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Replace AQ130abs with AQ125bs

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kevintimm

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"Hi. I am new to boating and n

"Hi. I am new to boating and need some help. I have a boat with twin AQ130a's and i think the 250 outdrives. These both need to be replaced. would it be feasible to replace these with AQ125's and 270 outdrives? I cannot find any AQ130a's for sale anywhere. the 125's are cheap. Also, can i use the 125's with my 250 outdrives? or would i need to get the 270/280 outdrives?

Thanks"
 
"The 250 drives are perfectly

"The 250 drives are perfectly suited for any of the OHC 4's.
The 250 lower unit uses a bevel cut gear set, but no real issues with those.
The flywheel covers offer the same footprint, so if you do not need new PDS bearings, then just swap engines leaving the flywheel covers and 250 drives in place.
Simple swap.



."
 
thanks for the reply.
just to

thanks for the reply.
just to make sure i understand.
I can just swap out my aq130's for the aq125's and use my existing 250 outdrives?
is there anything else that I would need to complete this setup? like any conversion parts? can i use the same ignition setup with the new motors?

thanks
 
"You need to replace the exhau

"You need to replace the exhaust pipe, as yours is vertical and the ones for the OHC engines come at an angle. Your current pipe will not mate the AQ125 exhaust manifold.

The AQ130 bellhousing fits the AQ125, but you may want to remove it and renew bearing and seals (you'll be glad you did).

Also, make sure that the exhaust manifold in the AQ125 is in good condition; if not, you may want to replace it before you install it.

The distributors are not interchangeable between engines: they are different and further the AQ125 rotates clockwise while the AQ130 rotates counterclockwise. However, you should not have any problems wiring it to your current harness (check the schematics in the SELOC or Clymer manuals as guidance)."
 
"Thanks for the info.
Is the

"Thanks for the info.
Is the AQ125 a better engine?
I am trying to get a 24' dual I/O cuddy cabin in the water for about $1500. the original engines are pretty much shot but the outdrives are good (250's). I can get 2 AQ125's for $1,000. Is this the best way for me to go? any advice would be greatly appreciated."
 
"The AQ125 is a fresh water co

"The AQ125 is a fresh water cooled OHC engine and it has aluminum heads. The AQ125A is a B21 block and the AQ125B is a B230 block (this means the latter has larger bore and a few more HP than the former). You will obtain about 10 HP less per engine when compared with the AQ130 (which is rated for 130 HP at WOT). The AQ125 are better engines from the perspective that they are lighter, fresh water cooled, and parts are more readily available and somewhat less expensive.

Personally, I don't like the dual 4 cylinder engine setup, but if you want to keep your current arrangement switching from 130s to 125s may be your best bet. However, I suggest you double or triple your budget (at least) unless the new engines come complete and in pristine condition, because most likely you will have issues with used engines. Chances are you will have to replace the exhaust manifolds; you also have to buy new exhaust pipes, and you have to install and plumb and wire the engines. Then, if the engines have pitted timing gears, you will have to replace them. And that's only the beginning.

You may be lucky and everything could go honky dory in your case. However, if you search the forum, you will see a few horror stories indicating that things could not be as smooth as you may think now."
 
"Sounds like I'm digging m

"Sounds like I'm digging myself pretty deep with this boat. The engines I am looking at are complete and they will run them for me before i purchase them. If i can get the exhaust included, and the engines are otherwise complete, is there anything else I would need to look at? when you say they are fresh water cooled, does that mean i need to install a freshwater tank on my boat?

i feel like an idiot now because i thought this might be a pretty simple swap out. just bolt right in, plumb, and wire it and i would be good to go.

Do you think i should just sell this and buy a 3,000 dollar boat and work to fix that up? i found a nice boat with a straight 6, but it might have a cracked block. which repair would be easier/cheaper, repair my current boat or repair a cracked block on a straight 6 mercuriesr?

I really appreciate your advice, it has helped me already."
 
"Kevin, by "Fresh water co

"Kevin, by "Fresh water cooled" I mean the have a closed cooling system, pretty much similar to what you have in your car. There is a small tank filled with coolant that circulates through the block, and the coolant is cooled inside a heat exchanger by means of salt water instead of air like in a car's radiator.

The first thing you should remember is that BOAT is an acronym that means Bring Out Another Thousand. Now, before you start your project, have a look:

1- You need two exhaust pipes (part 22) which brand new cost over $1000 EACH.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/CONNECTING_COMPONENTS_AQ_DRIVE_UNIT_280/dm/cart_i d.831094805--session_id.332165966--store_id.366--view_id.325845

2- You need two bellows (part 77 above) at $70 each

3- You MAY need two exhaust manifolds, which aftermarket cost about $550 EACH

http://www.marineengine.com/newparts/part_details.php?pnum=SIE18-1930-1&returnto page=sierra_marine/sierra00825.htm

We are already over $3000, and you don't know what other things you may find.

