{"id":262,"date":"2022-07-23T16:04:43","date_gmt":"2022-07-23T16:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/?p=262"},"modified":"2022-07-23T16:04:43","modified_gmt":"2022-07-23T16:04:43","slug":"most-common-problems-with-volvo-penta-outdrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/most-common-problems-with-volvo-penta-outdrive\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Common Problems with Volvo Penta Outdrive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Volvo Penta outdrives are quite popular. Especially amongst small watercraft owners. To boats that span from 20 to 60 feet, this sterndrive gives a direct response.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An outboard drive is a propulsion system. In boats, they are the most common propelling method that is motorized.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Volvo Penta Outdrives have been delivering power and performance since 1959. It is a pretty reliable choice for small boaters too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in this article, I will discuss the common problems with this engine. I intend to give you a clear picture to help you make a smart purchase. So keep reading till the end!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A Quick Overview to Volvo Penta Outdrive Issues and The Reasons Behind Them:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Problems<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Reasons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Problem with Manifolds and Oil Pans.<\/td><td>Saltwater gets in the bilge causing the oil pan to rust.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bad Piston on Cylinders<\/td><td>Water in the cylinder.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hydrolock<\/td><td>Engine ingests water.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Outdrive fails<\/td><td>Problem with the outer propeller.Problematic shaft.Defective counter-rotation gear.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Problem with Manifolds and Oil Pans&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like other gas inboards, Volvo Penta outboard faces problems in saltwater, there is a problem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The common symptom of corroded manifold and oil pan is finding oil in the bilge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another symptom is the motor seizing up. This happens only when the problem gets severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rusted manifolds can cause an exhaust leak.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reason for the Problem:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Saltwater can enter the bilge and cause rusting. This creates corrosion or hole in the manifold or the oil pan.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible Solution:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Replace the corroded parts. If this does not help, change the starter. In persistence of the problem, change the risers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To fix this,<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><strong>Things You\u2019ll Need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Screw Driver.<\/li><li>Rag.<\/li><li>Small Crank Truck.<\/li><li>Vinegar.<\/li><li>Water.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 1.1: Unbolt the Motor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The motor doesn\u2019t need to be removed completely to change the oil pans. Just unbolt the screw and raise it high enough to take out the corroded oil pan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 1.2: Raise the Motor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a small crank truck, toe up the motor enough to reach the pan. Then take out the oil pan. Remember to remove the gaskets along with the pans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 1.3: Install New Pan<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After taking out the old pan, clean the oil spillage with a clean rag. A piece of cloth will also do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then install the new pan. This is a $200 job but you can DIY for free.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 2.1: Soak with Vinegar<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Say your manifolds have rusted but not corroded. Then soak them with vinegar water until the rusting comes off gently. This should work for lightly rusted manifolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 2.2: Replace the Manifold<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the manifold has corroded, replace it. Take it to the servicing center and get a new manifold.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Bad Piston on Cylinders&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common symptom of the bad piston on cylinders is rusting. It is found on cylinder heads. It is found on the inside plugs of the engine as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The injectors of the engine may also not fire. Engine seizes or cranks over.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reason for the Problem:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Volvo Penta outdrive does not have an enclosed cooling system. So, saltwater enters the engine block made of iron. This causes rusting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Possible Solution:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, this requires a complete rebuild of the engine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Things You\u2019ll Need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Lubricants.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 1: Primary Troubleshoot<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow this order of instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Cut out the water cooling flow.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Remove plugs&nbsp;<\/li><li>Inject in some motor oil that may lubricate the cylinder walls.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Remove residual water.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Crank the engine.<\/li><li>Do a compression test.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Does the engine do fine? Is there poor compression?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor compression may just be valves that are bent. Troubleshooting that may help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 2: Unsink the Engine<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suck out all the water using the starter. From the oil slump and the cylinders Check how it\u2019s doing. If it gets started then the problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 3: Last Resort-Engine rebuild.