I Got A Volvo 2003 Turbo Any Advice

[elutherian]

my lister gave out finally and im trapped here in a marina in cocoabeach fl got the engine dirt heap ame out of a french cruising boat that was mantained impecably but i have heard nothing but horror stories about the motor series
any help as well as advice where to find a good used motor in central fla would be appreciated

[Pete7]

If you search hard enough you could probably find horror stories about most engines. They are getting on a bit now, but if it has good compression then use it. However, you have to ask why would someone give away an engine if it worked well. Think you need to do a good compression test and run it up on a pallet before starting the installation work to be sure it's worth the effort. Also assuming it has the gearbox, take a good look at the splines from gearbox to flywheel, more info here:

http://www.yachtmarisco.com/Document...%20website.htm


It is also a bit big for a 33ft boat.

The main problem for the 2000 series is the lack of any cold start option so can be difficult to start particularly when its cold. Our 2003 needs all the house bank batteries plus the start battery and 3 good cranks of 30 seconds when its cold.

The turbo version has a reputation for being fragile too. TD engines often have lower compression compared to the normally aspirated versions. However, if you check the specs and they are the same, it might be possible to do away with the turbo. One piece of good news is volvo sold a lot of these engines worldwide so second hand spares are available.


Pete

[elutherian]

i really miss my lister but those are just as expensive to fix

[elutherian]

and yes size is an issue i just need a running inboard diesel(stern hung rudder and high angle on transom makes outboard motors difficult) to be able to move my boat 130 miles closer to school (chapmans in stuart fl)

[Cheechako]

I'm not familiar with that particular engine. But most the volvos are really built well. OTOH, why would someone sell a "good" engine?
I've never needed a cold start option including up here in the Northwest. (Perkins, Yanmar, Volvo, Universal, Kubota or Bukh.)

[Williamp]

I've only heard horror stories about this motor to the extent that it prevented me from buying a boat with one fitted. They always seem to have had rebuilds done on them, why is the engine for sale?

[COLINFLTENG]

I have 2003 T Volvo in my boat engine CS40 cruise at 6 knots no problem
Change fuel filters twice a year no problems
starting her in cold
Change oil filters Very 100 hrs

[Vasco]

The 2000 series went from about 1983 to about 1989. By far the worst thing Volvo ever made. Run away from it!
Volvo-Penta engine overlook
http://www.info-center-online.com/bo...nta2000eng.htm

[Cheechako]

Is that the one that Volvo off loaded manufacture to the Italians? ....has a rubber timing belt? I thought those went away in the 90's...? Or was that Perkins?

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Vasco

The 2000 series went from about 1983 to about 1989. By far the worst thing Volvo ever made. Run away from it!
Volvo-Penta engine overlook
Volvo-Penta 2000: Worst ship diesel engine ?

...agreed. I had a 2003, non-turbo. Starter $600...broken ejector springs (2). water leaks from the funky little copper pipes. Shakes like a _______!

[elutherian]

so now i got both ends of the spectrum and very polar veiws about this motor

[Paul L]

If you only need to go 130 miles, then tbe 2003t should be able to make it. Beyond that it is an iffy proposition. I think you got a good price on tbe engine. If I was going to put this thing in for long term use I'd look for another unit that was junked and create a single raw water cooled, non-turbo engine. This will be a much simpler and reliable engine. The engine as is is going to be a headache
FYI they do have a cold start procedure.

[redsky49]

Certainly a lot of negatives out there, but I had a pretty good experience with mine.

As with any turbo-charged engine:

don't rev it prior to bringing it up to operating temperature

allow it to idle for 60 seconds prior to shut down

don't exceed 100 hrs. between oil changes

use best quality oil

In my case, the problems I had were with dis-similar metals causing corrosion on the top of the engine. Not a deal breaker by any means, and relatively easily to correct.

I did have a fuel pump fail, but I believe that was about 1400 engine hours.

These were some of the first turbo engines for sailors and I think the bad rap is equally shared among owners, marine mechanics and the manufacturer. There seems that there was a failure by Volvo to properly train their resellers as to service requirements, and they dropped the ball in regard to technical support for the guys in the field. And yes, I think there were some design issues too. Not every good truck engine makes the conversion to marine use without issues.

I would have a good mechanic, who is familiar with these engines, to go over it carefully prior to installation.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by redsky49

I would have a good mechanic, who is familiar with these engines, to go over it carefully prior to installation.

This is the slippery slope that needs to be avoided on this engine. You don't want to turn a free engine into a $1,500 engine aftrr an indpection. Then just need to swap out a few $800 parts, then need to have the mounts machined and a new tranny coupling. Making your free 2003 cost $5000 and you'd still have a 2003.

[redsky49]

Originally Posted by Paul L

This is the slippery slope that needs to be avoided on this engine. You don't want to turn a free engine into a $1,500 engine aftrr an indpection. Then just need to swap out a few $800 parts, then need to have the mounts machined and a new tranny coupling. Making your free 2003 cost $5000 and you'd still have a 2003.

Rather than this approach, my suggestion would be for an hours worth of expert consultation, and a "go/no go" decision at the conclusion