1996 Volvo penta sx cobra outdrive issue.

[Antx10]

Hello all, I currently own a 96 Volvo penta with a sx cobra 1.66 outdrive and it is powered by a 5.0fl v8.
The other day when I was out on the lake it started to make this grinding swirling sound when I put it in fwd or reverse gear and it would get a bit louder and vibrate when at cruising speeds and will go away at higher speeds. I decided to check the gear oil and it appears the magnet in the drain plug broke and there is small metal chunks stuck to it. I checked the inspection port on the top gears and the gears up top seem to be ok, I’m guess the lower unit is shot. I want to swap the lower unit with a used one in good condition but I am worried as there is now metal particles in the upper gears as well as it traveled throughout the oil. Any ideas on how I can flush and clean the inside of the gear casing prior to installing the new lower unit?

 

[bondo]

Any ideas on how I can flush and clean the inside of the gear casing prior to installing the new lower unit?

Ayuh,..... It needs to be torn down, cleaned, then reassembled,....

 

[sandkicker]

Do what bondo suggests... the design of the shift mechanism precludes a quick and easy flush as a fix.

 

[Antx10]

Ayuh,..... It needs to be torn down, cleaned, then reassembled,....

No mechanic around me even wants to touch a Volvo, and the closest dealer is 4 hours way. Called them up, and they said they wouldn’t even attempt a rebuild as they would just swap in a replacement.

 

[Antx10]

No mechanic around me even wants to touch a Volvo, and the closest dealer is 4 hours way. Called them up, and they said they wouldn’t even attempt a rebuild as they would just swap in a replacement.

Also, after flushing the oil again yesterday and running her. The noise is now gone. I’m guessing the magnet breaking was the culprit and the lower unit is still ok.