Outdrive is off....Now What???

[azskycop]

I have a 2003 Chapparal w/ the 5.0 Volvo Penta Dual Prop. This winter I plan on removing the outdrive to re-finish the paint. As far as I know it has never been off and this is my first attempt at anything like this.

Just looking for suggestions as to what other maintenance items I should consider while I have it off??? (besides changing the fluid)

Any input would be appreciated but please post any pics or information in detail as I don't know what I'm getting into or what I may need for the job.

I think I have a pretty good handle on getting the outdrive off, bought the Volvo Penta maintenace manual but if there are any tips that would be good as well.

 

[meesh]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Check all your bellows, engine alignment and gimbal bearing.

 

[10thHawk]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Might as well replace the impeller while you're at it. Consider buying/building an outdrive stand as well. Did mine this past winter, built the stand from specs located on a thread from here. Cost me all of five bucks.

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

If the drive has never been off, then definitely CHANGE the U-joint bellows. 7 years is pushing and you've definitely gotten your moneys worth out of that one. Detailed instructions with pics were included with my replacemnet bellows from Volvo. It's a pretty straightforward job.

Look at your service manual and it should have routine/scheduled maintenance intervals for your drive.

Oh, yeah. Building a drive stand would be a great idea. Those drives are awkward to work with without one.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Might as well replace the impeller while you're at it. Consider buying/building an outdrive stand as well. Did mine this past winter, built the stand from specs located on a thread from here. Cost me all of five bucks.

There is no impeller in his drive, and as Volvo recommends bellows be changed every 2 years, its a must do, especially as easy as it is on those.

 

[10thHawk]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

There is no impeller in his drive, and as Volvo recommends bellows be changed every 2 years, its a must do, especially as easy as it is on those.

Ah, somehow i saw that coming. I'm a merc guy. Learn somethin new every day

 

[azskycop]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Check all your bellows, engine alignment and gimbal bearing.

Thanks for all the replies. I plan on buying a cheap stand to make things simple. Plus I know about the impeller, it's locations and how to change that.

However I have searched the forum for engine alignment and could not find any info. How hard/easy is this to check and how is it done....same question goes for the gimbal bearing? (I don't even know what this is??)

I will also replace the bellows as that sounds like it's in need after 7 years.

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

However I have searched the forum for engine alignment and could not find any info. How hard/easy is this to check and how is it done....same question goes for the gimbal bearing? (I don't even know what this is??)

I will also replace the bellows as that sounds like it's in need after 7 years.

I fellow Iboats member put together a great video on how to use an alignment bar.

Link

The gimbal bearing is part of your drive/transom shield assembly. Your drive shaft extends through the bearing and engages the engine coupler. The bearing keeps your drive shaft and u-joints from banging around inside the transom shield.



In this parts break down, 22 is the gimbal bearing.

 

[azskycop]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Thanks Sparkinator, that video was very helpful as well as the diagram.

Just one more question on the gimbal bearing- is this a difficult job or does it come out easy once the outdrive is off? And are there any tricks or tips to replacing it?

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Unless there is a problem with the bearing, you wouldn't need to replace it. It is easy to inspect once you get the drive off. Make sure it rolls smoothly, and you don't feel any rough spots. If you don't have any vibration coming from your drive while running and the bearing feels good, you don't need to replace it.

If you have a problem with the bearing, you can use one of these types pullers to remove it.

LINK

Here is a link to an EXCELLENT write up by 45 Auto on how to pull the bearing IF you need to.

LINK

 

[azskycop]

Re: Outdrive is off....Now What???

Thanks for all the info and replies. I think I have a good idea of what I need to do and things to check. I guess if I end up over my head I'll be back and post more questions but so far it does not sound like anything is too difficult.

Thanks again for the help!