Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

[fstbk87]

So we took our Glastron 185GX out for the first time this year. Boat ran great the whole time, but I noticed something I don't recall having before.

When in gear around 1000 RPM, drive full down, and at a full turn (right or left) the boat has a moderate growl and vibration. This only happens at full lock and in gear. At idle (around 500 RPM) I don't notice any problems.

In reading previous posts, it seems like if it was a gimbal bearing or universal joint I would notice the problem in idle. Is this something common and I'm just going crazy or could this be turning into a big issue. The boat is an '03 and we only have 90 hours on it.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

It's the ujoints, but not that they are bad, it's just that they are at Max deflection and is basically normal.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

Has the outdrive been serviced every year? Has the bellows ever been replaced? If it hasn't, probably about time on a 6 year old boat.

Had the exact same symptoms on my boat early last year. Slight growling and very mild vibration in a turn. Had always been perfectly smooth before. Turned out to be bad u-joints and gimbal bearing. One edge of the outdrive sealing surface of the bellows had a slight "wrinkle" that was allowing a tiny bit of water in.

 

[willieboy]

Re: Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

Similar symptoms here; bad bellows connection (marina I bought it from did not get the bellows clamp on correctly) wrecked the gimball bearing.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

I would drop the drive and inspect the bellows, gamble bearing, and u-joints. It sounds like you might have a small hole in the bellows. Don't wait, it only gets more expensive it you do not deal with the problem.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

It's the ujoints, but not that they are bad, it's just that they are at Max deflection and is basically normal.

Been there done that and as Don has stated it is part of the SX-M drive. Actually had the drive serivced and no issues were found. I have found it varies somewhat with prop's...Four blades create less rumble has been my experience .

At low speed idle on hard left to right turns an noticeable grumble occurs at hard left turn or right turn and dissapates when the drive is postioned straight ahead..

But in our area its only 150.00 now to check it out...cheap ins.

 

[PDACPA]

Re: Volvo Penta SX (4.3GL) growling at full turn

I notice the growl at turn too. hoping its the gimball and not u joints.

Anyone got a DIY on changing the gimball (pictures and or video?)

Also do I need a special tool to seat the new gimball?

Thanks in advance. This weeks project for me.