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Volvo Penta IPS 600 Pod

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by CaptAwesome!, Mar 24, 2024.

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  1. CaptAwesome!

    CaptAwesome! New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2024
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    Location:
    New York
    I have 14 year old Volvo Penta IPS 600’s on my Regal 52-60. I’m looking for opinions on what I would be the better option. I have water getting into the oil in lower Pod unit when under way. Marina has pressure tested and no signs of leakage then.
    They gave me three options. Replace the steering seal which they say should fix it but not guaranteed.
    Second option drops the pods and disassemble to see if any internal seals are compromised and replace. Which is double the price of just the steering seals.
    And the third option is to replace both pods with Volvo certified refurbished pods which come with a 2 year warranty. Which is almost double the price of option 2.
    My pods are currently 14 years old. So that’s why they suggested option 3. Any info or opinions are appreciated. Thanks.
  2. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    How many hours on the gear?
    What was the cruising grounds for 14 years, fresh or salt water?
    How many hours per month or year are you putting on the gear?
    How long are you planning on keeping the Regal?

    You really have no choice, can't sell such a boat in good due diligence. Shouldn't use such gear with any success.

    What does Volvo recommend with water in the oil? I am afraid they will say #2 or #3.
  3. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    First and most;
    Is your marina A REAL VOLVO SHOP?
    Or just a jobber that sells and services Volvo?
    There is a real difference in these two identities.

    Next;
    14 year old boat? Keeper or selling soon (year or two)?
  4. CaptAwesome!

    CaptAwesome! New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2024
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    Location:
    New York
    Hi. Thanks for replying.

    Boat had 250hrs when I bought it 4 years ago. I’m averaging max 100hrs a season May-Oct in salt water. Local cruising. They have around 600 hrs on them now. My marina is a real Volvo trailer and mechanic of Volvo. They’ve maintained the boat for me and the previous owner and have been more than fair with everything.
    We love the boat and plan on keeping her as long as she’ll run. Haha.
    I’m between option 1 and 3. I feel I don’t have a ton of hours on them so option 1 seems viable (if it is the problem). But 14 years for anything marine is a decent amount of time of just wear. So if I’m doing option 2 I might as well spend the extra and go newish. lol. Thoughts?
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    WOW!!
    A real IPS owner and fan.
    Rare boater species.

    I luv OPM;
    Option 3.
    Scheduled and minimum down time.
    Latest and greatest components.

    Remember; 14 years ago, Volvo was still on a learning curve with these things.
    Also competing with Mercury (penny pinching).
  6. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    I would likely go refurbished pods if they are gen 3 with coolers and the rest of the upgrades from your generation.
    Capt Ralph likes this.
  7. CaptAwesome!

    CaptAwesome! New Member

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    That’s what I’ve been leaning towards. Thank you for your suggestions.
  8. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    You like the boat, you want to enjoy it for years to come, get 'er done.
    Capt Ralph likes this.
  9. Capt Cole

    Capt Cole Member

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    Jan 24, 2017
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    Location:
    Pittsburg CA
    Another vote for Option 3. As CR pointed out, VP has made several improvements over the years with their Pods I've operated several boats with them and can say without a doubt, rule #1 is follow service guidelines religiously.