Volvo Starter Problems plus Oil Leak

[wjob]

I’ve got two problems with my 1989 2357 Carver Montego with a Volvo OD DP-A (same as DP 290A) and AQ271C Volvo engine (350ci chevy).<br /><br /> First, have possible problem with starter. It turns an inch or two then stops. When it is turning sounds like a grinding noise. Have plenty of voltage at starter. Still need to do load test but sure it will come out OK. At first thought I might be locked up hydrostatically but pulled all plugs and no sign of water. Can’t really turn by hand since seawater pump on end of crank and pulleys on camshaft end. With plugs removed tried cranking again but was exactly same as with plugs in, slow, and with grinding noise.<br /><br />Looks to me that need to raise engine to get at inboard screw holding starter. There are two screws holding it which are the staggered pattern, running vertically (up and down). Problem is stringer in way. Probably same arrangement in next larger model, 2557. Anybody have any thoughts?<br /><br />2nd problem is oil leak and not sure where coming from. If I have to raise engine to get at starter will also work on oil leak. Could ignore leak for now if I don’t have to raise engine for starter. If I do tackle oil leak any suggestions on how to proceed since I will not be able to run engine before raising it in order to determine where leaking?<br /><br />Also need suggestions on best way to disconnect from OD. Should I pull upper gear case or remove whole drive. Probably been 7/8 years since drive has been off. Concerned if I merely remove upper gear case about adequate vertical clearance between top of gear case and bottom of swim platform. How much vertical clearance will I need (assume have to raise gear case some to remove from intermediate housing? Any other way to disconnect engine from inside the boat that makes sense?<br /><br />Also what's best way to disconnect from engine mounting? To unscrew support from stringer (2 screws) or remove lock nut from bolt stud and lift engine off of stud (would leave support still screwed to stringer)? <br /><br />Will appreciate any thoughts.

 

[wjob]

Re: Volvo Starter Problems plus Oil Leak

Can anyone help with questions raised in yesterday's post On subj: Volvo Starter Problem plus Oil Leak. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Starter Problems plus Oil Leak

The start could have a worn bushing by the bendix, that sure causes a grinding noise, could also be a bad bendix or ring gear on the flywheel.<br />Pull the starter and look.<br />As far as the oil leak, wipe everything clean and run it and see where it's leaking. Guessing at all the different locations isn't going to locate your particular leak.<br />And if you have to pull the engine to change the starter, you have to pull the upper gear box off the drive, then remove the 6 bolts holding the clamp ring on the bellhousing. Then lift the engine out.<br />Do yourself a favor and get a service manual. It's one of the best tools you can have in your tool box.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Volvo Starter Problems plus Oil Leak

SERVICE MANUALS...GET YOUR SERVICE MANUALS HERE!!!<br /><br />For my money... pull the engine out. Fix the starter, and the oil leak. Run the engine on the stand/hoist to ensure you have fixed the oil leak(s). Clean the bilge, replace the bilge pump,hoses, check and clean any corrosion, and repair any wiring while you have room to work.<br /><br />In other words, do everything you can do, while the engine is out. ( even the spark plugs are easier to reach ) <br /><br />PEANUTS!... CRACKER JACK!... COLD BEER???<br /><br />PS... Never EVER ignore an oil leak!<br />If you want to ruin your engine... that's your business. Just don't pump any of your cruddy oil into my beautiful clean water!