Identifying Volvo diesel model

[Leighb]

We are looking at a Storebro later this week, there is a bit of a puzzle regarding the engines. It is advertised as being 1978 with TAMD40 engines. From hunting around the web I think this model engine was not produced until 1980.
Either the description is incorrect, the boat is not 1978 (unlikely?) or it has been re-engined at some time.

Is it easy to distinguish between them just by looking? Also as there are different versions of both the earlier TMD40 and the TAMD40, is there a data plate that should be easy to find that would give an accurate identification?

Hope some knowledgeable Volvo expert can advise?

My only experience of Volvo is with an MD7A

 

[scottie]

The A is for after cooler which is similar to a heat exchanger and this model is bolted onto the bottom of the heat exchanger
You can find an exploded view at marinepartseurope.com
Go to Diesel engines , MD40etcTAMD40a,schematic heat exchanger

 

[dragoon]

The A is for after cooler which is similar to a heat exchanger and this model is bolted onto the bottom of the heat exchanger
You can find an exploded view at marinepartseurope.com
Go to Diesel engines , MD40etcTAMD40a,schematic heat exchanger

We have a 1980 Storebro with TAMD40 engines. If it's a TAMD, not TMD it will have the after cooler, which is mounted under the intake manifold and mounted aft of the heat exchanger.

You will likely have model A engines which have square plate heat exchangers. The Bs have round, tubular heat exchangers. Ours are As but were upgraded to the cooling system of the B - I think when new, but I can't confirm.

They're not bad engines, and quite simple, but are aging now and suffer from the following;

- cooling system needs to be kept clear - I understand the A can be more a pain than the B, but both systems fur with salt deposits. In this case you will notice temp racing away from 2800 rpm or before. Don't run them hot for extended periods!
- corrosion of exhaust riser bends is common
- corrosion in general - look around the front to make sure the timing cover isn't corroded and leaking oil
- anodes need replacing in the cooling system - check they've been doing this regularly.
- glow plugs need to work or they don't start properly - indirect injection engines.

Check also the gearboxes - it will have MS3bs or Cs I suspect. Unsurew the dip stick and check the oil for grey sludge. Also make sure they engage smoothly at idle in both directions.

If you want tips from owning a Baltic 34 I can give you my view of their weak points - we've had ours 15 years so I know them fairly well.

Cheers Paul

 

[oldgit]

The 40A have the square heat exchangers.
The internal matrix is still available but eyewateringly expensive to replace new ,it can be repaired with some loss of the cooling area without major problem.The seams which are the weak points can be resoldered.
If leaking salt water is forced into closed cooling system.
Care is required when dismantling the aluminium case as the bolts do tend to corrode in situ.
The cast iron risers do corrode and crack but aftermarket replacements are on the market.
There were rumours of valve seats dropping out but we did 3500 hours with ours and no problems.
If only the outdrives we had were so trouble free.

 

[Leighb]

Thanks for the helpful replies, at least I know what to look for.

 

[Divemaster1]

Late 70's boats were often delivered with the dreaded MD32's (straight six's) of allegedly 130 hp ... (more like 105 or 95...ish)... very common in early 80's to re-engine with drop-in replacement 130 HP TMD 40's or the 168 HP TAMD 40's a couple of years later.. Transformed the boats that were re-engined in a big way !

 

[Leighb]

Just an update
We have now viewed the boat and the problem re engine type is solved, Why it had been mis-described is a mystery as I found the original manufacturers data plate in the wheelhouse giving serial number year of build engine type and engine serial numbers. They are shown as TMD40s 128HP and they look just as they should.
Thanks again for the helpful replies.

 

[Leighb]

Further help needed, a friend who has some knowledge of marine engines suggested that I need to check if parts were still available, such as water pumps and ther parts which might reasonably be expected to wear out. If they were no longer available it might be a reason to walk away?

Does anyone know if parts for TMD40A engines are still available?

 

[scottie]

http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-spare-parts.aspx

 

[Jim@sea]

Many people who advertise boats put things incorrectly. my last boat was advertised as having a Carbon Fibre Hull,

 

[Leighb]

http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-spare-parts.aspx

Thanks, it looks as if many parts are available, albeit at the usual Volvo eye-watering prices!!