Volvo Penta SX-M outdrive cone clutch replacement, lapping, Part 1

Documenting my fix for my 2004 Volvo Penta SX-M shifting issue. Bought a newer boat and I got a lemon. Clutch would not engage when shifting into forward. I had difficulty finding a shop to work on Volvo's in my area, and rebuilt drives are expensive, so i decided to tackle this. I made this video to help anyone else considering this job. It seems this is a common problem with the Volvo cone clutches. Disclaimer: I am no expert, just a hack trying to save a buck and get back on the lake!

[@SuperBrookstone]

Unreal....hearing your opening statement could have been me! I have a similar Volvo Penta drive that not only has the identical shift issues but my experience with three different boat ‘mechanics’ mirrors yours.. A friend of mine who does transmissions and engine work has ordered some Volvo penta tools and is on it! .. We pulled it off yesterday.. Thanks for posting this.. much appreciated!

[@mikecorleone6797]

My volvo 280 outdrive goes into gear fine but starts slipping around 1200rpm in forward and reverse.. swapped out the top of the drive and same thing 🙄 very frustrating since the boat is slipped and not on a trailer

[@devonlane8670]

Great videos! I'm having the same issues with shifting into forward. Thinking I might have the same issues. Where did you buy your repair manual at?

[@nobama5555]

Thanks. I bought the seloc paper manual off amazon. I forget how I obtained the electronic volvo manual. It was either a free download or I bought it, just don't remember. The repair has worked great all last summer. I did find some water in the oil when I winterized, most likely one of the seals in the lower unit that I will need to track down, but the shifting is still great

[@KGB351]

Was your boat able to rev up in neutral, but when it’s in gear it sounds bogged down?

[@nobama5555]

No in my case once the clutch grabbed it had plenty of power. Sounds more like an engine issue.