[kickstartit]

Capt. George,

I had read about your talc powder suggestion in one of your earlier post in another thread. Sounds like a good idea and maybe the next thing I try.
Most of the leaking complaints I have read on the IPS drives seems to stem from water intrusion directly into the pods themselves. This was apparently addressed by Volvo by replacing the Nibril steering ring with stainless in 2010. My engine has this new setup along with the newer designed o-rings. I don't see any moisture around the IPS drives and both the drives and engines are sealed off from the bilge area. The engine mounts do not allow for water pass through into the bilge until you get about six inches of water and it spills over, but there is no water in those areas.
I have also read about an issue with the water strainers leaking on older Volvo systems, but mine has the newer locking ring tops. This was a fresh water boat, so before it was shipped south I had the dealer install the Aux. Bronze Sea Water strainers to the raw water intake system. This is a preventive measure to prevent a leakage problem found in some IPS units used in salt water.
I have to go out of town this week, but I think when I get back I'll give your talc powder a test run.

Thank you,

Steve