Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

[Erik-The-Red]

New here, just registered a few minutes ago out of frustration-- I'm having some serious issues trying to find some information that just shouldn't be hard to find! I own a 2001 Glastron 175 SX, with a Volvo Penta SX outdrive. I've always had the fluids changed by a shop, but I've decided there is no reason I shouldn't do it myself-- I'm a fairly handy guy and know my way around a toolbox. Changing the engine oil is a piece o' cake, I bought one of those fancy-schmancy oil suction pumps from Overtons. However, I'm starting to think the gear lube change process is a heavily gaurded ancient Chinese secret-- I've been scouring the web for well over an hour and have found NOTHING that details this procedure for my Volvo! All I know is, the lube gets drained and must be pumped in from the bottom to prevent trapping air in the unit. Ok, makes sense. But then I read about lower units, upper units, and so on, so I don't know-- are there 2 sections of the drive that need to be filled separately? Or does pumping in from the bottom fill everything? And how full is full? (how many quarts?) Also, if you pump the lube in from the lower plug, what keeps the oil from just pouring back out as you pump it in? Are you supposed to use a fill tube that fits snugly in the hole to prevent the oil from leaking out, and then just be really quick on the draw when you need to pull the tube and replace the plug? Another important question-- what gear lube? A local Volvo guy told me to use a synthetic 80/90 GL-5 rated gear lube and all will be well. Is he correct?

Any info would be fantastic, I'm ready to go buy the correct gear oil and get this job done before I start using the boat again this season. I know you fellers have probably answered this same question a bazillion times for a whole gaggle of newbies, but just once more would be really cool. Thanks guys!

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

Click Here then hit the accept button and you will start downloading an owners manual. Look on page 65.

Yes, you fill from the bottom till the oil is at the proper level on the stick.
What I do with them is remove the vent screw beside the shift mechanism. Fill from the bottom till the gear lube comes out the vent. Allow the gear lube to stop coming out the vent and reinstall vent. Give plenty of time for oil level to settle. Then check that gear lube is in the proper area of the dipstick.
DO NOT overfill.

 

[Erik-The-Red]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

Thanks for the reply! You say to look at page 65 of the owner's manual, but page 65 describes the gear oil change process for a DP-S drive. The info for the SX drive (which I have) is on page 64, and the procedure is quite different. For a SX drive, the manual says to drain the oil at the bottom plug, reinstall the plug, remove the top cover and refill the gear lube from the top through the dipstick hole.

Now I'm even more confused. Everything else I've read says NOT to fill from the top, but now I read the manual which tells me to do just that. ???

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

You fill from the bottom on both the DPS and SX drives.

Other Volvo owners manuals lump the SX and the DPS in the same paragraph and just note the different drain plugs locations between the two units.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

Ok, so I typed the wrong page number, would you like a refund for the information?
Basically, what you need is a Volvo OEM service manual. PN 7743008.
It explains in detail now to change the oil, and that you need to pump it in from the bottom when changing. The part about topping off the oil from the top is if you only need an ounce or two.

 

[Erik-The-Red]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

Ok, so I typed the wrong page number, would you like a refund for the information?

I'm sorry, due to my inexperience with this forum and those who frequent it, I'm afraid I don't understand the motivation behind your animosity. Did I say something to offend you?

Anyhow, I very much appreciate the information, I will drain the oil and refill it from the bottom plug. Thanks!

 

[Coors]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

Hey Don, What refunds?

 

[Senior B]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

You will fill this from the bottom. Go to your Local Walmart, most have a small marine section or you can go to Boaters World or West Marine and get yourself a lower unit oil pump. It screws into the top of your standard quart bottles of gear lube and also screws into the lower unit drain plug hole. Lower the drive till its level. Pull all 3 plugs ( Drain, vent, and dipstick). Drain out the old oil and pump in the new. Be sure to check for water in the lube and metal shavings. The plugs have a magnet on the tip. SOME very fine shavings on the magnet are ok and normal. A bunch draining out with the oil aren't cool. While filling, pump it till some lube just comes out the vent hole then stop. This will have you sitting at near perfect on the dip stick. It will take about 2.3 quarts give or take an ouce or two. Most of us with SX drives use Mobile 1 synthetic 75-90w. When you unscrew the pump from the drain hole you gotta be quick to put the screw back in, but your not going to lose enough to worry about if your prepared. Very easy maintenance action. As for Don S, I find it's easy raise his blood pressure a point or two, but ALL of US here on this forum would agree that a wise man will listen to his advice as he knows his way around a boat better than most anyone.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

When you unscrew the pump from the drain hole you gotta be quick to put the screw back in, but your not going to lose enough to worry about if your prepared.

To minimise the oil that you lose, screw the two top screws before you pull out the fill tube. The vacuum created will keep the oil from coming out. Then put in the lower drain screw and check the level.

iI always check the level again 30 minutes later.

Make sure you put new orings on all the 3 screws.

 

[Erik-The-Red]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

Thanks a bunch guys! I went to Walmart and bought some 80/90 Valvoline GL-5 synthetic blend, but I think I'll return it and buy the full synthetic 75/90. I already have the little plastic quart bottle pump, and it looks as though the clear plastic (vinyl?) hose will fit in the drain hole rather snugly. Im having trouble now trying to figure out the best way to raise the rear of the boat so I can trim the drive down to a level position without the skeg hitting the ground first!

Thanks for the tip on looking for metal shavings in the oil, Im used to doing that with my VW engines. I'm alittle concerned with what I might find, its been just a little too long since I last had the drive unit oil changed...... like about 3 seasons ago, and we use the boat ALOT in the summer. I know, I'm an idiot. Now I need to have the main shaft and U-joint lubed, that ain't been done at all since I've owned the boat! (bought it new in 2001) So far though, this engine/drive has been virtually trouble-free and very reliable. Can't say as much for the Glastron its bolted into, which is kinda el-cheapo but still worth what I paid for it.

If the gear lube looks good (not grey or cloudy) and I dont see more metal shavings (glitter) than normal, should I have anything to worry about with not changing the gear oil for so long?

Thanks again guys, great advice!

 

[Senior B]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive questions...help?

If the lube isn't full of water and metal and still stinks like gear lube you're fine. Changing it is a preventative messure and allows you to spot a problem like water or metal before they become major issues. If you crank the front trailer jack all the way down to drop the nose, then the back of the boat will be plenty high enough for you to lower the drive all the way down. It is due to have the outdrive pulled to check the alignment and lube the u-joints and the shaft splines. Bellows boots should be done as well.