Old Volvo MD17?

[GTom]

I am planning to buy an old boat equipped with a Volvo MD17 from the late '70s. Are there any specifics to watch for with this model, that I don't end up with a very pricey engine replacement in 2 years?

[GTom]

If it comes to replacement, are there any suggestions which engine to choose? It's a 5 ton classic fiberglass 31'-er, probably 30HP would be sufficient, maybe even 25HP?

[Pete7]

MD 17 is going to be long in the tooth. If you get a few years out of it then great, but plan on replacing at some point. Beta engines seem to be very popular and probably what we will fit when our VP2003 dies. However, it's going to be the thick end of £7000.

If that is too much then how about one of these:

http://www.marineenterprisesltd.co.uk/

[GTom]

Thanks Pete, it seems that the horrific 7k+£ costs (I guess installation would "top up the missing part" to 10k...) can be halved by picking a lightly used model if it comes to replacement. I'd also stay below 30HP, since the displacement it should serve is around 6 tons.

[El Pinguino]

Possibly one of the best small marine diesels ever designed....

In your case it will all depend on how it has been looked after... and if it is raw or fresh water cooled.

Mine ( seen in the pic in 2012 .. a 17D ) is over 30 year old.... works good...

Some bits are mission critical... esp the FW circ pump... seen on the left ... don't leave town without ( a spare ) one...

A good honest engine...

[GTom]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

Possibly one of the best small marine diesels ever designed....

In your case it will all depend on how it has been looked after... and if it is raw or fresh water cooled.

Mine ( seen in the pic in 2012 .. a 17D ) is over 30 year old.... works good...

Some bits are mission critical... esp the FW circ pump... seen on the left ... don't leave town without ( a spare ) one...

A good honest engine...

Thanks! The ones I am looking at are fresh water cooled. Actually I was wondering what kills a diesel engine beyond economic repair? Cars are running far more engine hours and we see 30+year old diesel cars around.

[El Pinguino]

Well, I toasted mine once twice... it survived that... I now have a very loud overheat alarm

They are 'wet sleeve' ... I think its called... same same big marine diesels... with cylinder liners.... so if you have really done a number on it you can just fit new liners.... etc..

What kills engines is neglect..... and under use...

Major spares you need.... rebuilt FW Circ pump, Lift pump, Starter Motor ( they are left handed) , Head and manifold gaskets,... and check the exhaust elbow....

And if going serious sailing ... a battery sensed rather than machine sensed alternator....

[Pete7]

The £7000 will be for the complete job including a new shaft if you are unlucky.

A lack of maintenance is probably the biggest cause of old diesels failing and the lack of spares finishes the job.

Pete

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

Possibly one of the best small marine diesels ever designed....

In your case it will all depend on how it has been looked after... and if it is raw or fresh water cooled.

Mine ( seen in the pic in 2012 .. a 17D ) is over 30 year old.... works good...

Some bits are mission critical... esp the FW circ pump... seen on the left ... don't leave town without ( a spare ) one...

A good honest engine...

I had an MD17C on a previous boat and completely agree. One of my favorite engines from all the boats I've owned. Wish Volvo Penta still made engines like that.

[GTom]

Originally Posted by Pete7

The £7000 will be for the complete job including a new shaft if you are unlucky.

A lack of maintenance is probably the biggest cause of old diesels failing and the lack of spares finishes the job.

That definitely doesn't sound as scary as I first thought. Popping up a Volvo pricelist, a 30HP engine (D1) alone will cost more. Anyway, I hope the replacement day will be far.

[a64pilot]

Assuming a good design, Diesels become no longer viable when you can't get spares anymore, same for gas motors actually
A wet sleeve Diesel assuming good spares availability is infinitely rebuildable, dry sleeve too if the block is replaced

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by GTom

That definitely doesn't sound as scary as I first thought. Popping up a Volvo pricelist, a 30HP engine (D1) alone will cost more. Anyway, I hope the replacement day will be far.

My opinion, the new Volvo engines are not like the good old days. Some models have had significant problems and parts are outrageously expensive.

If I repowered today I would go Beta hands down. They use the very reliable Kubota tractor engine as the basis for line. They are also very well laid out for maintenance and customer service (at least from Beta USA) is great.