Water in the U-Joint Bellow

[bvlmv]

Hi

I purchased my first boat a few months back and thanks to Don?s docs I felt comfortable removing my SX-M outdrive today (pic 0). To my surprise the u-joint bellow had some water in it (pic 1). I also noticed that although the u-joints look pretty rusty (pic 3) they moved around smoothly without any stiffness or noise. I actually cleaned up the rusty grease a bit and they look a lot better in (pic 10). Now the boat has been out of the ocean for about 4 months so the water is definitely from the muffs.
To find the source I fired up the engine and inserted the water hose directly into the hole in (pic 4) and no water leaked into the bellow. The bellow looks like it's in good shape from the outside including the clamps and I don't see any holes from inside. The only way I could think of the water leaking inside is from gasket surrounding the hole in (pic 4). Is this safe to assume? Otherwise where else could it be leaking from?
I also realize that I need to replace the gimbal bearing but can I save the u-joints or are they doomed?

Any thoughts/help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

The bellows failed, you need a new one, that's why there is water in it. That seal around the port only seals so there is no air leak for intake water to the raw water pump on the engine.

You need a new gimbal bearing, new ujoints (rather they feel good or not), you need to pull the carrier for the input shaft of the driven and replace the seal for the shaft and probably the yoke as well if it's rusty on the seal surface.
Bet you have water in the drive as well, you need to check it, Now.

 

[bvlmv]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

you need to pull the carrier for the input shaft of the driven and replace the seal for the shaft and probably the yoke as well if it's rusty on the seal surface.
Bet you have water in the drive as well, you need to check it, Now.

I got the u-joint replacement but not sure about the parts above. Could you point out the part number on the VP site so I get a better idea of what you are referring to? I have a SX-M 1.60

Also, what is the proper way of checking for water in the drive? I hope it's not disassembling it...

Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

I got the u-joint replacement but not sure about the parts above. Could you point out the part number on the VP site so I get a better idea of what you are referring to? I have a SX-M 1.60

Also, what is the proper way of checking for water in the drive? I hope it's not disassembling it...

Thanks.

Ayuh,.... Drain it,.... the water should be layin' on the bottom, at the drain plug...

 

[bvlmv]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

Found the leak source.


Bond-o, the only plug I see on the outdrive is for the oil and the oil looks clean.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

Found the leak source.
View attachment 181349

Bond-o, the only plug I see on the outdrive is for the oil and the oil looks clean.

Ayuh,... The Drain is on the Bottom,.... I believe Volvo hides it behind the prop...

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

No drain plugs behind the props on a single prop drive. Read this on changing the gear lube.

View attachment SX Gear lube change.pdf

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

I got the u-joint replacement but not sure about the parts above. Could you point out the part number on the VP site so I get a better idea of what you are referring to? I have a SX-M 1.60

Missed this part.

Here is the bellows #18 Gimbal Ring And Pivot Housing, Early Version SX-M, SX-MACLT, SX-MDC - 7746040 - Volvo Penta

Here is your gimbal bearing #22 Transom Shield, Early Version SX-M - 7746040 - Volvo Penta

This one you will find the drive parts on. Transmissions - 7746020 - Volvo Penta

 

[bvlmv]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

Don,
Excellent information!
Just a few more clarification before I start taking things apart to inspect.
"carrier for the input shaft of the drive" = 11?
"replace the seal for the shaft" = 9?
"yoke as well if it's rusty on the seal surface.. ?

I really appreciate your help.



http://www.volvopentastore.com/mall/image/view/7/7/19618_1.png

 

[Don S]

Re: Water in the U-Joint Bellow

Wrong page, you have the one for the wrong type ujoints. You have this one.
Bearing Carrier And U-Joint, Rockwell SX-M 1.43, SX-M 1.51, SX-M 1.60, SX-M 1.66 - 7746020 - Volvo Penta

Yoke is #6, seal is #11, and the carrier is #13. You will also need the crush sleeve 7 and the bolt 8 and orings. Make sure both bearing are perfectly smooth because you have to reset the rolling torque. You do have a manual for this and not trying to do it on the fly.