Volvo saildrive problem

[xcw]

I have a Volvo MD2020 with a MS25s saildrive on my 2002 Bavaria 36. I have noticed occasionally when I go into reverse it takes a little while to engage (a couple of seconds) and then it engages with a clunk. I am using ATF as recommended by my Volvo dealer. No problems in forward gear. Any ideas?

 

[Tranona]

Not sure you should be using ATF, but you need to check with the Volvo chart for your specific drive. Most are now on 15-40 engine oil. Slow engagement could just be adjustment of the cables - check by engaging the lever on the box manually. Otherwise it could be a symptom of wear in the clutch pack. If you have a folding prop the delay could be the blades not opening quickly enough.

 

[xcw]

Many thanks Tranona, I had a long discussion with the Volvo agent about what oil to use. Apparently Volvo have recently changed their recommended oil from ATF to engine oil but his recommendation was to stick to what you have always used and know works!
I will check the cables - I don't think they have been adjusted since the boat was new.
It's a fixed bladed prop.

 

[VicS]

I think you will find that the oil in an MS25S should always have been engine oil.

It tells you in the owners manual ( Down load a copy from http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopent...lication_search/pages/publication_search.aspx if you have mislaid it.)

There is recent service bulletin advising that the oil in 130S and 150S drives should be changed from ATF to 15W/40 engine oil

 

[Tranona]

The change from ATF to engine oil was only on later (2006 on) 130 drives. Most 120s (but not all) were always engine oil. Volvo produce a chart showing which is which. I had a similar age 120 drive in my Bavaria and it was engine oil. My clutch pack failed (not connnected to the type of oil) and it was terminal - new drive which today would cost the thick end of £5k to have fitted.

I would be tempted to have the oil drained out completely and refilled. If the cones in the clutch have worn you may well find debirs in the oil. Don't want to be too alarmist but in view of the high cost of fixing - realistically they are not worth repairing, I would investigate further now.

 

[VicS]

Old lubrication schedule for saildrives etc http://www.volvopenta.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Penta/Misc/drive_1_oil_rec_7745608.pdf

(you'd think they would revise it wouldn't you?)

Service bulletin re change in oil grades http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/saildriveoilchange.pdf

 

[Tranona]

Yes, Vic just double checked - chart still shows ATF for 130S drives - mine still has it in as not hauled it to change yet!

Anyway, for OP your drive should have engine oil as per the chart in Vics link.

 

[VicS]

Yes, Vic just double checked - chart still shows ATF for 130S drives - mine still has it in as not hauled it to change yet!

Anyway, for OP your drive should have engine oil as per the chart in Vics link.

Goodness knows if changing the oil will solve the problem. Probably not. If the ATF is detrimental in any way the damage has been done.

I'm still trying to figure out how those MS25S gear boxes work. Complicated bits of kit compared with their predecessors.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I had a similar problem with my 120 sail drive. It turned out to be the cable adjustment. I'd suggest that you get it sorted ASAP, if it is the cables, then the reverse gear could just be catching when the the shift is in the neutral position, if this happens then the oil will quickly become black, coloured by small iron filing, which will ruin the gears and bearings.

If you search my posts you'll understand how I know.

 

[richardbrennan]

I don't want to be the prophet of doom, but I have just had exactly the same symptoms on a 2030 with the 120 saildrive, albeit in forward gear. Cable adjustment improved matters for a short while but the problem returned. Wear on the cones was diagnosed but when the drive was stripped down the gears into which the cones mesh had also become polished and repairing the drive was not really economical. Further to this, neither was replacing the drive as you get a much better deal on a complete new engine, and by the time you sell the old engine on Ebay, the additional cost is marginal an you have put some value into the boat. Good luck!

 

[VicS]

The MS25S is totally different internally to the 120 drives.

It has a completely different clutch mechanism ... nothing like the simple cone clutches of the 120

120S

MS25S

 

[xcw]

Many thanks for all of your very helpful responses. I should point out that the engine only has around 450 hours on the clock and when I changed the saildrive oil last July there was no sign of any discolouration or particles in the oil. The oil was also clear last time I went out. Fingers crossed that it is just a throttle adjustment. Thanks for your help.