Boat Purchase Volvo Engine advice

[Chris B]

We are new to Motor boats, moving across from yachts and have looked at several boats with Volvo Engines.

TAMD 30a 105 hp and TAMD 31L 130 hp.

I am fairly happy looking at hull and general equipment but it is difficult to assess engines particularly if boat is off the water.

I will be getting a survey, but was looking for general info:

We are looking at Shaft drive installations not outdrive legs.

Are these engines basically the same unit just different capacity = different power output?

Do they have any particular weaknesses?

What checks inspections can be carried out without running engine.

I have heard that Turbos can get coked up if used a lot at low power outputs ie river cruising, can this be easily seen, and is it easy to resolve.

I have also heard that gearboxes ,may be a weak point, If so how does this show up, Noisy, overheating loss of drive, etc.

Any info / advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks Chris

 

[[2068]]

Hi,

These engines are not the same at all.

The TAMD30 is an old swirl-chamber design

http://vppneuapps.volvo.com/ww/PIE/...p=T41&d=ProductBulletins&s=1159088&lang=en-GB

The TAMD31 is very similar to the engines I have now, minus a supercharger:

http://vppneuapps.volvo.com/ww/PIE/...760047&p=T426&d=Brochure&s=3299646&lang=en-GB

 

[volvopaul]

Hi, I would go for the Tamd 31 its a better engine design, better starting and less smoke, really easy engine to get on with.

Just have sea trial and inspection, depending on where it is I can do that for , what model of boat are you looking at? Nimbus maybe?

The gearboxes can be trouble as they drive through a cone that engages with gears,these can slip or not even go into gear at all if worn.

 

[Chris B]

Thanks Guys, usefull Info.

I will get back to you Paul when we have something to inspect.

Regards

Chris