saildrive diaphram

[dealer58]

I have a volvo penta saildrive 2001 series. The diaphram was renewed 7 years ago by the previous owner. Volvo recommend renewal after 7 years.
The boat has been lightly used over this period and on inspection the diaphram seems in good condition although not all of it can be seen.
Why must it be renewed after 7 years of light usage, could it be that rubber deteriorates after 7 years? I don't fancy renewing it if it's ok. Any thoughts please.
Also tips on renewing would be appreciated.

 

[Dipper]

I changed mine when it was 11 years old. Apart from some minor surface crazing the old one seemed structurally sound. I even cut through it to check. It has a similar structure to a fan belt in cross section.

The genuine Volvo one is very expensive – I paid £200 plus VAT about 7 years ago. Keypart would be cheaper.

The Volvo one came with full instructions and there was also a detailed article in PBO on how to do it a few years ago. Technically, fitting a new diaphragm is relatively easy although I had access problems on my boat which made it quite awkward. You can take the saildrive unit home for part of the process and do it in the comfort of your garage.

When I bought mine the salesman said they had only heard of one failing and that one was new! The owner had greased it prior to fitting to make it easier and it slipped out of the clamp. I suppose the main reason for changing it would be for insurance/survey purposes. I asked about the life of the diaphragm at the Volvo stand at one of the Southampton Boat Shows and the Volvo chap said they would last at least 10 years or more.

I would guess that movement would have an affect on lifespan so having engine mounts in good condition is probably just as important as renewing the diaphragm on time.

 

[Mrnotming]

Hi Ashanti 59, I too came across this dilemma re the rubber doughnut on the Volvo saildrive. It demands a misspent youth in motorcycle to have any idea of the amount of nuts bolts and parts, gaskets etc that are involved.It has to be done really perfectly, sort of operating theatre style, lots of paper cups or containers you can label, and a digital camera as you go along to find out how to put it all back together again.Mine was 1998 stamped although the boat was dipped in 2000. despite the fact that the saildrive gearbox oil overheated in the french Canals due to lack of cold water, and it got dripped on, it was in perfect condition when removed. A pity this as the job is costly enough even doing it yourself.Now changed from Volvo engine oil to some special Volvo oil that is € 66 for 3 litres. this stuff does not boil up at all, even after a long day's run.Cannot give you the guide that was in PBO re doing it, as the article is on the boat in Malta.YBw reprints may help.As it is a two day job full on, in my case a little cabin woodwork and some hull needed removal to get it out.It comes into the boat.You move the engine forward.Block and tackle useful, mainsheet of most boats will be strong enough.Urge you to get a quote locally from a marine engineer.This will probably staggering!! My local dealer here in Ireland says some v expensive boats have been world girdling for 20 years or more without trouble. I think more rudders fall off than doughnuts fail! Have heard of persons being asked to get rigging replaced, but never heard of this vital piece of rubber seal between you and the ocean being requested as an insurance matter. Anybody else have info?
You need some specialist tubes of goo as well, these may be availalbe from the Volvo Agent.
Lastly there were only very slight traces of corrosion about the area of the leg and plate.These were repainted prior to reassembly.

I suppose that because of the lack of vibration and quietness of an engine mounted this way that the work is worthwhile.

Against this is the tendency of these units to degrade even with the anode if there are any electrical problems in your Marina.I unplug always now, when leaving the boat, as I found the propellor to be like Swiss emmental at antifouling time.(The Volvo Alloy type)>It works well, so I replaced it at a cost of €280.

 

[PeterGibbs]

As you know the diaphragm guards the biggest hole in the hull. And, having replaced mine, I can say that after 7 years of full on use, the old diaphragm was no way near needing replacement. But then, what does that mean - who wants to get to the point that the boat has to be hurried ashore because water is spurting in through the diaphragm?

I used an engineer - more for the guarantee than because of the complexity of the work. Same reasoning for replacing the timer belt on the engine.

The actual job takes one full day - 3 hours to move the engine, uncouple the S leg and remove, one hour to split the leg and replace the diaphragm, and neary 3 hours to replace in the boat. Claims of two days are either based on difficult engine access situations, or just greed. This means about £350 for labour: get the parts from Keypart of Kings Langley -Volvo parts but cheaper!

As with so many parts on a boat, if you keep an eye on it, it is most unlikely to result in catastrophic failure. The Diaphragm is a well crafted piece of gear. If not properly installed you will soon know!

If you wanted to delay a year, I would not thunder at you - given the above caveat!

PWG

 

[tom52]

I am sure that it will last a lot longer than 7 years.
But this is a big hole in your boat and any failure is likely to be catastrophic.
Also not replacing at 7 years when there is a specific manufacturers instructions will invalidate your insurance, should a catastrophic failure occur.

 

[savageseadog]

The Yanmar leg has 2 seals with an alarm in the void in between

 

[gianenrico]

Boat launched in october 1989; seal changed in 2005. Conditions: as new.
Work load required: 1 hour to read and understand PBO and Volvo instructions, 1 hour X 2 people to move engine, uncouple drive, remouve drive and carry it to shop; 30 minutes X 2 people to clean, grease and lubricate leg; 1 hour x 2 people to reassemble it.
ONLY PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED: the outside fairing rubber plate takes a 24 hour drying time and rubber specific glue.
Cheers

 

[glsg91]

You can find the PBO article here:
http://www.printontwerp.nl/friendshipclub/saildrive.html

Click on the 3 links.

Also be aware of the possible spline problem (when removing the saildrive from the motor).
See this forum (search on volvo spline) and/or:

http://www.yachtmarisco.com/Document%20submitted%20to%20WOA%20website.htm


John

 

[Will_M]

[ QUOTE ]
Volvo recommend renewal after 7 years.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, and alot of insurance companies are only to aware of that as well...