Correct saildrive leg housing?

[santana]

I have a Volvo 120sb saildrive leg which is badly corroded.I have managed to secure a second hand ,much better condition volvo 120s leg.This 120s leg has no plate between the gearbox and leg,unlike the 120sb.Does anybody know if the two leg housings are still compatible?Basically are all 120 saildrive leg housings the same ?
Appreciate any wisdom on this matter.Thanks

 

[Cantata]

As nobody else has come up with a definitive answer, here's an inexpert one.
I recently changed the gaiter on my 120S-D, and have the assembly instructions in front of me.
There are 3 groups of type numbers.
1. There is the 110S, and 120S-A. This looks like the s/hand one you have bought. Only the gaiter comes between the leg and gearbox.
2. Then there is the 120S-B,C,D,E, and MS25S. On these, as you say, there is a separate plate clamps the gaiter to the gearbox, before the leg is bolted on.
3. 130S and 150S.
In the drawings, the bottom end of the gearbox looks different between groups 1 and 2, but maybe the artist simply left the detail out of one drawing.
I would have two concerns over what you are proposing. Firstly, there may well be a spacing issue between the leg and the gearbox. Secondly, the water channels may not match up - however, in your favour, the gasket used in assembling groups 1 and 2 are the same so perhaps that is not an issue.
I reckon you'll need to talk to a VP engineer who's familiar with these components.
By the way I do happen to have a spare s/hand 120S-E leg and gearbox in my shed but unfortunately I don't really want to part with it yet - while I have a boat with a saildrive, I'll keep the spare for a rainy day!

 

[santana]

Thanks for your detailed reply.I did however ask Volvo if these 120 legs are all the same and the best I got was "seems to be".Should I bite the bullet and remove the leg I was going to replace all transmission in the leg with my original parts to reduce the risk of shims etc being different.If the gasket is the same then the channels may indeed be o.k.Sadly its only 3 years since I replaced the rubber seal.I shall try further with Volvo.Many thanks.

 

[Cantata]

Best of luck - I can't really give any more opinion as to what might or might not work, it's outside my experience. You could re-use the 3-year-old gaiter though, couldn't you.