Volvo people, teach me about a 280 outdrive

[keelhauled]

Hi all,

Can anyone teach a reformed OMC guy about a Volvo 280 outdrive? I have a couple of specific questions:

1. What is the tube coming out of the starboard side of the gimbal housing for? It's chugging exhaust and a little water, but the bulk of the water is coming out the exhaust ports down by the prop. I'm curious as to its purpose and should it have more water than exhaust or vice versa?

2. Are there any 'gotchas' to watch out for with this unit? I know it's an all-the-way down or nothing thing (no trim but the boat has bennett tabs, so no worries there), but I'm talking about mechanical glitches to keep an eye on?

3. Havent done a search on this one yet, so forgive me... but the bellows look real good and are soft and pliable. How does one know when it's time?

I'm sure I'll have more, but this is a good start.

Thanks!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo people, teach me about a 280 outdrive

1. It's an idle relief port to prevent excess exhaust back pressure at idle.

2&3 .Nothing more than any other drive, change gear lube (engine oil, 30W) yearly and make sure the bellows are replaced before they go bad. In fresh water, 2 years max. They are thinner than OMC and Merc, but a LOT easier to replace. About a 45 minute job.

Here's the link to download the OEM service manual for the 280 drive.
http://www.4shared.com/file/48536730/fa3b3311/280_to_DP-C_Drive_manual.html

 

[keelhauled]

Re: Volvo people, teach me about a 280 outdrive

Wow, that was quick. Thanks very much, Don.