Volvo Penta MD6B replacement with Volvo Penta 2003

[Fcousin]

Hi,
The old Volvo Penta MD6B finally died.
I am looking at replacing it with a new engine with a bit more power such as the Volvo Penta 2003.
Does anybody know if those engines can be swapped? Would the mounting blocks match? What about the shaft connection? Are the transmissions connections coming out at the same angles (do not want to have to work the engine bed).
Any information is welcome.
Thanks,
Fred

[hpeer]

I have looked at the MD7A replacement which is pretty close to the MD6 IIRC. I was looking at Beta or Nanni, not the Newer Volvo.

Basically NO. Mounts are different, Don’t know about shaft height. Left turning prop vs right means new prop. Water in and exhaust out are on opposite sides. Yuck.

Just yesterday I saw a MD7A on ebay for $3,500 advertised as in good running condition. That would make the reinstall much easier.

Here are a couple. No connection.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18449524048...oAAOSwFYZb5Md4

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26550457022...2Cchnl%3Dmkcid

[Fcousin]

Thank you so much for the valuable information.
The MD7A definitely looks extremely similar to the MD6A.
I think that the second engine might be the best option as it is advertised as complete and running. The first one requires some fixes and "professional assembly".
Again, thanks a lot,
Fred

[FPNC]

The standard mounts for an MD6A (10hp@2400) are 14.2" wide. The standard mounts of the 2003 (28hp@3200) are 16.14" wide.

So your off base in that dimension. And nearly tripling your HP. ??? Offset difference will require that you raise the engine beds. Probably about 2". You will need a new propeller and possibly a new shaft as well.

[Fcousin]

Thank you... that is what was said.
I am definitely steering away from the Volvo Penta 2003 and will be going the route of MD7A which seems to be an exact match.
Would you agree?

[Fcousin]

All,

Other question:
I am going to contact my marina to see if they can swap the engines. If not, has anyone ever used the boom as a mean to lift and drop the engine out and in the engine compartment?
Any other recommendations/ideas?
Thanks,
Fred

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Fcousin

Hi,
The old Volvo Penta MD6B finally died.
I am looking at replacing it with a new engine with a bit more power such as the Volvo Penta 2003.
Does anybody know if those engines can be swapped? Would the mounting blocks match? What about the shaft connection? Are the transmissions connections coming out at the same angles (do not want to have to work the engine bed).
Any information is welcome.
Thanks,
Fred

In my opinion the Volvo 2003 is the biggest piece of junk they ever made. I had one for 4 years until I finally sold that boat.

[MicHughV]

I did exactly that...replaced a Volvo MD7B with a Volvo 2003 engine.
The
MD7B engine...if my memory serves me correctly has a a 7 degree downward sloping transmission....other than that it is the same as the MD7A.

The 2003B model also has the 7 degree downward sloping transmission.....which is why I chose it.

No, the engine mounts are different.

What I did was make a wood mock up of the 2003 engine, so I could be sure the new engine mounts would line up correctly with the existing shaft.

You will also have to switch out the props.

Like other's here, I have developed a strong love/hate relationship with these engines.

Yes, I made some wood runners ( an extension of the engine mounts) so I could slide the engine out of the engine compartment to the companionway, then strapped a 4x4 post to the boom, and lifted the engine out with a block and tackle. Once in the cockpit, I re-positioned the engine to the end of the boom and swung it out to the dock. New engine went in the same way.

I don't think either engine is made today....I know the MD7B certainly isn't. Mine was raw water cooled. It was a pain in the arse. The 2003 has a heat exchanger.

[hpeer]

Originally Posted by Fcousin

All,

Other question:
I am going to contact my marina to see if they can swap the engines. If not, has anyone ever used the boom as a mean to lift and drop the engine out and in the engine compartment?
Any other recommendations/ideas?
Thanks,
Fred

Fred,

I had an issue with the engine mount rails. Nothing to do with the engine except they held it in place.

I was on the hard, so the yard came over with a mobil crane and picked it out. Went back in the same way.

Then, I had lost the reference measurement for the mount height. I needed to out in some shims. I put a piece of 4x4 a ross the companionway and picked her up a few inches and inserted the shims. Then let her back down.

I have/had a spare engine in my basement. But we recently sold the house so the engine had to come out. I used a Harbor Freight 1 ton mobile crane, some ingenuity and lots of cussing. Stuck it in a U Haul trailer and transferred it to our storage trailer where it now sits.



This “spare” will he rebuilt if the time ever comes to replace the engine in my small boat.