Volvo Diesel

[lisatim3640]

Looking at a 99 460 with Volvo diesels the add says “ Bullitt proof “
Any opinions on those engines?

 

[Todd320]

I’ve always heard good things about Volvo diesels. Is it a Sea Ray, I wonder if they are replacement engines? I don’t recall ever seeing Volvo diesels in a Sea Ray.

 

[my3sons]

There was a ‘99 460DA with the Volvo option on our dock until just last month when it sold so the owner could move up to a 52. He had the boat for 4 or so years and had no engine problems that I am aware of.
It used to be said that Volvo parts were a little harder to come buy and cost may have been a little more than Cat or Cummins. I’m not sure if that is still true, especially with the now popular Volvo and ips drive combos. I have a new dock neighbor with a 2003ish 46 Carver Voyager with Volvo’s but no history yet.
If you like the boat and all checks out, I wouldn’t worry about the Volvo’s.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Looking at a 99 460 with Volvo diesels the add says “ Bullitt proof “
Any opinions on those engines?

What diesel engine model? I think 99 may be too old to be a D6 series, but it might be. The other question to ask is whether the engines have an EVC management system, or not. If they do, what is the generation?

If they are D6 engines, the sub model is important. The D6 family is basically an inline 5.5 liter engine. Horsepower runs from high 200 to 700(?) and is largely the result of size of turbo and if a supercharger is also installed

Volvo diesels basically rule the trucking industry outside of the US, so these are not some fly by night.

The good news is that they are built like tanks. Now the bad, parts can be crazy expensive. Lube oil filters run about $100.00 for the pair, there's a primary and secondary. Raw water impellers about $50. Proprietary hoses can be just crazy silly. And don't ask about engine electronics ($ 2300 for a Canbuss tach). Your subject boat may not have the EVC system, so it may function on analog gauges which puts you back in more normal pricing.

Volvo has a strict policy of only allowing trained and certified techs do heavy mechanical work on the newer engines (I think its a emissions certification thing). But good service companies are hard to find. When you find a good tech/service company, hang on good ones are hard to find. Oil and filter changes, belts, impellers, etc. can be done by Volvo service techs, or your local marina.

Volvo is also strict with their customer communication channel. Any attempt to contact VP directly will be met with a polite, "speak to your dealer" response, even if all you want is part information.

If you have engine serial numbers you can try using the serial number look up feature on the VP website. If the info is there it will have specific model number, date it was commissioned and software for engines if applicable.

I realize this is unrelated, but all new Sabres are being built exclusively with Volvos, so just because they are rare on Sea Rays, they are very much in the big boat business

 

[fwebster]

Volvos were offered as an option on several Sea Rays. They were usually sold to the European market but some found their way into the US dealer network.

Volvos are good engines, just don't try to tell them they are wrong.....a lot like the Japanese car makers whose opinion is nothing we do is wrong; we know more than you, even if you are standing there with the defective part in your hands.

The biggest know on Volvo is that their dealer network can be spotty in the US....some places there are good adequate dealers; others they are MIA. Around here parts have been an issue......Volvo supports the product, but when your boat is broken down, you don't want to hear we have it ordered but it has to come from Sweden in 10-12 weeks.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Frank makes a good point. You really need to stock your own commonly used parts, filters, belts, impellers etc. I'm currently on the hose a month club plan until I get at at least one complete engine set. Last year I had all my work done in the off season and learned that a week or two is not uncommon. I doubled up all of the filters, zincs, belts and impellers.

 

[lisatim3640]

Thanks everyone for your help! Incredibly informative!

 

[Mike - UK]

My 2004 320 has Volvo Pentas. As already said, these engines are very popular in the European market. My boat came from France. Had the boat approaching 18 months salt water use, and no problems.

 

[lisatim3640]

My 2004 320 has Volvo Pentas. As already said, these engines are very popular in the European market. My boat came from France. Had the boat approaching 18 months salt water use, and no problems.

Thanks! Great info

 

[aerobat77]

from what i heared volvo penta diesel has an extreme good reputation over the entire product range and in fact its not only the preferred engine in demanding yachts like e.g pershing but also in commercial vessels like police/patrol/rescue.