prv
Well-Known Member
The dipstick tube on our Volvo D1-30 ends alongside the rocker cover, so the dipstick is lifted out above the engine. This is annoying, because it has forced the boatbuilder to fit the engine box with a hinged top, and leave the space between it and the cockpit sole moulding as a useless void. I want to build a locker there to hold various things wanted close to the cockpit - it will be demountable for major engine works, but not for routine checks. I therefore need to rearrange the dipstick access.
This parts diagram gives the clearest view of the dipstick tube (item number 20): http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-explodedview-7746500-22-8310.aspx , and this photo shows the side of the engine: http://www.laivosandelis.lt/media/c...33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/2/a2005-1093_1.jpg
My original idea involved a long flexible dipstick running in a PVC hose attached to the top of the existing tube and emerging at a more convenient location above and to one side of the engine. But this is probably overcomplicating things - now I've realised that the dipstick tube is a separate part, I'm thinking in terms of modifying that directly (probably buying a replacement first in case I screw it up!). I could either re-bend the tube so that it faces somewhat forwards (will have to remove the existing angled->vertical bend, as the dipstick is a flat strip that will only bend one way) or cut it off short (just above the bend) so that there's room to extract the stick inside the engine bay.
I'd prefer the re-bending approach, as it will involve less grovelling over the engine while wearing non-enginey clothes (assuming a pre-departure check). It will also preserve the enlarged bit at the end of the tube which the plastic handle plugs into for a sort of seal, and require no modifications to the dipstick itself. But I assume that the tube is steel pipe and not easy to bend without special equipment (I only have a basic blowtorch and pipe-bending springs). I thought of making a whole new tube in copper, but I have no way of fitting the lug at the bottom that secures it in place (screw 22 in the diagram, just to the bottom right of the oil filter in the photo). I would also need to fasten the upper part of the tube to the engine (replacing the current strap secured with screw 21, just to the right of the fuel lift pump) - it looks like a handy point to secure to would be one of the bolts on the corners of the injector pump, but I'm not sure that disturbing those would be a good idea.
Constructive comments welcome - and if anyone can point to a ready-made dipstick relocation kit as is available for the 2GM20, then they're doubly welcome!
Cheers,
Pete
This parts diagram gives the clearest view of the dipstick tube (item number 20): http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-explodedview-7746500-22-8310.aspx , and this photo shows the side of the engine: http://www.laivosandelis.lt/media/c...33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/2/a2005-1093_1.jpg
My original idea involved a long flexible dipstick running in a PVC hose attached to the top of the existing tube and emerging at a more convenient location above and to one side of the engine. But this is probably overcomplicating things - now I've realised that the dipstick tube is a separate part, I'm thinking in terms of modifying that directly (probably buying a replacement first in case I screw it up!). I could either re-bend the tube so that it faces somewhat forwards (will have to remove the existing angled->vertical bend, as the dipstick is a flat strip that will only bend one way) or cut it off short (just above the bend) so that there's room to extract the stick inside the engine bay.
I'd prefer the re-bending approach, as it will involve less grovelling over the engine while wearing non-enginey clothes (assuming a pre-departure check). It will also preserve the enlarged bit at the end of the tube which the plastic handle plugs into for a sort of seal, and require no modifications to the dipstick itself. But I assume that the tube is steel pipe and not easy to bend without special equipment (I only have a basic blowtorch and pipe-bending springs). I thought of making a whole new tube in copper, but I have no way of fitting the lug at the bottom that secures it in place (screw 22 in the diagram, just to the bottom right of the oil filter in the photo). I would also need to fasten the upper part of the tube to the engine (replacing the current strap secured with screw 21, just to the right of the fuel lift pump) - it looks like a handy point to secure to would be one of the bolts on the corners of the injector pump, but I'm not sure that disturbing those would be a good idea.
Constructive comments welcome - and if anyone can point to a ready-made dipstick relocation kit as is available for the 2GM20, then they're doubly welcome!
Cheers,
Pete
