Impossible to find a Volvo mechanic

[Michigan_Eric]

All I ask is for a marine diesel mechanic to do some work on my Volvo Penta two-banger (model number 2002 DL/BT). Everyone either says that they are scheduled three months out (even in March) or that they "don't do Volvos". What the heck???

It's not like it needs a teardown or even a valve job. The engine starts every time and runs great. I just need some things fixed that I'm not qualified to do myself--the heat exchanger has a small leak and the tachometer doesn't work. Those and a few other minor issues that I lived with last season that I'd like to get fixed.

I'm learning as much as I can about diesels, I have Nigel Calder's Marine Diesel Engines book and I watch every Y'Tube video I can find about maintaining a Volvo (with the usual grains of salt). As a sailor I am becoming as self-reliant as I can, but there are still certain things that I'd just rather have a professional do, even at US$150 per hour.

Anyone here know a marine diesel mechanic near Holland, Michigan who "does Volvos"?

The weird thing is that the standard engine on the Tartan 31 was a Yanmar, but for some reason she has a Volvo. The boat is 33 years old this year and I don't have any maintenance history (I bought her in 2023).

[more]

Originally Posted by Michigan_Eric

All I ask is for a marine diesel mechanic to do some work on my Volvo Penta two-banger (model number 2002 DL/BT). Everyone either says that they are scheduled three months out (even in March) or that they "don't do Volvos". What the heck???

It's not like it needs a teardown or even a valve job. The engine starts every time and runs great. I just need some things fixed that I'm not qualified to do myself--the heat exchanger has a small leak and the tachometer doesn't work. Those and a few other minor issues that I lived with last season that I'd like to get fixed.

I'm learning as much as I can about diesels, I have Nigel Calder's Marine Diesel Engines book and I watch every Y'Tube video I can find about maintaining a Volvo (with the usual grains of salt). As a sailor I am becoming as self-reliant as I can, but there are still certain things that I'd just rather have a professional do, even at US$150 per hour.

Anyone here know a marine diesel mechanic near Holland, Michigan who "does Volvos"?

The weird thing is that the standard engine on the Tartan 31 was a Yanmar, but for some reason she has a Volvo. The boat is 33 years old this year and I don't have any maintenance history (I bought her in 2023).

https://www.drummondmarine.com/

Drummond Marine Inc.

Service
435 West 17th St., Holland, United States



Yacht Basin Marina

1866 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland, United States


if you need more

https://www.volvopenta.com/about-us/dealer-locator/


for heat e buy this
https://fybmarine.shop/volvo-penta-h...2-2003-engines

tachometer
buy chinese new nobody repair this in croatia is 80-200$ hour mechanic
i can imagine how much cost in usa.

mechanic dont repair heat exschange also.if this kit dont help buy new or find sombody who repair heat exschanger for industry and have toll and skill for welding

[deblen]

2002 Service manual https://www.marinedieselbasics.com/w...hop-Manual.pdf


https://ab-marineservice.com/wp-cont...SHOPMANUAL.pdf


https://www.marinepartsexpress.com/V...+EXCHANGER.pdf


http://coxeng.co.uk/wp-content/uploa...hot-water1.pdf


https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...-227962-3.html


Hope this helps. Cheers/Len

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5VWN9O86bM

[OldGreyB]

Be brave - have a go yourself, both jobs are well within DYI capability with standard tools, and you will learn more about your boat.

Others have already given you good heat exchanger information.

Below are two links to Tachometer troubleshooting:

http://https://justalittlefurther.co...ne-tachometers

https://boatgearz.com/tachometer-not-working-on-boat/

If needed, replacement tachometers are readily available via the www vendors.

Come back to the hive if you get stuck during the workscopes for more help.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by OldGreyB

Be brave - have a go yourself, both jobs are well within DYI capability with standard tools, and you will learn more about your boat.

Others have already given you good heat exchanger information.

Below are two links to Tachometer troubleshooting:

http://https://justalittlefurther.co...ne-tachometers

https://boatgearz.com/tachometer-not-working-on-boat/

If needed, replacement tachometers are readily available via the www vendors.

Come back to the hive if you get stuck during the workscopes for more help.

I think he may have a separate gear driven sender on his 2002.
It is not shown in 2000 series manuals,so I'm attcing a MD11C manual with wiring diagram that does show it.
https://www.maritimepropulsion.com/files/pdf/1001252.


The sender is located behind the oil filler cap on front of engine & has 2 gray wires.



Len

[jamhass]

Regarding the Heat Exchanger, should you "go it alone" search this forum for Volvo 2002/2003 cooling issues. Removing/replacing the HX involves hard plumbing and fiddly-little seals. So read a few of these threads before you start and all will be well.

Once you have the HX out, any good radiator shop (one where they actually repair them) can test/inspect and likely fix it just fine.

[Michigan_Eric]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice. Yes, the more I know how to do the better. I've already done an oil and filter change and a winterizing, with help, but I had a hand in it. I'll be arriving at the boatyard in about a month's time with a long list of tasks, most of them not even about the engine.