there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

[Ethanlooy]

Hey Guys I have a Volvo Penta 275 AQ131A I am having a very hard time adjusting the thrust sleeve that's attached to the top of the rod that pushes down and releases the locking mechanism. I didn't know if there was a crazy special tool that they make for it or if there was an easier way then how it looks to take off that rod. In the manual all it says is to "Adjust the sleeve with the retaining pawl still pulled down so that the sleeve becomes level or maximum 0.5 mm (0.020") under the contour of the yoke." lol and i have almost gone crazy trying to just "simply" adjust it in that tight crevice. There has got to be a better way. Also it appears as if, even though the locking mechanism is fully engaged, the thrust sleeve or something stops it somehow from going farther up. I think it has something to do with the rod or the sleeve because when I push the lock farther up it flexes the rod. So my concern also is that no matter how high I adjust the Sleeve, its just going to lower the lock mechanism. Any help would be appreciated THANKS GUYS!!!

 

[captmello]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

Not sure I'm following completely, but the sleeve does have a lock nut under it to keep it tight... I wouldn't worry so much about the factory specs, more about the way it works. I would adjust the height to the lowest it will go and still release the locking mech. If the sleeve is sticking out of the hole too much, it will bind as you lower the outdrive and cause damage to the sleeve and the perhaps the suspension fork, like this:

I had this fixed by a propshop for $20.

Welcome, BTW.

 

[Ethanlooy]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

Thanks for your quick response ... Yes there is a lock nut under it that I loosened up but the sleeve above that is tucked up in the hole and there seemed to be no easy way to get to it to adjust it.. Do I have to take apart the entire lock assembly to get to it or is there a trick to it.. Thanks

 

[captmello]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

the sleeve is theaded onto the top of the shaft. turn it left or right to adjust the height. If you pull the rod down, can you get a pliers on the base of the sleeve. I know, its super tight quarters working on the outdrives.

 

[Ethanlooy]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

Ok I got it. It's easier than it looks to take apart the lock ***. I see how that that is the correct way to adjust it. Now that I have it out I see that there is some metal bent over or built up on the very top part of the hole that the sleeve slides through. I am going to try and drill it out and hopefully it will be good to go for a while.

 

[Ethanlooy]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

Had to file it out but it worked and its back together.. But it seems that the electro plunger that is meant to push the sleeve is not working. I am putting it in neutral and then lifting the tilt (all while in my driveway without it running) but its not disengaging the lock. Does it have to be running?

 

[captmello]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

The key may have to be on, but not necessarily running. Can you hear the lift motor running?

 

[Don S]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

I posted this just a few minutes ago, and now it's missing. So here goes again.
The instructions on how to adjust the lock.

View attachment 280 rev lk adj.pdf

 

[Ethanlooy]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help so much. I have had that document from reading other threads and it has helped a ton. It helps even more now that I actually understand how this thing works! Lol I dove into it and I've realized now that my first question is silly because its easier to take apart the lock assembly than try and get a tool up in there. also now I realize how the motor works (with a corkscrew gear that pushes downward, first pushing the thrust sleeve to disengage the lock, and then continuing downward to lift the outdrive.). So I must not have adjusted the sleeve right or it would be working right now. To answer your question captmello, yes the motor is loud and clearly running. It is not however disengaging the lock first and so when it hits the lock I can hear it laboring, so I stop it. Now I guess I need to adjust it more... Which doesn't make sense to me because I can be behind the boat, in neutral, lock engaged and push down on my newly adjusted thrust sleeve with a screwdriver and it disengages the lock. while continuing the hold it down I can then lift the outdrive up. It's so hard to do this Alone haha I can't see what it's doing back there. I'm going to try to get my neighbor to help today.
Any ideas?

 

[captmello]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

it sounds like you're close. A small adjustment of the sleeve may do it. the foot of the lift assembly may not contact the sleeve as well as your screwdriver allowing it to still catch. Many grown men have been brought to tears trying to get their locking mechanism to work correctly. Congrats on finally getting your head around it. I wouldn't dive into anything with these outdrives. Come talk to Don S first.

 

[Ethanlooy]

Re: there must be a better way to adjust the Thrust Sleeve?

That did it very thankful it didn't cost a thing... Thank you guys for your help! It's a lot better when you have people to help talk you through it.