will need to be determined. The cost will exceed what you think it will.
It is often suggested here that one find a donor boat as that will provide most of the extra bits needed for the swap.
So, unless you are truly stuck on the hull that you have, you will no doubt find it much easier and likely less expensive to sell it and buy a different boat. Sad but true.
However, if you really enjoy doing this sort of work and are a bit of a scrounger with lots of contacts in the industry, who knows what you can accomplish for minimal cost.

Randy

 

[captmello]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

It sounds like the outdrive has been upgraded once before. Your biggest problem will be the cutout in the transom is much bigger than the newer, standard opening. However, the outdrive you have now is a good drive if it's been maintained properly. Maybe a rebuild or newer, overhead cam volvo engine would be a better option.

More info on the boat and your motivation to repower it is needed to really give practical advise.

I wanted to correct my post. After seeing your boat in your sig, I realized, you must have an AQ131, not an AQ130, big difference. In this case, it's most likely the original outdrive, however, the rest of my answer still stands.

What is wrong with the existing drivetrain?

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Thank you captmello,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - I have been travelling outside of internet contact.
You are so right - the motor is an AQ131A (or a 230A) and I'm starting to think that the hull and motor date back to 1984. Can you tell the age from the US hull identification number? It has an 84 in it.
Anyway, I love the boat, but the motor has always performed badly. It is often hard to start, and I think it is only firing on 3 cylinders at the moment. It will struggle to get on the plane, then all at once take off as if I had opened the throttle. It will run beautifully for a while, the lose power again.
The tappets are a bit noisy - but they are shims and I don't have the tools to adjust them. I do have a workshop manual.
I have replaced the ignition system with an electronic one rather than points - this has helped the poor starting I previously had.
I think compressions are OK, but intend to borrow a gauge and test this next time I can go to the boat.
Not a major concern at the moment, but I have a weeping welsh plug.
When the motor is running well, I'm quite happy with it. When its not, I aren't.
I have been exploring my options - the trouble is, the boat really suits me in size and layout, but it is disapointing to not be able to trust it for day to day use. If I could get the motor to run well, I'd be happy with the boat.
Prices here are much higher than in US, even though our dollar is worth slightly more than yours.
Here are my current options:
1. I spoke to a Mercruiser dealer here - he quoted me about $14K for a new 135HP motor and leg, plus $3-6K to install it. That is not an option as for 25 grand or so I could pick up a second hand boat that would suit me with much better upholstery etc. and I'm sure that my boat and trailer wouldn't be worthless;
2. There is an engine reconditioner here who deals will all sorts on motors, including Volvo Penta's. He told me today that a "ballpark" figure to completely recondition the motor with genuine parts (which he orders from the US) is about $6K; or
3. I have a non franchised car Volvo mechanic nearby. I'm wondering if he could adjust the tappets, do a tune, and then see if that makes any differance.
I think I might try option 3 first, if that doesn't help, back to option 2.
I could not understand the huge labour cost in repowering. I know that the transom cutout is differant between the Volvo (larger hole) and the Mercruiser. This makes me wonder if the job of removing and replacing the motor is beyond me. I'm reasonably handy in a self taught way. I wouldn't hesitate to lift and replace a car motor, but have heard the word "alignment" used. My next door neighbour has a near new Bayliner - he was charged a couple of hundred dollars on his first service to check the drive alignment.
Perhaps this thread should now be moved to a more appropriate area as I'm definetly talking repair now.
Regards

 

[captmello]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

I agree with going with option 3.

Those engines are good when properly maintained and tuned.

Compression check
plugs,cap,rotor
Fuel/water filter replacement
Timing check, at idle and advanced timing check
You also may want to pull the exhaust manifold and check the head for corrosion of the #4 exhaust port. This is a common issue with those motors.
Possibly a carb rebuild.

This work is not difficult and a Volvo auto mechanic should be able to handle these issues and give you a much better idea of whats wrong without breaking the bank.

