DPH - why can't I fill with recommended volume of oil?

[Jonebarl]

I have a Volvo penta DPH sterndrive, and dutifully started to change the oil. Should be simple enough, well covered by the operations manual for the D4/D6. I drained approximately 5 litres out, and the oil was in good shape ( no water signs of nasty metallic shavings). I left the top and bottom plug out for a good hour to ensure good drainage, then changed the bottom plug gasket, and as per the instructions ( with the drive at 35 degrees tilt) I started to fill from the top. After 4.5 litres approximately, that's it! I have moved the drives from side to side, left it overnight, even put on the 'water bag' and ran the motor and the the damn thing in gear thinking that would get the air out of the system. Nope. Little more in, but nowhere near the required 5.4 litres it should take.
Hints gratefully received

 

[nigelmercier]

I had exactly this problem with my VP MD22 engine, it would only accept the correct quantity of oil if the dipstick was used without screwing down. Still no definitive answer from VP, and different answers from their dealers.

 

[volvopaul]

I have a Volvo penta DPH sterndrive, and dutifully started to change the oil. Should be simple enough, well covered by the operations manual for the D4/D6. I drained approximately 5 litres out, and the oil was in good shape ( no water signs of nasty metallic shavings). I left the top and bottom plug out for a good hour to ensure good drainage, then changed the bottom plug gasket, and as per the instructions ( with the drive at 35 degrees tilt) I started to fill from the top. After 4.5 litres approximately, that's it! I have moved the drives from side to side, left it overnight, even put on the 'water bag' and ran the motor and the the damn thing in gear thinking that would get the air out of the system. Nope. Little more in, but nowhere near the required 5.4 litres it should take.
Hints gratefully received

Have you undone the vent plug at the rear , slim socket required . Vent plug is rear of filler plug.
Trim the drive down and fill up . You will only ever get around 5 litres in or just over if its well drained and vented, you have to spend time topping up as the air comes out . It will then pour out the rear vent. Replace front plug as its lower than the filler plug and continue to fill.

 

[nigelmercier]

VolvoPaul, I'd rather not hijack this thread any more, could you take a look at the thread below:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?385925-Engine-Oil-Dipstick-Volvo-Penta-MD22

 

[volvopaul]

VolvoPaul, I'd rather not hijack this thread any more, could you take a look at the thread below:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?385925-Engine-Oil-Dipstick-Volvo-Penta-MD22

This is a different drive that does not have a dipstick to check level.

 

[nigelmercier]

This is a different drive that does not have a dipstick to check level.

Indeed, but I would welcome your input on my problem.
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?385925-Engine-Oil-Dipstick-Volvo-Penta-MD22

 

[volvopaul]

Indeed, but I would welcome your input on my problem.
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?385925-Engine-Oil-Dipstick-Volvo-Penta-MD22

I've replied to other thread

 

[Jonebarl]

Thanks for the advice guys. Paul - I couldn't find the vent plug, but after a night 'resting' there was obviously a lot of air that came out. That allowed me to top up as required. Problem solved - cheers.

 

[krbp32]

As crazy as it first seems the correct way to fill sterndrives is by pump through drain hole with upper level plug removed.

 

[MapisM]

As crazy as it first seems the correct way to fill sterndrives is by pump through drain hole with upper level plug removed.

Not crazy by all means. It's actually the standard procedure for Merc sterndrives.
They even sell a specific pump to handle the job, but any pump will do, as long as you have the adaptor to connect it to the drain hole.
Never heard of that for VP outdrives though, and surely volvopaul would have suggested that, if appropriate.