Volvo Penta 290 SP stern drive "no reverse lock"

[tug57]

Hi everyone, went down to my boat a few days ago and with these low neap tides she as been sitting on the bottom and whilst afloat there before we started the engine checked nothing was fouling the stern drive, there was a big clump of seaweed around the prop and stern. we managed to clear it away with a boat hook and started the engine. After running and checking all`s well we lowered the leg, engage forward gear 3 seconds then reverse and there followed and bang from the stern, one of us looked over the stern and reverse gear was selected again and the leg jump up and went down again causing the bang when it hit the stern.

Is this a easy fix or does the boat have to come out of the water, I was in the water and with my hands felt for any debris that may have been fouling the area but could not see anything. As anyone experienced this before.

 

[madabouttheboat]

It's the reverse latching system. They are prone to problems. It will either be fouled up and stuck, or maybe a spring has broken/come off. Anywhere you can dry out for a tide to take a look/give it a clean?

 

[tug57]

Thanks going to find out where we can sit dry as the tide goes out today, fingers crossed an easy fix

 

[simonfraser]

If you keep the leg up whilst in the water the rods will collect growth and barnies
that in turn will wreck the seals that go round the pistons

 

[madabouttheboat]

If you keep the leg up whilst in the water the rods will collect growth and barnies
that in turn will wreck the seals that go round the pistons

I think you are talking about the hydraulic trim rams, about which you are correct, but on the 290SP they do not hold the leg down in reverse like on later drives. This is done with a spring catch system.

 

[simonfraser]

No pistons on a 290 SP ?
apologies was not commenting directly on holding the leg down ...

 

[madabouttheboat]

No pistons on a 290 SP ?
apologies was not commenting directly on holding the leg down ...

There are pistons, but they don't fix to the drive like later versions.

 

[tug57]

Yes it as pistons? hydraulic rams and the leg as to stay up when not in use because the boat bottoms for an hour or so on spring tides at low water

 

[simonfraser]

Yep if you leave them up / extended the rods will foul and then damage the seals
then they will leak and corrode and fail
better you know the bad news before it happens
outdrives are ‘interesting’

 

[GaryJeffery]

If it’s not the hydraulic trim version of the 290 SP then the lift mechanism is a threaded rod and levers etc. inboard of the transom shields which is electrically powered by motor. This is only a “lift and lower” mechanism, not for trimming. I have SP 280 legs, they are almost exactly the same design, I have cleaned out my latches fairly effectively whilst at anchor in a calm bay with mask and snorkel, as long as you don’t mind being in the water it’s an effective cure for the trouble you mention. They are stainless steel and you are not supposed to cover the mechanism with antifoul or stern drive paint, but inevitably they do get paint on them. I used a selection of different sized screwdrivers (have a flat one that you can bend to get behind the awkward places) to poke away at the barnacles and weed that gets caught in there when you leave the boat for a time un used. You can give them a “proper” clean when you next lift out. If you get the Volvo manual (there is an old Haynes type one available) then you can see in there how the latches work, and where you need to keep clean on the mechanism. There are no seals to damage around the latches, just be careful not to dislodge the return springs. Its mainly the contact areas where latches “latch” on the transom shield. Also the shaft on which they pivot. The most awkward bit to get at is a part round “hood” like part, which is kind of in the very centre of the swivelling parts of the drive, just have someone on board to help by turning the wheel to port/starboard and raise lower the leg so you can get at it more easily.

 

[tug57]

Thanks for that, yes it is just lift and lower, I am hoping to arrange to sit the boat on some groins as the tide goes out next week so we can have a proper look and see what's what , and with your info hopefully will make things easier to source, clean free up and see what`s going on. Thank you

 

[GaryJeffery]

Happy to impart what little I know ? where do you keep your boat btw?

 

[tug57]

Its kept on a swing mooring on the river Dart

 

[tug57]

Hi Gary, I did what you advised, mask and snorkel, used a table knife and a screwdriver. I raised the drive then attached a rope under the lower housing just above the prop, tied it off then lowered the drive halfway, got in and under the water and I could see everything, gave it a good cleaning, removing barnacles weed etc, worked the spring unit up and down for quite a while until I could hold it down with two fingers let it go and it popped back in to place. Works treat now. I now know that`s a job to be done whilst out of the water every year.. Thanks very much for informative advice, have a great Summer and stay safe, regards Dave

 

[GaryJeffery]

That’s great news, glad to have been some help. ?