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pull out the engine and rebuild everything. This includes resurfacing cylinders, rings, gaskets, everything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Hydrolock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common symptom is the engine not turning over. You may turn the key to start the engine. The engine will engage, but it would not start.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reason for the Problem:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>When the volume of the liquid becomes greater than the volume of the cylinder at its minimum.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The water in the cylinder or cylinders is incompressible. As a result, the engine cannot compress it. So, it becomes locked.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Water enters because of faulty installation of the engine.<\/li><li>Sometimes overheating can cause damage.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Possible Solution:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to check for water first. Upon finding water, take it to the servicing center. There is no DIY solution for this problem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me provide you a step by step guide for checking for water below:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To fix this, things You\u2019ll Need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Strap Wrench.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 1: Remove Spark Plugs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the spark plugs entirely from the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 2: Turn the Crankshaft<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try turning the crankshaft in the opposite direction. Use a strap wrench to do this. Avoid turning the crankshaft center bolt.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 3: Check for Water<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peek through the spark plug ports.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find water in the cylinders, unfortunately, there\u2019s nothing much you can do. Take the engine for servicing. This should be an expensive deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Outdrive Fails&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common symptom is the engine stops or halts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Acceleration slows down before completely stalling. The engine may make loud banging noises too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reason for the Problem:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The outer propeller breaks or faces any damage.<\/li><li>The shaft seems to get frozen or stuck.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The counter-rotation gear is broken. This is what mainly causes the shaft to freeze.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The top box overheats. Leakage may occur because of this.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Jackshaft gets shredded in pieces. This happens due to rusting. Another problem with the Volvo Penta outdrives design.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible Solution:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing the outdrive is the solution here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, there is only one solution to this problem. That is changing your outdrive. This is a costly business. But this is very common in Volvo outdrives. Especially XDP ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can try changing the propeller and the shaft. However, it is likely not to work. Because usually the damage lies deeper.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Majority of the Users Feel About Volvo Penta Outdrives?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Majority of Volvo Penta owners reported the hydro locking problem. This is an persistent issue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To add on top of that, rusting of oil pans is irritating. So many of the owners reported bad customer service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being bad, there isn\u2019t enough experts that can help on this issue. Unavailability of customer help is pretty common.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some customers back off at the beginning. They think the warranty being such a long time says a lot about VP\u2019s confidence of their product.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the troubleshooting costs big bucks! Not every boater\u2019s cup of tea! If you have big pockets, then go for it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The hydro locking and damaged cylinders are pretty common in the Volvo Penta outdrives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People have reported suffering financially due to these problems. Moreover, many similar engines do not have this kind of issue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it is better to go for an Alpha outdrive instead of a Volvo Penta!<\/p>\n\n\n<h4>You Can Also Read:<\/h4>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d4d9e2;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#eef3fc;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-thumbs-o-up\" style=\"color:#26acf5\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/most-common-problems-with-minn-kota-talon\/\">Most Common Problems with Minn Kota Talon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-thumbs-o-up\" style=\"color:#26acf5\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/most-common-problems-with-evinrude-e-tec-115-outboard\/\">Most Common Problems with Evinrude E-TEC 115 Outboard<\/a><\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-thumbs-o-up\" style=\"color:#26acf5\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/most-common-problems-with-yamaha-250-outboard\/\">Most Common Problems with Yamaha 250 Outboard<\/a><\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-thumbs-o-up\" style=\"color:#26acf5\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/most-common-problems-with-suzuki-200-hp-outboard\/\">Most Common Problems With Suzuki 200 HP Outboard<\/a><\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-thumbs-o-up\" style=\"color:#26acf5\"><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/most-common-problems-with-garmin-force-trolling-motor\/\">Most Common Problems With Garmin Force Trolling Motor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Volvo Penta outdrives are quite popular. Especially amongst small watercraft owners. To boats that span from 20 to 60 feet, this sterndrive gives a direct response.&nbsp; An outboard drive is a propulsion system. In boats, they are the most common propelling method that is motorized.&nbsp; Volvo Penta Outdrives have been delivering power and performance since&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=262"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}