Rear Main Oil Seal - Volvo MD17c

[SabreKai]

I have a Volvo MD17c that appears to have a dried out main oil seal.

Can this be changed out without yanking the engine? If so whats the procedure?

Thanks for any help


Sabre

[rusky]

I have done this with a nanni (marinised kubota). Not a volvo, but maybe the idea is similar.

I unbolted the gearbox, unlinked the prop shaft [and pushed it aft - via the PSS seal]. The gear box was left resting on the hull behind the engine.

The rear end of the engine was 'attacked' then and the rear oil seal replaced.

I also changed an engine mount at the same time by adding support to the aft 'half' of the engine - by a chain winch attached to an eye bolt I put through the floor of the cockpit.

We did this in a marina as I was unsure of what else I might find/cause when I started the job.

The most expensive cost was the marina fee!

I was very unsure of myself and my abilities before this, but felt better after the job was done.

Good luck

[never monday]

are you a saildrive or a gear box?

the MD series was built with a "backward" engine. Meaning the flywheel is at the opposite end as the drive gear. This puts the timing gears at the drive end. It can be done in the water. Just be sure to have the manual handy.

[SabreKai]

I have a transmission and shaft. Unfortunately the only manual I can find is the pdf on the web. That doesn't seem to have any info on the seals. I'll check again but I'm pretty sure that pdf is for a complete tear down and over haul starting after the engine is out and on a stand.

If it can be done without yanking the engine I'll give it a shot, otherwise I think I may just say to hell with it and go with a Beta Marine and replace it. It'll save me 8.5 inches in length which wont be in the cabin with me, 300 lbs in weight and get me better fuel consumption.


Sabre