Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

[dkocol]

I have been reading the forum for some time and have found lots of useful information. I did quite a bit of searching and have not run across this one yet. Hopefully someone can help.

This weekend as I pull the boat out of the water and go to install the tie downs at the back of the boat I noticed a small puddle of red fluid on the ground. Sure enough, upon closer inspection I notice that one of the lines to the trim cylinder has split right before the coupling at the base. In tracing the line I can easily use a flare wrench and disconnect the end at the ram (it's right there in the open), however as I trace the line back inside the gimbal housing it looks almost impossible to get to. You know, you can see it but have no idea how to get a wrench on it. Not sure where to go next, I pull out my handy copy of the SELOC manual and it reads as if I have to pull the whole stern drive unit to get access.

Has any one else run in to this? Does anyone know of any tricks to replace the line without taking the stern drive unit off? Any help, insight or other experience would be helpful. I was hoping to avoid a bunch of other work, disassembly etc.., everything else is working like a champ and I like to follow the "If it isn't broke then don't fix it" philosophy

The details are:

Boat: Glastron GSX 185
Year: 2000
Motor: Volvo 4.3 GL
Out Drive: Volvo Penta SX

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

While the Seloc is not the best place to get that info, you do have to pull the drive, and the pivot housing, and remove the bellows to get to the manifold the lines hook to.

 

[dkocol]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

Don-
Thanks for the reply, I tend to agree that a SELOC or a Clymer manual is not always the best and that's why I look through forums such as this one to find answers based on experience, it's hard to write down the collective wisdom you all have to offer and no manual can replace that. Unfortunately you sent me the answer I was trying to avoid, that's a bummer. I guess maybe the boat shops appreciate making a simple line replacement turn into hours of work. Anyhow I guess I will make a few calls to the local shops and get a quote. I am comfortable doing most maintenance items, oil changes, plugs, timing , winterizing etc.. but yanking off the lower end seems like more than I may want to tackle. I guess we will see how the quotes come back and that may sway my thoughts.

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

I can yank that drive off in less than 1/2 hour, the whole job could be done in 2 maybe 3 hours max. It will also give you a chance to change your bellows and check you U joints. It is not that difficult, the only special tool that you may need is a slide hammer to remove the hinge pins, assuming they are like my SP drive.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[dkocol]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

Rob- thanks for the encouragement, I have been doing some reading and the job doesn't look that bad. One question, will I need the special alignment tool? Also what other items should I replace/check while in there? The boat has about 320 hrs of run time and regular maintenance has been done every season.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

No special tools are required to replace the line...a flare wrench perhaps for the fitting. An alignment tool is required to check alignment and should be done while you have the drive off.

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

When you remove the drive, you do not need to realign it. If it were a Merc or OMC, yes, but not a Volvo. You should replace the drive bellows, and possibly the exhaust too. But replacing the exhaust is not that critical. It is a wet bellows. You can check your U joints while you have the drive out. A slide hammer is required with a 1/4 inch NC bolt attached to it to remove the hinge pins. That was the case with my SP, not sure if yours is the same. You manual will explain how to remove your style of pins. You will also need a 1/4 inch NC bolt to remove the steering helmet, again check your manual. If you have any questions, just ask.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

When you remove the drive, you do not need to realign it. If it were a Merc or OMC, yes, but not a Volvo.

You most certanly do need to check the alignment, just like an OMC or Merc. You don't need to realign any of them unless they are off.
The coupler and gimbal bearing setup are identical to OMC, so why would you not check it when the drive is off?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

When you remove the drive, you do not need to realign it. If it were a Merc or OMC, yes, but not a Volvo.
Rob.

Rob, would you mind explaining why you don't have to check the alignment on the Volvo Penta SX drive. Just doesn't seem right to me.

 

[Robj]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

I guess I may have jumped the gun a bit assuming that the SX is the same design as my SP drive, which may not be the case. With my drive you align the engine bellhousing to the transom plate, if that is aligned correctly, then you just install the drive. You do not align the leg with a shaft like an OMC or Merc. I guess the SX and SP drive must be quite different in design. My mistake.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Volvo Penta SX Trim Hydraulic Line Leak

on the SX drive its just to easy to remove the drive,gimbal housing and bellows to access the TSK manifold.
no real special tools are involved.
I use a small chisel and cut the steel tubing flush with the fitting then use a box end wrench to remove it. I have a special ground flare wrench for reassembly.
in my area the commercial guys wipe out a set of lines every year and the lower swivel pin bushing about every 6 months.
make sure you retrive and replace the small oring on the fitting.
drive shaft alignment should be checked once per year at least.gimbal
bellows replacement is standard anytime its removed.
replace the orings on the driveshaft as well as the water intake oring
two of the lines can actually be changed without drive removal, its tough but doable. depends on how creative you are with a torch and a grinder to modify the tools . but trust me, its much easier to remove the stuff, needs maint anyway.
kinda like its posible to install the exhaust bellows on an Alpha drive with the drive in place, I did it ,once.