Volvo Penta SX Drive Question

[4winnsskipper]

Just wondering here, i just replaced the u joint and exhaust bellows, lubed the u joints and gimbal bearing, changed drive fluid etc. My question is, as im looking at this drive, im under the impression there should be no water in the u-join bellow...but if your not suppose to use a seal/gasket between the drive and pivot housing, what stops water from getting into the u joints!? or is it suppoes to have water in there? im confused i suppose. i also replace the rubber gasket where the water is drawn in by water pump, but no gasket is used elsewhere.......simple/dumb question i know but im curious.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Drive Question

The part of the drive that slides into the bellhousing seals against the ujoint bellows.

 

[4winnsskipper]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Drive Question

The part of the drive that slides into the bellhousing seals against the ujoint bellows.

i toke advice from the local marine mechanic at the dealer to use silicone sealer on the outside of the bellows that mate to the pivot housing on both ends, now im wondering if using sealant was a good idea, because it might hold the bellow against the pivot housing rather than allowing it to hold tightly against the ujoint housing on the drive itself...thoughts?

also is it a good idea to lube the u joint housing that mates against the bellow or no?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Drive Question

A gasket sealer is required on the u-joint bellows but most silicon based sealers are not the best choice.

No need for the extra lube.

 

[87baylinercapri]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Drive Question

A gasket sealer is required on the u-joint bellows but most silicon based sealers are not the best choice.

No need for the extra lube.

same question on this subject, how can you tell if your u join bellows are leaking or that you have a good seal on the bellows???

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Drive Question

same question on this subject, how can you tell if your u join bellows are leaking or that you have a good seal on the bellows???

You really should start your own thread, you will get better attention.

Pull the drive and look for water intrusion signs such as rusty u-joints, water in the drive oil, water sitting in the bellows. There is no real way to test for proper sealing other than knowing and trusting you work and capabilities then splashing the rig and hope for the best. If the bellows has been installed/sealed correctly there should be no cause for concern.