Volvo Penta 120s saildrive gasket and splines.

gwc2004

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My Etap 30 is equipped with a Volvo 2002 with saildrive. It's time to change the leg gasket as I think it might be the oigional 1989 rubber. Does anybody know if the saildrive suffers from input shaft spline wear? Also, were can I get information on changing the gasket. I believe there are magazine articles on the subject but I've not found any. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
 

Dipper

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If you search these forums, you should find more information on changing the seal.

I did mine (on a 120S saildrive) a few years ago using a genuine Volvo seal. This came with full instructions including a warning that it was not recommended for DIY installation. The Volvo seal was very expensive and you can get cheaper from Keyparts. I don't know but I expect instructions will come with theirs as well.

It's relatively easy for a competent DIYer to do despite the warning. It was covered in detail in PBO a few years ago but I don't know the date.

I'm not sure about the splines but Volvos seem to be prone to this. Others may have more first hand experience.
 

gwc2004

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Thanks for that. I'm not phased by the task, just wondering if the casings come apart, I struggled a bit this summer while changing the prop shaft seals over a tide. Got it done intime though. The dbmarine address is good too. Thanks. PS ordered a copy of seal replacement from PBO.
 

PeterGibbs

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Seals done over one tide - I hope you allow yourself more time to replace the gaskit. In my case I had gear box seals replaced whilst everything was down - after all you only come this way but once every 7 years (according to the Volvo handbook!)

Very likely the flange holding down the gaskit will be corroded - be prepared with Hammerite etc, assuming still in useable condition. If not, best replace - the consequences of progressive failure don't bear thinking about.

Don't be tempted to remove the external rubber flap if it's in good condition - the adhesive could be a problem, esepcially in cold weather.

Strongly endorse Keypart of Watford - for gear and recommendations. Buy before Nov 30th and get free post.

PWG
 

gwc2004

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No, the boat is out for the winter so I have plenty of time to get things done. The steel flange is rusty but it looks servicable. The outer rubber is in good condition and well fixed so maybe best left alone.
 

AIDY

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sailing today also did a few articles a couple of years ago. i did mine last year.

in my case it was not worth doing. but to remove the leg from the boat i had to take the main output shaft out that the prop goes on. Luck i did as both seals had gone and needed changing. could of been expensive. I also changed the seacock at the same time.

It took me two weekends to do mine, but i did spend most of the time painting bits and bobs. took the saodrive home to play with in the week to change the rubber donnut thingie.

best of luck. it's not hard.
 

gwc2004

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Thanks for the information, I'm definately going to DIY this. Kit is on its way so weather permitting I shall start the removal this week end. The link to the article is brilliant, book marked. Thanks all for your help. I'll keep you posted.
 

rouho

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spare parts order

Hello,

I am search for the rubber seal of this engine can you please tell where did you buy it from or it part number?

Thank you
 

AIDY

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Anyone got the current link to the PBO article...... I just get website can not be found.

As you can see from my post in 2006 I've done the job before, just about to embark on doing the job again....just trying to refresh my memory on how I did it 7 years ago before I start.

nothing like taking the wrong tools down to the boat :)
 

Bilgediver

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My Etap 30 is equipped with a Volvo 2002 with saildrive. It's time to change the leg gasket as I think it might be the oigional 1989 rubber. Does anybody know if the saildrive suffers from input shaft spline wear? Also, were can I get information on changing the gasket. I believe there are magazine articles on the subject but I've not found any. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

The spline wear is caaused by there being insuffient dampening on the output drive to the gearbox. When used on the Saildrive the rubber element in the propellor seems to act as a damper and so improve the situation so you may be OK. If the original propeller has been replaced by a solid hub feathering propeller there may be a higher level of spline wear.

There are various solutions including the DB mod and Volvo's own mod.
 

AIDY

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The spline wear is caaused by there being insuffient dampening on the output drive to the gearbox. When used on the Saildrive the rubber element in the propellor seems to act as a damper and so improve the situation so you may be OK. If the original propeller has been replaced by a solid hub feathering propeller there may be a higher level of spline wear.

There are various solutions including the DB mod and Volvo's own mod.

that's a 7 year old post you have replied too :)
 

Bilgediver

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Dipper

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I'm not sure about the splines but Volvos seem to be prone to this. Others may have more first hand experience.

So do I now! My engine number was within the 'at risk' group and even though I have a saildrive the splines were obviously worn. Luckily I spotted this when I changed the seal.

IMG_2174_edited-1.jpg


And here is the DB Marine modification

IMG_0008600x450.jpg


IMG_0009600x450.jpg
 

venntim

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So do I now! My engine number was within the 'at risk' group and even though I have a saildrive the splines were obviously worn. Luckily I spotted this when I changed the seal.

And here is the DB Marine modification

Now this is interesting. Is the DB Marine solution a DIY, bolt on kit? I'm wondering whether I should buy a second hand 120s for my repowering project (to save some hard earned cash of course). Chances are that the ones on the market have worn splines.
 

Dipper

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Now this is interesting. Is the DB Marine solution a DIY, bolt on kit? I'm wondering whether I should buy a second hand 120s for my repowering project (to save some hard earned cash of course). Chances are that the ones on the market have worn splines.

You have to remove your input shaft and housing (see my top picture) and send this to DB Marine. They modify it and return it with all the necessary bits. You then refit it to the gearbox and attach it back on the engine with the modified parts. See here. http://www.dbmarine.co.uk/ms2.php
 
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... I'm wondering whether I should buy a second hand 120s for my repowering project ...

I've got a 120S bottom leg that I have replaced due to corrosion near the bottom. I imagine that it could be repaired, but I can't find anywhere suitable in the Canary Islands. I plan to put it on eBay when I get it home, but PM me if interested.
 

simonbuk

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So do I now! My engine number was within the 'at risk' group and even though I have a saildrive the splines were obviously worn.

Good thread this. Interested in buying a boat and it looks like it could have a sail drive leak, something else to think about/put me of the boat !!

Also interested to know what engines numbers were in the 'at risk' group if anybody knows ?

Anybody have any idea what this would cost to repair by a mechanic ?

Thanks in advance.

Simon
 
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