Stern Drive (280)

[John Tschirhart]

My Volvo Penta will not get up to speed. Max rpm is 3000 should get to 4500- 5000.
When out of the water it runs fine and revs and shifts into forward and reverse no problem. Once in the water it will occasionally automatically shift /jump into gear, and will not rev past 3000rpm. If the stern drive has to much oil in it would it cause these result?

 

[RicardoMarine]

......................

My Volvo Penta will not get up to speed. Max rpm is 3000 should get to 4500- 5000.

Common causes for low WOT RPM:


Engine not in full tune.
Ignition system failing to offer the correct progressive and total advance.(see your OEM specs for this)
Incorrect propeller diameter and/or pitch
Incorrect over-all drive reduction
Dirty hull bottom

4,500 rpm would be close to your WOT RPM.
WOT RPM is a test RPM ONLY.... so do not routinely operate at this RPM for any duration!


When out of the water it runs fine and revs and shifts into forward and reverse no problem.
Most any Marine engine will run just fine out of the water..... making a test like this completely moot!

Once in the water it will occasionally automatically shift /jump into gear, and will not rev past 3000rpm. If the stern drive has to much oil in it would it cause these result?
I do not think so, however, the drive should be filled to the correct level of the flat on the dip stick.

BTW, the 280 drive requires 30W engine oil.... not heavy gear oil!!!!!
Heavy gear oil may damage the slinger pump's die cast aluminum impeller drive pins.