Volvo 2003 Gearbox

[Peter_the_Grate]

I'm in the process of buying a Westerly with a Volvo 2003 engine. I read on the Westerly Owners Club site that models with engine serial numbers before 2300039386 might have a problem with the splines that take the drive from the flywheet into the gearbox.

I've looked at it from the outside and noticed that the gearbox is white, whereas the engine and prop shaft flange are Volvo green. This suggests to me that the gearbox has been changed, or at least worked on. I have the gearbox model and serial number: can anyone suggest where I might find out whether the gearbox has been changed and its vintage.

I'm quite prepared to take the gearbox off to be absolutely sure but it is a bit extreem, particularly if the information might be available somewhere else ....

 

[JasonB]

Hi Peter,

I'm not sure about the 2003 but I have a 2002 which has a green engine and a white gearbox....... and yes it showed some signs of wear so I put in the volvo fix. For more info check out the westerly owners page.

http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/html/volvo_gearbox_splines.html

Cheerio,

J.

 

[andy_wilson]

Mine's grey too, and the starter motor is black!

My rig has done 000's of hours and the previous owner had no gearbox work done.

Take a trip back in time and sail as though you can't rely on the engine and you'll be OK.

 

[JamesS]

If in doubt have it off for a check.

I was worried about my 2003 (c 1986)last summer so had the marina engineer check the splines for wear.

Well worth the effort, a clean bill of health, a chance to regrease the spline, peace of mind - all for about £100.

By the way - my engine is green and the gearbox white!

Cheers

 

[mldpt]

Hi My Gearbox is also white, and the original I have the 2003 which has done almost 4000 hours, I checked my splines last winter and decided it was well worth doing the mod, you have all the details in the WOA mag. but I didnt do the Volvo mod as there was some wear on both splines and the Volvo uses the original gearbox splines, but replaces the flywheel spline arangement, I found that DB marine offered a great service. I removed the bearing houseing and spline complete sent ti to them and two weeks later it arrived back ready to re assemble, £270 all in. Friend of mine who lost there drive whilst on a summer cruise, had to get another gearbox cost over £2000 and took two weeks to get. Its well worth having a look at least.
Mike www.sailingforfun.co.uk

 

[dickh]

There's an article about this problem in PBO, which arrived yesterday, which goes into all the possible fixes for this problem.
Can't you see what the serial number is, which should put your mind at rest without removing the gearbox.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Peter_the_Grate]

Thanks for all the advice. I've just looked at the PBO article and there's a nice picture of a 2003 with a white gearbox. Looks like I'll be taking the gearbox out sometime in the winter.