What I would do before starting a project like this is trying to source the expensive parts from a VP boneyard, EBay, Craiglist, then take it from there. One note of caution, I would NOT recommend that you go for used exhaust manifolds, unless you are prepared to run into problems if they leak and having to replace them soon.

Also, STAY AWAY from any 6 cylinder VP inline engines unless you are prepared to remortgage your house and sell your first born. This will give you an idea why.

http://www.marineengine.com/discus/messages/12487/252091.shtml"
 
"El Pescador,

You sir are a

"El Pescador,

You sir are a life saver. Thank you sooo much for the bad news you gave me. I needed to hear it before I sank more money into this. Thank you so much.

I think i might abandon this project. unless the new engines i found include the exhaust, bellows, and manifolds look good. o and of course they need to run good.

what should I look for in a used boat for around 3,000 that I can fish with. I want to be able to get out to the bay. I know that anything I get will be a project. I am just looking for a good starting point or something that would not take too much money to repair.

You think I should stay away from the Mercruiser straight 6 with a possible cracked block?

what other issues should i stay away from? all of the boats in my price range have something wrong with them. i just need to find out what problem could be easily solved and what problems will break the bank.

Thanks again. your advice has saved me alot."
 
"Kevin, you may be able to wor

"Kevin, you may be able to work the exhaust down tubes in with the deal.... certainly worth a shot.
They show up on e-Bay often, and don't bring much money (supply/demand thing).
I've got them if you need two of them.

You will likely also need to change to the larger chrome water tubes that comes through and are mounted in the transom shields. (you'd have to confirm, but I believe that your existing may be a smaller diameter)
I've got those also, but again, you may be able to work those into your deal.

Your AQ 125's may come complete with the exhaust manifolds.... check and/or ask! They can be pressure checked and examined for # 4 port corrosion.
Hopefully these will include the wiring harnesses and water suction hoses, etc.


I agree.... steer clear of the V/P 6 cylinder engines in this series.
I too would steer clear of any of the older M/C drives. Volvo is far superior, IMO.
Much easier to work on as well."
 
"I have contacted the person s

"I have contacted the person selling the AQ125. he is selling the complete package right down to the prop. he told me everything is included and should be a drop in. I am still on the look out for a second engine.

Two more questions for you guys if you don't mind. I know I have been a pain with this.

If i get one engine replaced, can I run the boat on just the one engine for a little bit? just close to the marina in the bay?

Can i have one AQ130 and one AQ125 in at the same time? or would they have to be the same type of engine?

Can i have a 250 outdrive and a 270 outdrive running at the same time? or would they also need to be the same type?

ok a third question, which is the better outdrive? the 250 or the 270? I have 2 250's installed now, but the package deal for the AQ125 will come with a 270.

Thanks again for all of your help.
I would not be able to do this without you."
 
"Kevin:

1) You can run

"Kevin:

1) You can run the boat on one engine, but at a reduced speed. She won't plane.

2) Yes, you can have an AQ130 and an AQ125 at the same time (of course, one port and one starboard
biggrin.gif
)

3) Yes, you can run a 250 and a 270. Just remember the starboard drive should have a right hand prop and the port side a left hand prop.

4) The 270 is a step-up from the 250, and they look virtually identical. Both are good drives.

(and that's 4 questions, not 3)
wink.gif
"
 
"Well, of course the two engin

"Well, of course the two engines installed at the same time would be best.
You could run the two different engines if you were to keep the rpm the same..... keeping rpm the same does not necessarily rely on an exact horse power match.
The lessor horse power engine is going to determine the highest rpm to be achieved by both.
Example: Many twin engine V-8 powered boats have undergone a 5.0L replacement with a 5.7 engine one side only........ no issues as long as the rpm is kept same.
Would I do this in your scenario? NO! I'd replace both at the same time if I were you.

You may want to run this by El Pescador, but does the AQ 130 flywheel cover offer the counter bore for the rubber cushion that you will find on the AQ 125 exhaust down tube????
This is an anti-torque snubber for the cantilever hung engines.

Like said earlier.... the 250 are absolutely fine for these engines. This leaves you with two 270 drives that will be much easier to sell. IMO.
If you do leave the 250's, be sure to replace the drive shaft bellows.... actually, in either scenario this is advised.

DO NOT OVER-LOOK the Primary Drive Shaft bearings in the flywheel covers. With the engines out of the way, this is an inexpensive and easy task to do.

Yes, you could run a 250 next to a 270, but confirm that the over-all gear ratio is the same. Again, IMO.
I can't fully tell you of how many people (over the life ownership of a boat) will inadvertantly change drives without any consideration for over-all gear ratio. Be sure to verfiy this!!!!"
 
"ha. so it was 4 questions. so

"ha. so it was 4 questions. sorry.

Thanks for the clarification.

It looks as though I might be able to pull this off after all. I think I will take a chance and try to get this boat up and running.

I might be sorry I did, but hopefully not."
 
"Good luck with your project,

"Good luck with your project, Kevin.

