Volvo 2030 gearbox/s-drive

[chrisc]

A word of warning!
We changed oil in our 2000 year gearbox/S-drive at the beginning of this season as we expected to do a lot of miles, Sweden to Med this year.
We asked 3 authorised Penta dealers, bought 2 manuals and everyone said "Use normal engine oil". So we did.
After 200 hours, the axle in the gearbox stripped! Very expensive and timeconsuming.
It turns out that our gearbox/S-drive uses a GL5 synthetic 75/90 oil and the dealers were unaware of this!
Volvo Penta have been OK about this, but other owners should be aware that not all gearboxes/S-drives use engine oil! Our drive is according to Volvo Penta a 120SE and is apparantly the only one that differs. This is what was factory fitted in our Bavaria.

 

[kdf]

My 120S says engine oil? Are you sure it should be something different?

 

[kdf]

Just checked my manual again is it clearly states engine oil - 15/40.

-Kevin

 

[Stork_III]

I ordered emergency engine and gearbox/saildrive leg oils from Marine Power at Hamble point for a delivery trip back to Shotley and was supplied with 15/40 for engine and synthetic for gearbox.

 

[chrisc]

Our problem was with a gearbox 120S-E according to Penta. Check with your dealer and also at the back of the gearbox, there is a small yellow sticker on ours stating GL 5. The problem is that this sticker is only visible when the gearbox is removed on some boats. Chris

 

[John_Clarke]

In March 2001 I was also told by my Volvo Penta agent, after he had consulted Volvo Penta UK, to use normal engine oil in the 120S-E for engines under 50hp.
Please could you tell me which agent confirmed that you should be using synthetic GL5 oil.
Also, did they replace the damaged drive free of charge?

 

[chrisc]

Info and confirmation from Volvo Penta Europe head office in Gothenburg in reply to our complaint and request for compensation. Note the lable at the back of the gearbox. Sorry about delay, justa changed countries.