Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

[johnbo]

Hi,<br /><br />('96 Volvo SX 4.3GL)<br /><br />Pulled my outdrive unit today (first time for me). Pretty easy now that I have the real manuals (V/P) and rigged up a simple wooden support. Was looking for U-joint issues (another post), but during inspection I looked up into the exhaust chamber at the other end of the exhaust bellows. <br /><br />I can see the flapper valve, sitting at the bottom of the chamber. It covers about a quarter of the exhaust port (against the back end of the bellows). I can move it around with a long stick, but no obvious way to grab hold of it.<br /><br />I've read here (somewhere) that Volvo has since discontinued the use of the valve. So, I'm not worried about replacing it, just worried about letting it sit there.<br /><br />Judging by the state of both bellows, it must have been serviced recently (no records from PO). So, I'm tempted to leave it until I have to replace the bellows.<br /><br />Any thoughts on leaving it be? Or should I find a way to remove it? If the latter, any thoughts on what I've got to do to get it out?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br /> johnbo

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

You gotta get that flapper out of there. If it shifts it'll block the exhaust and causing an overheat condition since the cooling system will have no way to dump water.. Also for the engine performance, it'll be like plugging up the exhaust on your car.<br /><br />How to get that out? I wish I had advice on that. Hopefully others will chime in<br /><br />M

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

a bendy grabber works a treat for removing that piece. they are also very cheap and available at most auto parts stores.

 

[johnbo]

Re: Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

I'm assuming that to use one of these grabbers you open up the exhaust system at the risers? My clearance isn't really good there, but it seems to be the only way to get at this thing.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />johnbo

 

[johnbo]

Re: Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

I'm about one tool short of getting at the fallen exhaust flapper, opened the risers up and how have a nice clear path to get to it. Easy job for tomorrow evening.<br /><br />One question: What should I do with the other, presumeably intact (for the moment) flapper? Should I just pull it out on general principles?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />johnbo

 

[johnbo]

Re: Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

Well, answered my own question. After sealing the holes in the exhaust Y-pipe for the side that had the missing flapper, I opened up the other side and found that the flapper on that side was partially melted and was more or less stuck in the 90% closed position. Took some definite effort to pivot it.<br /><br />Hopefully, Volvo knows what they are doing about recommending the removal of these flappers. But, the ones that are in there weren't doing too good either.<br /><br />Later,<br /><br /> johnbo

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Volvo SX: Flapper value detattached

next time you wet the boat check the riser height. estimate the water level into the inside of the boat and measure to the top of the riser. if its around 14 inches or so you should never have a problem.<br />on trailer boats (sans wakeboard boats) the water level is usually about 1 or so inches below the top of the tplate loaded.