Volvo Sterndrive 290SP-A .. Ram advice.

[moresparks]

I noticed at the end of the season the sterndrive would not hold trim and sure enough on checking I have water in the oil.
I have the drive completely off for usual maintenance so have access to the trim cylinders. On testing the trim without the drive the starboard cylinder moves o/k but the port cylinder does not move at all. I have a seal kit but.. the pipes, hoses and end fittings will not budge so I may have to remove the whole kit.
I have tested the pump with a new spare and the pump looks good.
Volvo do a complete ram and hose kit (at a price) and was wondering in view of one cylinder not moving at all, replacing was the sensible way to go.
I am not happy about spending the money as I was thinking of upgrading next season so an experience view would be appreciated.

 

[Dill et Bound]

I have replaced the seals with great success in the past.
I have also been lucky in that the rams themselves were not scored internally.
Removal of the rams can sometimes mean an engine out to access the pins that retain them in the transom shield.
I would have another go at removing the end cap.
Soak with penetrating fluid for a couple of days.
Either obtain or make up a good quality long handled pin wrench.
It should undo.
Follow the instructions on the kit.
I used a little warm water to install the seals in the end cap. It was January on one occasion.
Keep everything clean.. Smallest amount of dirt will make the new seals fail.