Ricardo, it seems that the bellhousing for the AQ130 has the rubber cushion to run the engine cantilevered.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/CONNECTING_COMPONENTS_AQ_DRIVE_UNIT_250/dm/cart_i d.033702254--session_id.513979615--store_id.366--view_id.317516

However, I always though this is a very poor design that could potentially sink a boat with a rotted (or otherwise weakened) transom. I have recommended in the past that people using the cantilevered installations should consider installing front mounts."
 
"El, thanks for the info.

"El, thanks for the info.

Two things:
This snubber (that I am calling it) is for engine torque, not necessarily engine support. The "Flywheel Cover" and it's connection to the transom shield is your engine mount on these.
The transom would need to be considerably rotten in order for the cantilever type support to fail.
It's actually not a bad method considering how short and light weight these are.
Granted, front mounts would be a plus.

Kevin... Kudos to you. There are many of us who have taken on these projects.
My current boat is an older SDN F/B 2850 boat.
New (as of '04) twin Volvo Penta DP drives, engines, etc. Money that I'll never get back out of her except for our own enjoyment!
We have to remember: Boats are never investments..... and are always expenses!
Ya love boating, or ya don't do it! LOL"
 
"Ricardo, have you seen the &#

"Ricardo, have you seen the "snubber" (as you call it) installed on engines other than the ones intended to be cantilevered? I haven't, and the only difference is that all other engines have front mounts that will absorb any side engine torque.

Don't know about you, I never liked that design as it is a potential problem that could end in lost property, injury or worse. Somehow, I don't think that the "failure mode and effect analysis" was amongst VP's tools at the time they designed those things."
 
"Actually, El.... No! I was h

"Actually, El.... No! I was hoping that maybe you knew.
I'll have to pay more attention from now on.
I'm very near a marine salvlage yard. I frenquent this place, and I know his Volvo Penta enventory very well. I've been able to see quite a few of the cantilevered installations.
I can honestly say, I've never seen one that has broken a loose from a soft or bad transom.
I've sure seem them flex a soft transom before.

Now, I just had a twin AQ 125 boat here for repair, and they were not cantilevered. "
 
"A question out of left field.

"A question out of left field. As someone who has bought and restored (eventually) several "classic" boats :) there is one thing I think you should be looking at (at least I would) before all this talk of engine swapping.
Is the hull worth it? All you've told us is 24 ft cuddy cabin.... now 24ft twin I/O cuddys are a fairly rare boat, some from top tier designer/manufactures...the three I know of are top tier, however?????
I've found that while you can pour a lot of $$$ into a boat, what is more annoying (to me anyway) is wasting time. Sooooo. Exactly which 24 ft twin I/O cuddy do you have?

And while we are coming out of left field, why do you think the existing engines/drive need replaced? ( I once had the mechanic who was supposed to be the "best in the county" tell me I needed $880 in repairs to my 250 drive. I fixed it in a half hour for $0.35.)"
 
"sorry it has been so long, i

"sorry it has been so long, i havent had the chance to get back here.

The boat is a 1969 fibra. the hull is in great condition. but its just the hull.

It is pretty safe to say that these original engines need to be replaced. one might be saved, but the other has no chance. i can tell just by looking at it.

I have found a AQ131 and a AQ145, both with 270 outdrives. complete engines which i can hear run. all for 1600. I think this might be the way to go.

I know the boat is old, but it is a great fishing setup, and i dont have anymore money to get
something better. the hull and trailer were piratically free. so i figure, for about 2000 or so i can get into the water with it..

Here is a dumb question. after I replace the engines and the outdrives, i will connect the gas tank, batteries, ignition, steering, throttle,
What else am i going to need? i know you may think i'm stupid, but what else am i going to need here? this is just a hull i am starting with. i guess i will need a bilge pump? blower?(what is a blower?)......anything else? how much do you think a marine mechanic will charge to set this up if i give him the parts?"
 
"Kevin ,Too bad you are not in

"Kevin ,Too bad you are not in Texas , I could sell you a good 125 motor complete and good 270 outdrive with a good prop on it . both for $500."
 
"Kevin, where are you located.

"Kevin, where are you located. If you decide to pull the 130's let us know, there are plenty of people on this board that would love to get parts engines."
 
"Find out what the going hourl

"Find out what the going hourly rate is where you are. How "handy" are you? I know many folks who barely knew which end of a screwdrive to use who (eventually) became quite skilled. Sounds to me like you aren't just doing an engine swap, but a whole boat restoration... been there, done that... and am doing it again (almost, just a partial and also to a 1969 boat)"
 
"I am located in Southern NJ.

"I am located in Southern NJ. I have 2 250 outdrives i will be getting rid of. they look good but i really have no idea.

Rob,

I'm kinda handy. I can defiantly learn. on a scale of 1 to 10 how hard would this be if the engines and outdrives come complete?"
 
"Its not that any one thing is

"Its not that any one thing is "hard"... most stuff is a 3 to 6 on that scale...Its just that there are a LOT of "little" jobs involved...especially if you are actually involved in a major boat resotration...which you are, if it's "just a hull".

Exactly where in South Jersey are you?"
 
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