How to replace a VP 250

[jsgif99]

Have you ever wanted to talk to the one that let a beautiful boat be destroyed that you are restoring. What if you got a boat that seemed to be one of one with a rare engine and a rare outboard. What if who ruined the boat was you. I was given this boat when I was 19. It had been sunk. I cleaned out the water and even took this boat to Lake Elsinore a couple times.(1988) Lived in California. Then life happened. Marriage, child and a career. With no garage the engine took on rainwater. My new exterior ruined. This last freeze in Dallas cracked my VP outdrive thus my question. My outdrive is cracked. The engine was a IO 318. Where or what can I do to replace this outdrive. EBAY, shops etc.

 

[alldodge]

Ebay and CL is about it. Maybe @Scott Danforth might know where to find one.

Could also think about putting a newer drive on it, but this requires several other changes

 

[Scott Danforth]

hey @kenny nunez , will a 290SP lower fit the drive above?

@jsgif99 if Kenny comes back with yes to the answer, may have a solution for you

 

[kenny nunez]

I never tried it but if he swaps the suspension fork the entire 290 would bolt up. I would only stay with a single propeller model.
The main thing is the gear ratio. It has to be a 1;6 to 1.
Sierra # 18-3888 lower seal kit is all that is needed to mate any Volvo model lower to the mid section which is the easiest swap.

 

[jsgif99]

Thanks for the reply. I do have another 318 with all marine accessories so I would like to stay Chrysler Marine but also would go to a different drive/engine if no other options. I am going to start a boat build thread when I have the outdrive figured out.

 

[kenny nunez]

Thanks for the reply. I do have another 318 with all marine accessories so I would like to stay Chrysler Marine but also would go to a different drive/engine if no other options. I am going to start a boat build thread when I have the outdrive figured out.

For your lower gearcase to crack then it must have had water in where oil is supposed to be. The drive probably was all rusted internally already.
If you find a complete drive just swapping the upper and lower to the mid section would also be easy.
Sierra# 18-2597 Upper “O” rings.
Sierra# 18-2744 drive shaft bellows. Good luck

 

[jsgif99]

Thank you Kenny. I do like the thought of replacing it with something newer. would something like this work for now. Lower Unit/ Gearcase, 1.61:1 Ratio Volvo Penta 270 "B" fits V8. Its for sale on ebay right now. Unfortunately I cant copy the picture.

 

[kenny nunez]

If it is what it is described as then you should go for it. You should also also order along with the drive shaft bellows,
Sierra# 18-2778 water hose connection
#18-2775 molded hose.
The drive shaft bellows can be replaced by just removing the upper gear box. That way you can check on the condition of the universal joints. If there is rust and visible water damage then you will have to pull the engine and p d s housing to replace the bearings.
I hope the inside of the upper gear box is in good condition.