Leak around outdrive - Volvo 275

[R Wallerr]

Hi all, I'm new to the boards. I have a 1986 Bayliner that I am in the midst of repairing correctly. When I got the boat a couple of years ago the outdrive housing (that bolts thru the transom) had caulk around it and of course water leaking in. I re-caulked it and it seemed to help quite a bit.

Recently, I removed all of the caulking and found that the housing was not exactly "flush" against the transom with a gap ranging from about 1/32 of an inch on top to a little over 1/16 at the bottom. There does not seem to be a gasket inside although the bolts appear to have boots on them. I couldn't find anything addressing this in the manual (Seloc). I checked the 6 bolts and they seem they could be easily tightened up a bit.

2 questions:

1. Is there supposed to be a gasket between the housing and the transom?

2. Should the housing be tightened so it is flush with the transom? And is the a danger of overtighening?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Robj]

Re: Leak around outdrive - Volvo 275

I have a 290 drive and there is a gasket between the transom and transom shield. The gasket is like a big O ring, and it is installed onto the transom shield. When I reinstalled my transom shield I did not use any sealer, did not need to and there is no water leakage.

My guess is that based on the boat make and age, it is most likely that the bolts were loose because there is some rott in the transom. The wood becomes soft and the bolts seem loose. You can tighten it, all you are doing is further compressing the rotten wood. The first thing I would do is check the transom and make sure it is solid. My guess is that you will not like what you will find.

Good luck

Rob.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Leak around outdrive - Volvo 275

My guess is that based on the boat make and age, it is most likely that the bolts were loose because there is some rott in the transom. The wood becomes soft and the bolts seem loose. You can tighten it, all you are doing is further compressing the rotten wood. The first thing I would do is check the transom and make sure it is solid. My guess is that you will not like what you will find.

Ayuh,.... I'd Bet on it....

Further tightening will possibly cause Mis-alignments....