Volvo drive bellows change

[gastsl]

I'm a relatively new boat owner and have discovered a leak in the drive bellows of my Volvo Penta 275 outdrive. I do most of my auto repairs so I plan to give the replacement a try. I purchased a Volvo repair manual but it is not clear on weather I need to remove the entire outdrive to change the bellow or if there is an easier solution. I've seen kits that contain 2 O rings. Is there an easier way, and do I need anything more than the bellows, 2 clamps, and the O rings?

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Volvo drive bellows change

Most here would say change all the rubber parts between the drive and transom when you have it apart. I do it by a case by case basis. Check them out good when you pull the drive (yes you have to pull the drive) to change the bellows. Yes all you need is the bellow and two clamps. Also when you are in there check if your “U”-joints have grease fittings. If so fill’em up.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Volvo drive bellows change

I would think you need to pull it BECAUSE there was a leak! Need to clean and grease and replace as needed. Pull it now and do it all, or pull it again and fix what you could have done in the first place. Aint boating fun!

 

[airman]

Re: Volvo drive bellows change

It's really not a hard job at all. I would just change the drive bellow. Don't worry about the exhaust bellows. I've only worked on 290's but it's only about 20min work to get the drive off. You should take a good look at the u-joints and replace them if there is any question of water damage.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Volvo drive bellows change

hello<br /> depending on how much salt the motor has seen will determine the difficulty of the project. my self I never remove the drive just the upper housing.<br /> its faster eaier and quicker.<br /> good luck and check the u-joints or better just install new ones.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Volvo drive bellows change

Agree with rodbolt, thats what the 'o' ring seals are for, the upper housing.<br /><br />If you decide to just remove the upper housing make sure you place the shims back exactly as you found them - assuming you don't have a preload problem.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[dick]

Re: Volvo drive bellows change

Remove just the upper as stated but if you have water in the drive there are some other concerns. <br />There is a seal and steel color just behind the u-jiont assmbly, now if you have water in the drive that steel color will rust and take out the seal.The problem will not be water getting into the drive( you will have fixed that with the new bellows ) but oil traveling into the bellows from the drive thus lowering the oil level in the drive and taking out the upper gears.<br />So if you have water in the drive oil replace the seal and color.