Only then will you have a better idea of what your next move should be.

 

[Don S]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

I'm starting to think that the hull and motor date back to 1984. Can you tell the age from the US hull identification number?

It depends on where the numbers are, in the US, the last two numbers of the HIN is the year.
Might want to post some pictures of your engine and drive for ID purposes. Since you drive says CD on it, it sounds like it has trim, and that wasn't on an 84 drive.

Keep in mind, those engines are carbed, and do not have chokes. They are tough to get started when cold. You have to pump the throttle (assuming the accelerator pumps in the carbs are working) to prime the engine and to keep them running at times.
I agree with captmello above, Do a compression test. If that is ok, you probably just need a tuneup to make it easiest to start. Those engines are real picky about dwell and timing, and carb adjustment.

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Thanks for your very quick replies.
I will speak to my local Volvo mechanic.
Because of distance and other commitments this now may take about a month.
However, I will post any results as soon as I get them.
I have attached a picture of the stren drive and motor for more posative identification.

Travel safe,
Peter

 

[Don S]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

You need to post a picture of the real picture, not the thumbnail. Those are too small to really see anything, except the drive is the newer model (90's not 80's) can't tell anything with the engine.

 

[captmello]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

I zoomed in on the pic and could see it was the volvo 4 cylinder. I think I see the model 230 on the flame arrestor. Original to the "93 boat. And an sp outdrive, but need better pics for model id.

You mentioned a leaky Welsh plug. You are running antifreeze in the closed cooling, right?

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Thanks Captmello,
I am now satisfied that the motor is a AQ131A (or 230A in the old nomenclature). According to my Internet searches, this should be 120 HP (at the crankshaft, 110 HP at the prop) - I think some of them have gone lame.
I will try and obtain better pictures of the drive. The serial and ID decals that were attached to the top of the motor have worn out, and I can't see any details on them at all.
I'll be seeing my Volvo Penta dealer later this week - to buy a solid platnium and diamond studded distributor cap (I think it must be because of its eye watering price) and will ask his advice about the drive, but he hasn't been too helpful in the past.
I do run high quality coolant - but of course I don't know any previous history. Although I've owned the boat for about 10 years it probably has only done 100 hours in that time. The welsh plug that is leaking is the one behind the distributor. The corrosion seems to have seized the distributor so that I can't twist it to change the timing (except with a knockometer, other wise known as a hammer). But of course, to replace the welsh plug I'll have to remove the distributor (and alternator) to get access so it might be a very necessary job. I guess I'll wait to see whether a basic tune sorts out my power problems as, if it doesn't, I'll spend the money and have a full recondition done and everything will be replaced, pressure tested etc.
On this note, the motor runs at 90 deg celcius - it that about right?
As you can see my looking at previous posts on this forum, the boat has never performed as well as I expected when I bought it. It was incorrectly propped and has always seemed to be underpowered. Yet, from looking at it's original specs which quoted 3.5 secs to get on plane, 41.5MPH @ 5,000 rpm and 27.3MPH cruising at 3,500 RPM I would think the power should have been adequate. I know I won't get these figures in the real world, but I would like to get on the plane easily with 4 people on board, and be able to cruise at reasonable revs. And, from what I see on the Internet and UTube this shouldn't be an impossible dream.
I understand these boats were popular in the US in their day, so their power must have been OK in their day. I know I'm not going to compete with new boats and motors, all I want is a reliable general purpose boat for travelling around the Coorong and lower Murray River.
Are these pictures any better?

 

[Don S]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

I am now satisfied that the motor is a AQ131A (or 230A in the old nomenclature)

Might want to look at this information from the Volvo site as to old and new.
Be very careful where you do your research, you may get the wrong information.

.

 

[Greebo]

What motor?

What motor?

Might want to look at this information from the Volvo site as to old and new.
Be very careful where you do your research, you may get the wrong information.

