I got some SW intrusion into the lower unit last summer (the oil was getting milky, a sure sign). Here are some photos of my outdrive after only being in the SW for 4 months. Those lovely mussels that we love to eat also love the lip seals between the bearing box, and the propeller shaft. It was nearly $1700 to tear the unit down, flush it out, add new lube oil, and replace the seals. I was fortunate no bearings or gears were damaged. However, as a matter of course, the bellows, and cone clutches were replaced. This summer, I plan either to: 1. Use a plastic bag to encapsulate it and "marinate" the lower unit in chlorine, or 2. Pull the boat, and remove the propellers for cleaning in the area about every 1.5 to 2 months.
Be sure to maintain all annodes to prevent electolytic damage, and be sure your bellows are in perfect shape.
Great info!
ReplyDeleteI still don't really understand all the parts of the outdrive.
I need an exploded view diagram of the outdrive.
Maybe you can make a "recommended maintenance checklist and inspection guide" for the outdrive with pictures. Or maybe somebody already did one for Volvo outdrives?