Volvo 290 DP RAM leaking replace or repair ??

[Apache44]

Hi I have a 1991 Falcon 23spc powered by a Volvo Penta V8 AQ 231 (501) coupled to a Volvo 290 DP Outdrive all of the same age.

The Tilt/Trim ram port side is severely leaking fluid from the top of the piston housing. The hoses are in tact.

I have been told 2 things
(A) That the parts required can be difficult to obtain. I believe this to be a case of unscrewing the existing pod and screwing in a replacement if one can be found. Is this as easy as it sounds ?

(B) Alternatively the whole ram unit will need to be replaced which would also entail removing the engine to gain access to fit the new one. This is the one I am trying to avoid !!!

Please could anyone possibly advise a solution on how best to tackle this problem and where possibly one could purchase the necessary spare parts to enable a repair ?? many thanks

 

[Nigelhg]

You dont have to remove the engine to remove the rams as long as there is the cut outs on the inside of the transom for the pins to come out. It can be a pig of a job to do- I've done it a couple of seasons ago.
At the back of the transom sheild there are two retaining bolts for the pins - these need to be removed first. The pins themselves are threaded so if removing them from the inside you can make up a puller with an old socket and washers or a large nut with a plate welded on and then put the bolt down throught the centre with nut on and unscrew and hopefully the pin will release. This was the method I used.
The other way is to buy a special volvo tool that is basically a hydraulic hammer that attaches on the outside of the transom sheild -you fill it with grease and bang very hard and hopefully that will push the pins out (you will still have to check that your boat has the cut outs for the pins to go into and that the retaining bolts are removed)

I took my rams to a local hydraulic specialist who was able to refurbish them for £30 approx per ram and that included new seals and chroming/metal spraying for pitting. He told me all the parts were standard sizes that he carried in stock.

Hope this helps

 

[Peanuts]

Hi
As already mentioned if the main body is Ok I would not remove the cylinder it's self. Depending really if you have a local hydraulic dealer who can refurish the piston/ram then I would just remove that and take it to them to sort. If it is beyond help then purchase a new assembly, remove the piston/ram and fit them to your existing cylinder.

For info there was one forumite who posted on how he overhauled his 290 rams (with pictures). I seem to recall the post was "Think I've mended my KAD32 DPE rams."

I know someone will be along to tell you his name or just do a search on the forum.

Hope that helps.

 

[Apache44]

Many thanks for the info
Have found it and the pics
will try this as I have nothing to lose and much to gain if I can do it this way

 

[Apache44]

tilt trim ram 290 duo prop leg

Thanks for info

The ram cylinder is the older type with square ends

This is what I have done thus far

Unscrewed the square end from the cylinder which came off easy
removed the piston (there was water in with the hyd oil) Cylinder shaft was clean.

Attempted to remove the cylinder from the other square end which has been a pig of a job (it seemed though it was welded on) in the end had to sacrifice the cylinder and drilled trough it bolted it to a piece of scaffold pipe and it took a scaffold pole as a lever to screw it of in the end (danger of cracking the stern plate territory) Obviously the cylinder has been sacrificed to do this. Plan to replace it with a refurbished cylinder and piston that should screw straight back in.
Drastic measures but cost effective and no need to take engine out if of course it all works ok. we will see and will let you know