Volvo Penta Lower Unit

[terry47]

I recently changed the gear oil in my drive unit for the first time. The specks call for 2.2 quarts of synthetic gear oil and the entire dip stick should have oil on it to be filled at the correct level. I have now put over 2.5 quarts in there and the oil is only half way up the dip stick. I do not want to run and have gear problems. Is this normal or do I keep trickling the oil in there. Can I over fill it?<br /><br />Please Help.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

There should be a mark on the stick indicating full level.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

What model Volvo drive do you have? Lots of different ones out there.<br /><br />Full sized Drive chart<br /><br />

 

[terry47]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

Sorry, I guess that would help. I have an SX Volvo drive on a 19' Larson. Any help would be great. Thanks Don

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

Filling that drive is done from the bottom up. Pump the gear lube in till it's full. The amount is APPROXIMATLY how much the drive checks. Casting and machining can make a difference in the actual amount.<br />The oil level should be at the TOP OF THE FLAT AREA on the dipstick. With the dipstick fully threaded into the cover.<br />If you don't want to have trouble, I would suggest you get the Volvo service manuals for your engine and drive.<br />If you gave me your full engine Model number and serial number, I could get you the manual numbers. <br /><br />Volvo Engine ID

 

[terry47]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

Thats' great Don. The manual I have is a little misleading. It reads that the oil should be to the top of the dip stick. The oil is past the flat part. Will it hurt anything if it is too full?<br /><br />I am about a half inch to an inch past the flat part.<br /><br />Thanks much

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

Yes it will hurt it, it usually damages the front seal and ends up blowing all the oil out of the upper into the bellows when the drive heats up from running and the oil tries to expand with no place to go. Then you don't have enough oil in the drive. <br />If you have the oil within a quarter of an inch of the top of the flat, you will be ok. Overfilling is not a good idea.<br />You will only have to drain a couple of ounces, but it makes a big difference.

 

[terry47]

Re: Volvo Penta Lower Unit

I will drain some out to get the propper level in the morning.<br /><br /><br /> Thanks Don, you're the best.