VP290 Oil

[Corky]

I've had conflicting information on which oil I should put in my 1994 VP290 duoprop outdrive legs. Both advisers were professionals but it's left me confused. One advised mineral SAE90 Gl-5 and the other advised TRX Synthetic 75W90. To my mind they're very different oils. I'm not even sure why I can't use Gl-1 fluid. Can anyone shed any light on this please, and advise of a cost effective supplier in the Solent area.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[Momac]

Do you know which particular model of DP you have ? Please see link as follows which may help
https://www.projectk.co.jp/marine/pdf/volvodrive.pdf

 

[Corky]

Hard to tell the difference between the DP varieties. This is what they look like if that's any help? They look like AQ290-DP to me?

 

[Momac]

Looking at the cones on the props, hydraulic trim rams and shape of the top of the outdrive case doesn't that make them DP-C or later ?
I agree the differences are not easy to spot.


These for comparison are DP-E
.

 

[springer]

Hi, These are post the change where the drive no longer had the stainless steel inner hanging frame attached to the trim rams, therefore these drives should be filled with synthetic, API GL-5, 75W-90 gear oil.

There is a very useful poster describing the VP changes to the older drives over the years including oil types. It has a VP publication number of 7738236 Dec 2006, not sure if this can be found outside the VP dealer network.

 

[BruceK]

API GL-5, 75W-90 gear oil.

There is a very useful poster describing the VP changes to the older drives over the years including oil types. It has a VP publication number of 7738236 Dec 2006, not sure if this can be found outside the VP dealer network.

What he said. I have the file. To put your mind at rest all the DP-B1 right through to DPX -(x) take the same oil as above

 

[Corky]

Thanks for your thoughts folks. Should it be mineral , synthetic or semi synthetic?

 

[BruceK]

All synthetic

Thanks for your thoughts folks. Should it be mineral , synthetic or semi synthetic?

Mine isn't thoughts. It's from the Book of Words.

 

[VicS]

There is a very useful poster describing the VP changes to the older drives over the years including oil types. It has a VP publication number of 7738236 Dec 2006, not sure if this can be found outside the VP dealer network.

It's here https://www.projectk.co.jp/marine/pdf/volvodrive.pdf

 

[Corky]

Thank you everybody.

 

[CLB]

Hard to tell the difference between the DP varieties. This is what they look like if that's any help? They look like AQ290-DP to me?
View attachment 84554

These are definitely not 290DP. They are either DPD, DPD1 or DPE drives and should use the 75W90 GL5 fully synthetic oil.

I do, however, think there is something not quite normal with that set up. I have DPD myself and had DPE on my last boat, and neither had the big rubber pad at the top of the transom shield. I am wondering if you have a mix of parts.

 

[Corky]

I've had several 'pukka' Volvo mechanics work on them in the past and none have commented on that.

 

[BruceK]

It's normal. Part 854620 it was used with DPC and DPD along with a few other combo's.

 

[Corky]

Anyway, they work well and it looks like they need GL-5, 75W-90 gear oil . Thanks all !

 

[CLB]

I've had several 'pukka' Volvo mechanics work on them in the past and none have commented on that.

Thats good

It's normal. Part 854620 it was used with DPC and DPD along with a few other combo's.

Interesting. My DPD doesn't have it. Maybe I have a different shield

 

[Momac]

The gear oil should be Fully Synthetic.



You may prefer to use the Volvo Penta branded oil which allegedly includes some magic fairy dust additives …..



…………or not………………

https://www.smithandallan.com/products/transport-gear-and-transmission/1849-smith-and-allan-geartech-fs-75w-90/

 

[BruceK]

Interesting. My DPD doesn't have it. Maybe I have a different shield

More than you can shake a stick at. Not all got better with evolution either.

 

[BruceK]

.....
You may prefer to use the Volvo Penta branded oil which allegedly includes some magic fairy dust additives …..
.......

I'm a great believer in magic fairy dust. I've seen enough milkshake drives emptied, refilled and go on living like not much at all had happened and if it wasn't magic oil it must have been magic metal.

 

[Momac]

I understand fully synthetic gear oils can typically tolerate higher water concentrations compared to mineral oil.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi
They are defo 290’s. 75/90 and GL5 gear oil. About 3l or just over from memory.
just as important is making sure you don’t nip or dislodge the seals. Commonly done. To the point where I used to also put the mercury fibre seals on too, then silicone over each year. Never had water in after that.