V-Drive/Direct Drive Service & Repair
What is a V-Drive/Direct Drive Boat?
A V-drive boat that is powered by a rear-mounted engine, propeller, two drive shafts, and a gearbox. In a “V-drive” boat, the engine faces aft with a transmission connected to the rear of the engine. The first drive shaft connects the rear of the transmission to a gearbox mounted in the center of the boat. The second drive shaft extends from the gearbox to the rear and out the bottom of the boat to where a propeller is mounted. Left: An early style V-drive boat.
Complete V-drive/Direct Drive Service Includes (Casale and Walters):
- Connect boat to flushing system
- Check power steering fluid level if applicable
- Check transmission fluid level if applicable
- Check engine oil level
- Check all belts and hoses for wear and alignment
- Start engine and check all systems for operation
- Check all gauges for proper operation
- Perform ECU scan if applicable
- Check for trouble codes
- Check shifter remote control for proper function
- Inspect battery connections and charge if necessary
- Check electrical switches and boat lighting for proper operation
- Remove and replace engine oil
- Remove and replace engine oil filter
- Remove and replace spark plugs
- Remove and replace distributor cap and distributor rotor if applicable
- Remove and replace water separating fuel filter(s) and all other fuel filters if applicable
- Remove, replace and reinstall sea pump impeller
- Inspect and clean out sea strainers if applicable or necessary
- Check fuel system for leaks
- Check exhaust manifolds for leaks
- Remove, clean flame arrestor/air filter and reinstall
- Inspect overall rigging for safety
- Inspect propeller, strut, prop shaft and strut bushing
- Check propeller torque
- Check trans level and v drive gear lube
- Check driveline u-joints for wear and grease if applicable
- Check prop shaft seal and grease if applicable
- Check rudder stuffing box and grease if applicable
- Inspect driveshaft and coupler splines for wear
- Grease all zerk fittings and shafts on driveline system
- Check all trim cylinders for leaks
- Check all fluid levels
- Check engine mounts for tightness
- Check driveline bolts and nuts for security
- Check trim tabs/cavitation plates for security and proper operation
- Start engine and check for leaks
- Check shift operation
- Check all systems for proper operation
- Check carb/throttle body and adjust if necessary or applicable
- Clear ECU codes if applicable and verify no codes return
- Degrease bilge area if necessary
- Check engine oil level and top off as necessary
- Reinstall all seats, bases, actuators and hatch if necessary
- Turn off battery switch if applicable
- Prepare boat for customer retrieval
- Recover boat if necessary
Basic Service
- Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
- Install new engine oil filter and engine oil
- Drain and refill gearcase
- Remove, replace and reinstall water pump impeller
- Start engine and check for leaks
- Degrease bilge area if necessary
Engine Oil Only
- Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
- Install new engine oil and new engine oil filter
- Check fluid levels
- Start engine and check for leaks
- Check engine oil level and top off as necessary
Gearcase Only Service
- Inspect propeller, strut, prop shaft and strut bushing
- Drain and refill gearcase
- Grease all zerk fittings and shafts on driveline system
- Check shift control for proper function
- Start engine and check for leaks
- Check systems for proper operation
Please note each boat is unique. Depending your boat’s make, model, application, and/or style, each service will vary one boat to the next. For more information, please contact shop management with questions directly surrounding your particular application.
