Volvo engines

[HiDHo]

49 years working with Diesel engines. Parts prices and parts availability have nothing to do with their relative cost. Availability is the product of an algorithm of worldwide consumption, as well as the parts price. Parts availability is a function of inventory management. Also the scarcer the part the more the markup relative to carrying cost, I.e. time on the shelf. IMO that Volvo Parts seem hard to get and pricey is an indicator that they are not in demand and thus the engines themselves are highly reliable.

I agree, very reliable engines on two boats we owned over a 31 years of operation. Routine maintenance, filters from Napa, impellers, etc on line. As with anything mechanical maintenance and prudent operation makes a difference.

 

[alvasurg]

VOLVO bashing

This BS again! I have had 3 diesel boats in the last 20 years. Two of them Cummins and one Volvo Penta. The first (Cummins 330's), blew a head gasket at 400 hours on a 5 year old boat. The second (Cummins 8.3CTA's )did also at 900 hours. So far, 3 years with TAMD 75's and no issues. I agree that the electronics can be a PITA but, so far, I cant complain that they are excessively laborious to maintain.


Does that mean Cummins are bad engines? Not at all,but dont bash something because of heresay!. If you notice, almost all new boats with IPS drives are Volvos.

 

[Bryant]

Volvo

Hi,
I seem to remember reading a number of comments to the effect that a Volvo diesel engine would be a deal-breaker if they were looking to buy a boat.

I'm curious why this might be. What is wrong with Volvo Penta diesels, are there certain models to watch out for, or is it just the old Ford-vs-Chevy loyalist type argument?

Thanks.

Do yourself a favor. Buy a boat with a well maintained Ford Lehman.

 

[Lepke]

If the Volvo diesel is used in farm equipment or large trucks, overhaul parts are easier to find. Companies that specialize in rebuilding diesel engines for all industries usually have aftermarket sources for rebuild parts. The real issue is accessories for marine cooling. Some companies make aftermarket exhaust manifolds, etc. Ebay can be a good source for used parts.

 

[NomadBill]

We have two 1985 Volvo TAMD 40Bs (turbocharged, aftercooled marine diesels, 4.0 liters, model B). 6800 hours and no major problems. They start easily, don't smoke and burn 3.2 gph total at cruise speed. Things you replace, like impellers, hoses, glow plugs, filters, belts, etc. are all generic and not expensive. We've never had a problem getting parts.

Totally agree! Ditto, same Volvo TAMD40B's 1985 and going strong with 3400hrs, superb engines. Routine maintenance and they will hold up beautifully. Transmissions however have been replaced by ZF/Hurth.

 

[ancora]

Volvo product support for older engines is non-existent. There is not one dedicated Volvo dealer in North America. Right now I am waiting for delivery of two seawater rebuild kits.I only needed the cams, but I had to purchase the whole kit, with a lot of parts I already have. After 21 years with these engines I am not surprised. I would never purchase another boat with Volvo engines.

 

[Prospective]

I have owned a boat with 2 volvo engines for the past 7 years. Would I do it again... maybe?

I have had pretty good luck with parts. I have a good dealer near me and they've been good about tracking down what I need. I have never waited long for a part and never waited at all for service items like filters. I do know that there are issues with certain parts like some sensors and electronic components that can be difficult to come by or are out of production. I haven't run into it yet but have certainly read about. As to price, the stuff IS expensive. I just bought a new radiator cap for $100. I don't know what it would have been for a comparable Cummins or Cat but it was expensive. But other engines like MAN also have reputations for being expensive.

Tech's are another issue. Most diesel mechanics will work on any motor as long as it's not a warranty issue. And I have had a couple of different mechanics swap out parts from exhaust elbows to hoses and and oil cooler, all with little issue.

But when it comes to very Volvo specific stuff involving the computer systems, EDC or "Electronic Diesel Control" then things get tougher. General techs don't have the vodia software to diagnose and trace faults. And they are not aware of many of the technical service bulletins that are out there. So now you want a Volvo certified tech and they can be tough to find. Last year when I thought I might have a major head gasket issue, the service department at my parts supplier told me it could be a year or more before they get to me. There are only a handful of Volvo shops within a reasonable driving distance from me on Narragansett Bay and they are all super busy. So I do worry that when I need a Volvo specialist I could be in real trouble.

But... my engines are 21 years old and have nearly 3000 hours on them and run well. They have not been issue free but most everything I've dealt with has been pretty simple to fix (knock on wood).

So... would I do it again... I said maybe because I would "prefer" an engine with a wider tech base. Maybe CAT, Cummins, or Yanmar. But all boats are a compromise and I wouldn't let Volvo engines keep me from buying a boat that was otherwise perfect. Ruling out a good boat just for that seems short sighted....

 

[twistedtree]

There is an outfit is Seattle that’s a Volvo dealer and my boat was in the same yard for a couple of months. The number of boats getting new IPS drives was staggering. Great business for a servicing dealer, but a reminder to never buy one of those. Now this is more about IPS drives than their engines.....

 

[Comodave]

The cost to do routine service on the IPS drives is pretty high. But if you don’t then you will be replacing the drives at a much greater cost.

 

[firehoser75]

There is an outfit is Seattle that’s a Volvo dealer and my boat was in the same yard for a couple of months. The number of boats getting new IPS drives was staggering. Great business for a servicing dealer, but a reminder to never buy one of those. Now this is more about IPS drives than their engines.....

Who would have thought that forward facing pods, totally exposed under the boat could be a problem in the log and debris strewn waters of Washington and BC??

 

[phillippeterson]

Who would have thought that forward facing pods, totally exposed under the boat could be a problem in the log and debris strewn waters of Washington and BC??

That wouldn't be a problem on a SeaPiper!

 

[Fletcher500]

Have had newer gen green Volvo engines, and Pod Drives - never again, on both accounts.

 

[OldDan1943]

Do yourself a favor. Buy a boat with a well maintained Ford Lehman.

Or a naturally aspirated John Deer Luggar. They may not be beautiful or fast but, they work and are reliable.
This was said by a guy who has a Cummins 5.9. Yes, parts are available for the Cummins from a local dealer at list price. They can be gotten from Amazon and other folks but, with the Cummins dealer close by. I need a part today, not 3 or 4 days from now. SMILE