Volvo Penta Exhaust Check Valve 872438 | Sterndrive Lower Gear
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Volvo Penta Exhaust Check Valve 872438 — Sterndrive Lower Gear
Part Number: 872438 | 0872438
Brand: Volvo Penta
Product Type: Exhaust check valve / non-return valve — OEM
System: Sterndrive lower gear exhaust
Diagram Position: Reference item 6 in applicable lower gear assembly diagrams
Retained by: Attaching plate 872439, four blind rivets 977711
The Volvo Penta 872438 is a genuine OEM exhaust check valve installed in the lower gear housing of selected Volvo Penta single-prop and DuoProp sterndrives. It functions as a one-way exhaust outlet valve, allowing exhaust discharge while limiting reverse water flow through the drive exhaust passage. This is a drive-mounted component — not an engine-mounted valve.
Compatible Applications
Shown directly in lower gear parts diagrams for the following Volvo Penta sterndrive families — confirm part 872438 in your drive-specific diagram before ordering:
- DP-A
- DP-C
- DP-D
- DP-D1
- DP-E
- SP-A
- SP-C
Diagram Position & Kit Components
On applicable lower gear assemblies, 872438 is installed as diagram reference item 6 with the following companion parts:
- 872438 — Exhaust check valve (this part) — 1 required
- 872439 — Attaching plate — 1 required
- 977711 — Blind rivet — 4 required
When replacing the check valve, inspect and replace the attaching plate and rivets if corroded, deformed, or loose.
When to Replace
- Valve flap is torn, distorted, or missing
- Valve no longer closes against reverse flow
- Exhaust deposits are preventing free movement of the flap
- Retaining area is damaged or rivets have loosened
- Lower gear is being rebuilt and the original valve shows age or deterioration
- The attaching plate (872439) is corroded or deformed
Installation Notes
- Confirm part 872438 in the lower gear diagram for your exact drive model before installation
- Inspect attaching plate 872439 for corrosion or deformation — replace if needed
- Replace all four 977711 blind rivets if any are damaged or loose
- Ensure the valve moves freely after installation and seats flat without being pinched
- Inspect the exhaust outlet area for scale, corrosion, or debris before reassembly
- Follow the Volvo Penta service procedure for the exact drive model and serial number
Alternate Part Number References
- 872438 — Volvo Penta OEM part number
- 0872438 — Alternate Volvo Penta catalog format
Confirm the current part number in the drive-specific Volvo Penta parts catalog before ordering — do not assume supersession without verification.
Related Parts & Service Items
- Volvo Penta Exhaust Bellows 3850426 — SX DP-S DP-SM
- Volvo Penta Spacer Sleeve 872355 — DP-C1 / DP-E Transom Shield
Parts Desk Insights
The key detail with 872438 is its location: this is the exhaust non-return valve in the sterndrive lower gear housing, not an engine-mounted valve. It is retained by a separate attaching plate (872439) and four blind rivets (977711) — if the valve has failed due to loose rivets or a damaged plate, replace all three components together. When diagnosing exhaust backflow concerns on DP or SP drives, confirm the check valve is intact and moving freely before investigating other exhaust system components.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
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