Volvo Penta DP-S drive question

[aquamak]

I have a 2000 Volvo Penta DP-S mated to a 5.7GSi and have a question regarding some sort of drain hole on the lower unit of the drive. If you stand at the transom and look towards the bow, the drain hole is located on the left of the lower unit behind the water intakes. I have seen it on all of the Volvo drives (SX & DP). What is it and what does it do? The boat is out of the water currently and I noticed a small amount of oily ooze out of this hole that smells like drive oil. The fluid level in the drive is good and not cloudy. All of the mechanics I have talked to (both Volvo certified and not) don't have a straight answer. Some said it is an exhaust drain and the discharge is exhaust by-products. I am concerned. Any help? Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta DP-S drive question

If you are talking about the hole shown as the blue dot in the picture below, it's a drain for that big empty cavity under the anode.<br />If that front oring leaks gear lube, it will leak into that cavity. There are 2 orings that seal the upper and lower. Replace them both if you take it apart. Don't try to replace just one.<br /><br />

 

[aquamak]

Re: Volvo Penta DP-S drive question

Don:<br /><br />Thanks for the reply. After removing the anode, I kinda figured that the drain could be for that cavity under the anode. It was full of water and now it is not. However, I see no evidence of external oil leakage into that cavity but that doesn't mean it isn't. I'm going to have the drive pressure tested and see if that is the seal that's leaking and if so, I will take your advice and replece both of them. Thanks for the info!