Volvo penta saildrive oil emulsified

[ollie1977]

Hi all

New boat owner here and on recently checking my saildrive oil level I noticed (to my horror) that it had emulsified to a mayonnaise consistency.

The seals on the saildrive were replaced 2 seasons ago and I'm pretty sure the water ingress is a result of my over filling the oil when the boat was on the hard during the winter (rookie mistake and one which I never intend to repeat...)

AND NOW MY QUESTION...
I am aware (from perusing related threads) that sea water can be sucked into the saildrive through over pressure when too much oil is present. Clearly I need to lift the boat and flush the oil but is it possible that the saildrive seals are npt compromised and I simply need to refill the saildrive with fresh oil to the correct level?

If not already apparent I'm desperately trying to find a fix that does not involve swapping the seals.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Ps I tasted the oil and I could not detect a hint of salt in it (not sure much turns on this but thought it might be pertinent to share)

 

[Boater Sam]

If you don't change all the seals, you will not trust it and spend your sailing time worrying about it. Chances are that they are toast anyway after 2 years.

 

[ollie1977]

If you don't change all the seals, you will not trust it and spend your sailing time worrying about it. Chances are that they are toast anyway after 2 years.

 

[ollie1977]

On reflection I completely agree. When you see "all the seals" are you referring to the two lip seals on the prop shaft only? Or should i also look to replace the diaphragm seal too?

cheers

 

[PabloPicasso]

Yep. Change the seals. Straightforward enough job once thw boat is ashore.

If the shaft is scored use a speedysleeve.

 

[ollie1977]

Yep. Change the seals. Straightforward enough job once thw boat is ashore.

If the shaft is scored use a speedysleeve.

Thanks....great idea

 

[VicS]

Thanks....great idea

Change the two seals # 15 ( I assume they fit back to back ) , the two O rings, #16 and the drain plug seal, #25.

Take care not to overfill with oil.

.

 

[ollie1977]

View attachment 192375

Change the two seals # 15 ( I assume they fit back to back ) , the two O rings, #16 and the drain plug seal, #25.

Take care not to overfill with oil.

.

Many thanks for this. Very helpful