Volvo Penta 2003T and MS2B gearbox question

[Cardinal]

Having discarded my MS2B gearbox which had badly worn splines on the input shaft and acquired a good s/h replacement, I asked my engineer to source a Volvo cushioned carrier plate conversion kit so that the spline problem does not recur.
He tells me that with the kit are shims and some instructions for fitting but no diagram to show just where the necessary measurements are to be taken and where the shims are to be fitted.
Can any of the experienced and generous spirited amongst you please provide guidance, perhaps by reference to a schematic diagram so that my engineer can approach the fitting with confidence?
I have read reference to these shims in the WOA article on the line issue and the principal thread on that issue on this forum, but neither shows where the shims are located or where the appropriate measurements are to be taken in order to correctly fit the appropriately sized shims.
Many thanks for any helpful suggestions.

 

[pvb]

I fitted the VP cushioned plate modification to my 2003T many years ago. As I recall, the instructions provided with the kit were comprehensive and I didn't have any difficulty doing a DIY installation; if your engineer doesn't understand them, perhaps he could ask VP for clarification?

Rather than discarding your gearbox, did you consider having the DB spline conversion done? That also requires shimming, of course.

 

[scottie]

Perhaps it is in the gearbox W/S manual

Paying someone else to learn can become expensive

 

[Cardinal]

Thanks PVB. I have not seen the instructions received so am not able to judge how clear they may be but gather that it was the lack of some reference point for the measurements which at least initially puzzled my engineer.

I did intend to adopt the hex spline solution but when the engineer removed the input shaft for that purpose, other damage within the box was revealed. I have not succeeded in my first attempt to upload pictures in order to demonstrate the damage within, having got the files as far as the selection box but finding that they would not drag from there. I expect that my ineptness will be resolved in due course.
Scottie, I agree with both of your comments, thanks.

 

[pvb]

Thanks PVB. I have not seen the instructions received so am not able to judge how clear they may be but gather that it was the lack of some reference point for the measurements which at least initially puzzled my engineer.

Perhaps you should look at the instructions yourself, and see whether you understand them. If necessary, go and talk to your nearest VP dealer, they'll know the answer.

 

[Cardinal]

I would look at the instructions myself were they not 536 miles distant and in the hands of my engineer who I do not wish to ask to spend time scanning them!
As to the local dealer there, they denied that the cushioned carrier kit was available when asked, so their expertise is in question although to be fair, their engineers may be able to provide more assistance than their parts people. The one obtained came from D B Marine who do the hex spline conversion. They will be asked about the shims if all else fails.
I shall try to hunt down a local marine engineer here who may be able to show me.

 

[scottie]

There are various points in this gearbox that require shimming and a s suggested earlier it is covered in the WS manual I think that some pretensions is involved
The box was developed from their outdrives and is best done by someone who knows them.

 

[pvb]

There are various points in this gearbox that require shimming and a s suggested earlier it is covered in the WS manual I think that some pretensions is involved
The box was developed from their outdrives and is best done by someone who knows them.

I don't think you've grasped the issue. The OP is merely fitting the VP cushioned drive plate conversion - there's no need to open the gearbox at all. The driveplate kit comes with shims and instructions. As I recall, the shims simply slide over the splined input shaft, on the external side of the gearbox. The workshop manual covers internal shimming, but doesn't cover this later conversion kit.

 

[Cardinal]

Thanks PVB, that is certainly the point.
Scottie, thanks for your input too. I am expecting there to be no need to dismantle this box or even remove the input shaft, as PVB remarks.
PVB, do you recall having to offer up the gearbox and then measure a gap between gearbox and bell housing in order to determine the shim to choose?

 

[pvb]

Thanks PVB, that is certainly the point.
Scottie, thanks for your input too. I am expecting there to be no need to dismantle this box or even remove the input shaft, as PVB remarks.
PVB, do you recall having to offer up the gearbox and then measure a gap between gearbox and bell housing in order to determine the shim to choose?

It's so long ago I really don't remember what was involved. But I found the VP instructions were comprehensive, and I did the job in about 2 or 3 hours. I think the most difficult thing was jamming a big screwdriver in the ring-gear teeth so I could use a torque wrench on the flywheel bolts.

 

[Cardinal]

Thanks PVB.
Thanks for your recall.

 

[scottie]

Thinking about it I think that the housing on the input shaft is a different length on later boxes shorter I believe as the coupling with the rubber bush is longer but it’s a long time since I had one in front of me
Certainly the housing part number is changed.

 

[Cardinal]

Thanks for that suggestion which may assist in determining the appropriate approach.

 

[Cardinal]

My engineer has now spoken to one with recent experience of this matter and learnt that it is desirable to limit the free float of the drive, hence the shims and need to measure to determine which to fit.
Once I have seen the set-up, I shall post some clearer details in case anyone else would find them useful.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[hurley]

My engineer has now spoken to one with recent experience of this matter and learnt that it is desirable to limit the free float of the drive, hence the shims and need to measure to determine which to fit.
Once I have seen the set-up, I shall post some clearer details in case anyone else would find them useful.
Thanks for the responses.

Hi i know it's an old thread but I would certainly be very grateful for above-mentioned update as this is the situation I am now in with a recently acquired second hand cushioned plate and spline but no instructions.