Volvo Penta Saildrive Bellow rubbers replacement : This is how you do it

Replacing the seal / bellow on a Volvo Penta saildrive is a crucial maintenance task for any boater. A properly sealing seal prevents water from entering the engine compartment, similar to a propeller shaft seal on a boat with a propeller shaft. In this blog post, we explain step-by-step how to replace the bellow yourself, what to look for, and provide helpful tips and tricks for replacing a seal kit yourself.

A saildrive bellow is a rubber seal that keeps water out of the engine compartment. It should be checked and replaced regularly to prevent wear and leaks, which can lead to serious engine damage.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand:

New saildrive bellow set

Screwdrivers

Socket set (Metric)

Allen keys

Silicone grease (Included in the set)

Threadlocker (Stainless Steel Thread Locking Compound included in the kit)

Jack or hoist system

Preparation : Make sure the boat is parked safely and securely on the shore. Disconnect the battery and ensure the engine cannot accidentally start.

Removing the propeller : Remove the propeller from the saildrive. Do this by removing the locking pin and unscrewing the propeller. Be careful, the propeller may be rusted. Gently and evenly heat it and use a rubber or plastic mallet to tap it off the shaft. If you have a pulley puller available, that's also fine.

Unscrewing the sail drive : Unscrew the sail drive from the engine. This may require some force, so use a good ratchet or wrench to carefully loosen the bolts.

Removing the saildrive: Once the saildrive is disconnected from the engine, you can usually lower the entire saildrive through the hole in the boat. Use two people for this, or hang the saildrive from a tackle or rope inside the boat to prevent it from falling down. The rubber flap is glued in place; you'll usually have to cut it loose from underneath the boat. If this isn't possible, remove the top end of the tailpiece so you can still remove the saildrive from the boat. Caution! Be sure to install a new gasket afterward.

Removing the Old Seal : Carefully remove the old bellow from the saildrive. Inspect the seal for wear and damage to get an idea of ​​the seal's condition. If you've already removed it, replace it immediately!

Installing the New Sleeve : Lightly lubricate the new bellow with silicone grease. Carefully place the sleeve on the sail drive, ensuring a snug fit.

Attaching the sail drive : Reattach the sail drive to the engine, making sure all bolts are secure. Also install the stainless steel retaining wire to the sail drive bolts that connect the tailpiece to the top end.

Replacing the Propeller : Replace the propeller, making sure the locking pin is secure.

Inspection : Perform a thorough inspection to ensure everything is properly tightened and there are no leaks. Crank the engine briefly to check that everything is working properly.

Regular Inspection: Check the condition of the bellow regularly, especially after long periods of intensive use. Also check the cuff annually before putting the boat back in the water or before the boating season.

Use of original parts: Always use genuine Volvo Penta parts to ensure the best quality and warranty. When should you not use original parts? For example: Your sailboat is 30 years old, has little or no insurance, and your insurance doesn't require you to replace your rubber bellows with an original one every seven years. Then you could opt for an aftermarket kit. This is considerably cheaper than the original, but it won't cover your insurance.

Professional Help: If you have any doubts about your own skills, don't hesitate to call in a professional. Replacing the bellow is a delicate job, and a mistake can be costly.

Checking specific components: If you have the saildrive out of the boat, check the points below for wear or irregularities.