Removing a VP 250 stern drive unit

[rreid01]

I have a Volvo 250 Aquamatic in my 1971 Donzi that is slipping in reverse. I'm sure that the cone clutch is the problem, but given the age of the drive (it's never been apart that I can tell), I think it's best to remove it and rebuild the entire drive. So I'm in the process of trying to remove the outdrive. So far I have removed the pivot pin lock bolts and the bolt holding the helmut to the upper drive case. I assume the next step is to remove the pivot pins on either side of the drive, but I can't seem to budge them. They each have a straight slot machined in the face. So far I have soaked the pins as best I can with rust remover and tapped each pin with a hammer and they still won't turn, even using a wrench on the screwdriver for extra leverage.

Any tricks to getting these pins out? Is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks-rob

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing a VP 250 stern drive unit

You do not need to remove the whole outdrive, only the upper gear box. Here in a nutshell is how it's done.

There are also some shims and other things you need to think about and do while going after the shift cone. Do you have the OEM service manual for that drive?

 

[rreid01]

Re: Removing a VP 250 stern drive unit

I don't have a repair manual, but I do have the original Holman-Moody parts manual that has an explosion of every assembly in the outdrive and the engine.

When I was looking for posts on removing the outdrive, I did see a post, perhaps from you even, that referenced removing just the upper drive case--in that instance is was for bellows replacement. I know the clutch is in the upper case, but I'm thinking given the age of this thing I ought to be looking at bearings and u-joints and such in the rest of the unit.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for the help--rob

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing a VP 250 stern drive unit

Here is a link to the OEM service manual you can download. http://www.4shared.com/file/137757947/355d6167/250_outdrives.html

but I'm thinking given the age of this thing I ought to be looking at bearings and u-joints and such in the rest of the unit.

If you start replacing bearings and seals and taking the drive apart, you better know what you are getting into first, so read the manual.
Then you will at least of some idea what you will be up against.
IF the boat was ever used in salt water, you may have some serious problems getting things apart.

 

[rreid01]

Re: Removing a VP 250 stern drive unit

Thanks for the link to the repair manual--very helpful!


If I can't get the pins loose, I will take your advice and just remove the upper case. Unfortunately this boat did spend a small amount of time if salt water. I'm sure you are right, everything is going to be very hard to remove. For example, I can't break loose the lower screw on the intermediate cover and am probably going to have to drill it out.

Thanks again for the help.

rob