recondition or replace volvo 20003

[john m]

does anyone know how much it cost to buy a recon volvo 2003 or have vmy own done would i be better to buy new how much and what would you replace it with
thanks in advance

 

[john m]

sorry ment 2003

 

[philip_stevens]

RK Marine have new, used, reconditioned VP engines and spares.

 

[Topcat47]

When I priced up the parts to recon my old volvo, it proved cheaper to buy a new Yanmar. Both were (are as the Yanmar's still running) raw water cooled (it does make a difference). If I had a FW cooled Volvo needing done, I'd replace it with a Beta equivalent. Hope this helps.

 

[cagey]

Depends on condition of your unit. I sold FW 2003 and replaced with Beta 28 and regret change. I miss solid heavy engineering of volvo, Beta seems flimsy by comparison. I know the anti feeling towards VP and agree parts can be expensive, but follow service and start procedure and VP are reliable motors.

 

[Grajan]

There is a conpany Called Coastal Rides who advertise Recon or new units at favourable prices

 

[Stoshak]

I would have no hesitation in replacing with a Beta. Base engine has a tremendous track record day in day out on building sites etc. Marinisation by Beta is first class with very friendly service and advice.
I have fitted two, 13 and 22 hp and had no problems.
In any case, it makes sense to fit a fresh water cooled engine - raw water cooled are at best a compromise.
I have no connection with Beta, just a satisfied customer.
Go to SIBS and twist their arm!

 

[chrishelen]

Hi why do you think the volvo needs to be recond?Does it smoke a bit on tickover?

 

[wotayottie]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi why do you think the volvo needs to be recond?Does it smoke a bit on tickover?

[/ QUOTE ]

They all do that, guv!

 

[stevebirch2002]

Would always say install a new Beta, great engines and fantastic AfterSales Service. The Albin Vegas have now had over 120 fitted to replace VP MD6A and MD7A.

Not had a problem yet! PM if you want more info

 

[chrishelen]

Hi a direct injection diesel engine like the volvo will cough up a bit of unburnt fuel in the way of dark coloured smoke at tickover,this is entirly normal,if i had a penny,etc etc for every diesel i have seen about to be written off for a bit of smoke at tickover,i`d get a round in.This guv was what i was trying to establish.

 

[Paulka]

I had a raw water cooled MD11 VP which gave me good service for 20+ years (and over 2'500 hours). In 2001, it began to get hot and hotter. I found out that the tiny water conduits around the cylinders were completely blocked by some sort of deposit.
No problem I thought, and reconditionned it replacing in the process various vital parts (liners, pistons, bearings, etc.) Price all included : € 3'500.--
In 2006, it started to get hot again. I then decided to replace it and instaled a BETA BD 1005 with the same "official" power at a price of € 6'000.-- again, all included, even the new prop..
One regret so far : why did I take the trouble (and cost for that matter) to recondition the "too" old VP?

 

[wotayottie]

The 2000 series was recently described to me by Volvo technical as the last of the true marine diesel engines. Rough and tough. So I've no doubt you could repair and re-condition for a long time.

The question is really an economic one. The block and crank are probably the least of your worries - its the ancilliaries like alternator, injector pump, lift pump, manifolds, the gearbox etc which are all wearing or corroding out. So you can expect to replace much of the installation on a bit by bit basis over a period of time, but at spares price levels rather than the much lower new engine price level.

Depends on how mechanical you are and how much time you are willing to spend chasing second hand spares. If you are non mechanical / short of time and always use "the yard" then the best course of action is a new engine. Assuming of course that you have got to the point where this sort of decision needs to be made.

Me ? I'm retired, poor and mechanically minded so I've happily part re-built my 2003 and expect to have to do so again fairly shortly.

 

[chrishelen]

Hi,the volvo engineer is spot on,these engines are robustly built,they are dedicated marine engines unlike beta and the like which are marinised dumper truck power units i belive,i recently fitted a beta 18 hp(i think) to a centaur replacing the md 2,which had given 30 odd years good service,the md 2 had to be craned out,the beta could be manhandled by two people,i wonder what this engine will be doing in 30 odd years.BTW,i have just installed a20 year old 2001 into an eventide and it runs like a sewing machine,these are great engines.

 

[Amari]

We replaced our 28 hp 3 cylinder 2003 with a VP 4 cylinder MD40 last year. Wauquiez 7 ton sloop. The 2003 had done 4,500 hours and was getting tired ( but no smoke) and was not helped by a top end overhaul @ £800. The engineer suggested proceed to bottom end overhall! I'm so glad I cut my losses. New engine, bigger prop. Less vibration and punches thro' the waves. Downside = cost. About £7k (with Volo folding prop). I fear Turkey more expensive than UK for most imported stuff. Glad I did it tho'- SHMBO not keen on hours at sea struggling to reach port against strong headwind

 

[nigelhudson]

A D-I-Y top-end overhaul on our VP2002 cost less than £200 this winter. The major costs were the overhaul kit (gaskets etc) from Keyparts and the machining on the head - both about £70. VP2003 costs would be about 25% more.

The results have been good but not startling - the starting is better and the pick-up is much better, especially when you need reverse thrust to stop the boat when berthing. The engine still smokes but, as the injectors have been checked, we put this down to the age of the pumps. If, by spending £200, we have extended the useful life of the engine by more than two seasons we reckon that it is money well-spent.