Thanks Don,
I have a Volvo Workshop Manual printed in 1993.
It states in the foreword:
"This workshop manual contains technical data, descriptions, and overhaul instructions for the standard versions of 230, 250 and 251 DOHC.
Engines manufactured before 27.3.89 were designated AQ 131, AQ 151 and AQ 171. The new engine designations have been used throughout the Workshop Manual with the earlier designations in brackets".


The technical data describes the motor as a 230 (AQ131). This is a single carburetor motor that seems to be identical to mine. As well, the build date (from the figures you supplied) would coincide with when I think my boat was built - approx 1993.
The number on the engine starts 230A - but no-one here seems to recognise that number. The local dealer told me that meant my motor was 230 HP - just wish that was true. People seem to recognise the designation AQ 131A however.


Am I barking up the wrong tree?



Regards
Peter

 

[captmello]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

230a is a valid engine model number. Volvo changed their model numbers in 1989 as you can see in Dons chart. It is essentially the same as the aq131, but may have a couple of minor differences. I would use the 230a model number for ordering parts, etc.

90 deg C...I don't know the conversion, but they run about 190 deg f here.

41.5 mph seems fast for that small motor. It really depends on the hull style and size. I'd hope for about 35 mph.

To my untrained eye, I still can't tell which SP outdrive you have. Maybe Don can tell. The SP-A still used the reverse lock , but the SP-C did not. That is the only way I know of to tell the difference.:blue:

Don't throw too many diamond studded parts at it until you have done a compression test. You don't want to get too far ahead of yourself.

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

Thanks captmello,
90 deg C is about 194 deg F, so sounds like its about right.
The 41 Mph is from the original Wellcraft specs from their site - yes, I'd be happy with 35 Mph.
There is a reverse lock on the leg, so SP-A might be correct.
I won't buy any more parts until we work out the tune etc. Unfortunately the distrubotor cap was literally shattered when something dropped on it. The engine is completely immobile without it and I figure regardless of what I end up doing it will be necessary. For interest, it was $A145 here, or about $US150.
Thanks for your valuable advice.
Regards
Peter

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

I agree with going with option 3.

Those engines are good when properly maintained and tuned.

Compression check
plugs,cap,rotor
Fuel/water filter replacement
Timing check, at idle and advanced timing check
You also may want to pull the exhaust manifold and check the head for corrosion of the #4 exhaust port. This is a common issue with those motors.
Possibly a carb rebuild.

This work is not difficult and a Volvo auto mechanic should be able to handle these issues and give you a much better idea of whats wrong without breaking the bank.

Only then will you have a better idea of what your next move should be.

Once again, spot on Captmello.
Compression - good (haven't got actual fgures as yet, but mechanic satisfied)
Plugs/cap/rotor - check
Replacing fuel/water filter
Timing being done when motor is put back together.
#4 exhaust port corroded - head is now with a engine reconditioner to repair
Carb with a carb expert to check (was rebuilt 2 or 3 years ago)
When all these bit are done, motor will be tuned.
I will, of course, let you know how it all goes.
The auto Volvo mechanic says that he thinks the motor is in good condition. He is hopefull of a satisfactory outcome.
Yuur expert advice is much appreciated.
Travel safe.

 

[Greebo]

Re: How to instal a new sterndrive?

It depends on where the numbers are, in the US, the last two numbers of the HIN is the year.
Might want to post some pictures of your engine and drive for ID purposes. Since you drive says CD on it, it sounds like it has trim, and that wasn't on an 84 drive.

Keep in mind, those engines are carbed, and do not have chokes. They are tough to get started when cold. You have to pump the throttle (assuming the accelerator pumps in the carbs are working) to prime the engine and to keep them running at times.
I agree with captmello above, Do a compression test. If that is ok, you probably just need a tuneup to make it easiest to start. Those engines are real picky about dwell and timing, and carb adjustment.

Thanks Don,
HIN is XLDACE84G293 - guess that confirms is a 1993 boat.
as you can see from my recent post, things are looking hopefull.
I'll keep you informed.
Regards