Volvo splines again

KREW2

KREW2

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Iv'e just had my VP 2002 taken out so I can check the gear drive splines. As they are showing wear I have decided to go ahead with the coversion now, rather than wait for further ware. Has anyone on here had experience of either Versitile marine or DB Marine or are there any others that can be reccommened.
 
I had a look at my VP2002's splines when I had the gearbox off to replace the saildrive seal. There was noticeable, but slight, wear so I decided to go for the Volvo conversion kit. This involves replacing the drive plate with one having resilient inserts round the bolts, and can be done on the boat without having to send bits away for machining. We'll see in a few years time (at the next seal change) how it works out in practice.

If the wear had been heavy I would, however, have gone down the machined hex route.
 
Good move to get it sorted out before it becomes an issue - I wish that I had! My splines sheared so I had to use a hex conversion. I went for DB because they were closest if there was a problem. They have to dismantle the input shaft assembly and then send the shaft away for machining and heat treatment before getting it back and reassembling. The result is that the leadtime is extended (<4 wks). This was an issue for me because the boat was away from home base so I lost 5 weekends at the height of the season but probably not for you if the boat is laid up anyway. They were always courteous and helpful whenever I called and I considered the price fair for what they supplied.
One point to note - be careful to get the shimming right when you reassemble. I followed my interpretation of the instructions and managed to nip the engine up when I torqued up the gearbox bolts. I went back to first principles and re-measured, re-shimmed and it worked fine.
I've done 30-40 engine hours since the conversion was completed in July and haven't had any problem. Perhaps someone with several season's experience of the conversion will respond.
 
I had mine done by DB Marine three years ago. I sent front plate of gearbox complete with input shaft and bearings to them; they did the rest. Excellent service and clear reassembly instructions. Absolutely no problems with the conversion. Highly recommended.
 
Had ours done on a 2003 about 3 years ago.
Sent the bits of to Watercraft ? in Falmouth. About a 10 day
turn round. Great service and good to talk to. Also somewhat
cheaper than D B.

j
 
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