VP S Drive - Annual Oil Replacement?

[West Coast]

Hi all - I have a VP 2003 with 120 S Drive - I understand that VP recommend replacing the drive oil every year which up to now I have done.

However, is this really necessary? Every year I drain out really good looking oil, and replace with new. Would I be doing damage to the drive unit if I changed say only every second season?

 

[scottie]

Most likely not but it is useful to drain and inspect the oil for water and metal which give a warning of cone wear

 

[Sans Bateau]

Most likely not but it is useful to drain and inspect the oil for water and metal which give a warning of cone wear

Agreed, if the boat is being dried out or coming ashore for any reason, how much does an oil change cost, as scottie says, it lets you see if there is any contaminants in the oil, metal or water etc.

 

[West Coast]

Thanks guys - makes sense - will change it!

 

[PeterGibbs]

Hi all - I have a VP 2003 with 120 S Drive - I understand that VP recommend replacing the drive oil every year which up to now I have done.

However, is this really necessary? Every year I drain out really good looking oil, and replace with new. Would I be doing damage to the drive unit if I changed say only every second season?

The upshot of several years' experience with this gear and numerous engineers' comments is that an annual change is not necessary, and every two years is solid practice. That's what I do. Volvo synthetic oil is not cheap, agreed, but it does not degrade with the little use we normally put it to.

BTW - I have switched to a non Volvo semi-synthetic gearbox oil, as used by a trusted firm of Dutch engineers, and I can report savings and no deterioration in performance.

But any signs that the oil is streaking, when rested, it has to come out and the bottom seals (most likely) be replaced!

PWG