Any thoughts on getting a Volvo Penta engine sump made in Stainless?

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GaryAH

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I currently have to replace the transom shield gasket on a VP D6 370 with DPH drive on my Windy Ghibli. (see previous thread). This means the engine has to come out which is not necessarily a bad thing other than time/cost because I can address the rust issues from the resultant leak. Looking at the sump which is fairly rusty I’ve decided to replace it. The cost from VP quite costly so I’m thinking of getting one made in stainless steel - probably cheaper I’m guessing. Does anyone have any thoughts getting the sump made in stainless
 
I think like a lot of things there’s more to design and development than meets the eye and a sump is probably one of them.
I‘m not sure I’d venture out on being the first one, especially as an oil leak means an engine out job.
For me I would be asking for recommendations for extra protection for my new sump.
 
DavidJ said:
I think like a lot of things there’s more to design and development than meets the eye and a sump is probably one of them.
I‘m not sure I’d venture out on being the first one, especially as an oil leak means an engine out job.
For me I would be asking for recommendations for extra protection for my new sump.
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Yes. Would stainless be more likely to crack vs. mild steel? That's something I'd want to think about.
 
DavidJ said:
I think like a lot of things there’s more to design and development than meets the eye and a sump is probably one of them.
I‘m not sure I’d venture out on being the first one, especially as an oil leak means an engine out job.
For me I would be asking for recommendations for extra protection for my new sump.
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I guess the other option would be to get the VP part and paint with a 2 pack epoxy for extra protection. I was just throwing the idea out there so all comments are welcome. Thanks for you reply.
 
GaryAH said:
I guess the other option would be to get the VP part and paint with a 2 pack epoxy for extra protection. I was just throwing the idea out there so all comments are welcome. Thanks for you reply.
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I think that's the way to go - and it isn't going to rust from the inside!
 
GaryAH said:
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I was going to suggest making a sump out of aluminium as cheaper and easier. Then it occured to me that the coefficient of expansion of aluminium is different to cast iron (the engine block) and it may crack - especially in the corners/welds. Stainless I think would be better. Alternatively have one fabricated in mild steel if it is cheaper than buying one and give it a proper painting.
 
kashurst said:
I was going to suggest making a sump out of aluminium as cheaper and easier. Then it occured to me that the coefficient of expansion of aluminium is different to cast iron (the engine block) and it may crack - especially in the corners/welds. Stainless I think would be better. Alternatively have one fabricated in mild steel if it is cheaper than buying one and give it a proper painting.
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Yep, certainly worth considering. The stainless steel idea came from a friend who’s an aircraft engineer so I thought I’d put it out there to see people’s opinions. I was also thinking there maybe someone who has already done this. Cheers G.
 
DavidJ said:
Ouch!!!!
Just out of interest I looked at the price of a sump for my ‘ol Pajero.......£96
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I guess that’s one of the reasons I’m exploring alternatives. I’m not trying to get it done on the cheap and VP’s prices don’t come as a surprise but because the space below the sump is so tight especially with the drip tray it’s difficult to clean so I thought a stainless sump would be less worry in the long run. Cheers G
 
DiscoVolante said:
The drip tray may as well go in the bin too - no idea why Windy fit them.
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Lol that’s what I thought too, I haven’t seen any other boats with a drip tray other than Windy’s. I guess if you have oil leaking into your bilge having a drip tray to catch it is the least of your problems. I’ll have a close look at the state of the sump when the engine’s out next week because a good clean and some 2 part epoxy may do the job. Another part of me is thinking just replace it with new and epoxy that for more long term protection while I have the opportunity when the engine is out. Also not helped by my own intolerance of anything but an absolutely spotless engine bay but that’s just me being a bit anal I guess
 
I think they used to be stainless steel. I'm not sure which generation of engine this stopped. The 1980 TAMD40s in Dragoon are both stainless I'm fairly sure.
 
dragoon said:
I think they used to be stainless steel. I'm not sure which generation of engine this stopped. The 1980 TAMD40s in Dragoon are both stainless I'm fairly sure.
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That’s interesting, makes sense in such a harsh environment. Maybe they stopped in favour of pressed steel because it’s a cheaper manufacturing processs
 
GaryAH said:
Lol that’s what I thought too, I haven’t seen any other boats with a drip tray other than Windy’s. I guess if you have oil leaking into your bilge having a drip tray to catch it is the least of your problems. I’ll have a close look at the state of the sump when the engine’s out next week because a good clean and some 2 part epoxy may do the job. Another part of me is thinking just replace it with new and epoxy that for more long term protection while I have the opportunity when the engine is out. Also not helped by my own intolerance of anything but an absolutely spotless engine bay but that’s just me being a bit anal I guess
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I think older boats say 1990s had drip trays e.g. Sealine and it has a purpose, it stops any leaking oil getting into the bilge and pumped out. You may find if you want to move to say the Thames you may well require a drip tray for the certification, just something to keep in mind. I had my sump replaced quite a few years ago, I just painted mine with hammerite paint and to this day I can't see any rust, also did the same to the aluminium drip tray.
 
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