Volvo saildrive tip

[djrussell0]

Hi all, thought I might just share a tip with any one just about to change the oil seals on the prop spindle.
They drift inwards i.e. towards the back off flange as there is a lip stopping seal moving forward so you must remove outer bearing cone and make sure you don’t lose any shims behind the outer race.
I know this all seems obvious, but with a corroded flange and gumph around the seal its not obvious and you may chip the lip trying to drift forward.
Also on a side note when changing the saildrive diaphragm it had a 1994 date on it and when put side to side with new one you could not tell the difference if that helps any one sleep better at night.

not advising that you do leave 20 years(I was told mine was 7 years old, should have checked myself) but as I said insurance issues aside they are not going fail on there 7th birthday for sure.

 

[VicS]

the exploded parts diagrams are usually a good guide to the order in which things are assembled
eg:-

120

130

 

[Slowtack]

I recently removed the saildrive shaft seals (VP 120SB) and found that they came out much easier than last time. I wonder could that be the reason for recent water ingress? Any ideas on sealing the seals to the outer housing in which they fit? Obviously an effective sealant is required that is not a strong adhesive. I think I greased them lightly last time but is there a suitable oil and seawater compatible sealant?

 

[aluijten]

I recently removed the saildrive shaft seals (VP 120SB) and found that they came out much easier than last time. I wonder could that be the reason for recent water ingress? Any ideas on sealing the seals to the outer housing in which they fit? Obviously an effective sealant is required that is not a strong adhesive. I think I greased them lightly last time but is there a suitable oil and seawater compatible sealant?

Just had the seals replaced myself, but they were mounted dry in the housing. Never saw them moving or experienced water ingress via the housing side. Biggest problem is always the running in of the shaft making the seal less effective. My boat lives in fairly muddy water so there is a lot of wear and tear on the outer seal. Generally speaking, when I take the shaft out (for saildrive removal) I always replace the seals as well. Regrettably I had to remove the drive a few times in a row now as the paint on the leg refused to stick to the leg....

 

[djrussell0]

I recently removed the saildrive shaft seals (VP 120SB) and found that they came out much easier than last time. I wonder could that be the reason for recent water ingress? Any ideas on sealing the seals to the outer housing in which they fit? Obviously an effective sealant is required that is not a strong adhesive. I think I greased them lightly last time but is there a suitable oil and seawater compatible sealant?

my seals were nice and tight, but after removal there was a thin layer of oxidisation/electrolysis and now some pitting. I think I will be applying a very thin film of sikaflex to take up the small pits, not to worried about bonding as this would be minable

 

[Dipper]

I recently removed the saildrive shaft seals (VP 120SB) and found that they came out much easier than last time. I wonder could that be the reason for recent water ingress? Any ideas on sealing the seals to the outer housing in which they fit? Obviously an effective sealant is required that is not a strong adhesive. I think I greased them lightly last time but is there a suitable oil and seawater compatible sealant?

The instructions say to fit them dry. When I bought my first seal, the Volvo agent said that he had only ever heard of one seal failure and that was a new one. The owner had greased it before fitting.

 

[Slowtack]

Thanks for your replies. I phoned Volspec today for advice. Will post it when received. I noted some minor pitting at the outer edge of the external mating faces by the O rings but no sign that they had been compromised. A little sealant on those faces might help contain further pitting.

 

[youen]

There is an article in PBO mars 2011 explaining how to do the job

 

[BoatShow Avenue]

Let us know what does they say to you! you should have checked it by yourself :S

 

[Slowtack]

Eh?

 

[Slowtack]

Volspec never came back to me, however I found this useful link on Cruisers Forum:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w25oddyb93xglmz/120SsdriveWorkshopManual (small).pdf?dl=0
On page 69 it specifies a sealant (VP part no 1161099-5) to the mating face between the seal and the bearing housing.
Not sure what type sealant that is but I expect sikaflex or similar should work.

 

[djrussell0]

Ahh, that make me feel better, tried down load but some images are not there.

thanks

Dave