Upgrade from Perkins M50 to Volvo M2-50??

[sheawines]

I am upgrading from my Perkins to a new Volvo on the advice of an ex Perkins dealer (rather than a reco). The theory was that the M50 is the same block as the MD22 and the MD22 should be upgradable to the M2-50 (2020+ version of the M2-55). I have a Hurth MIV15 gearbox (V drive) that I have tested the new M2 with. Other than needing to get a slight clearance of about 5mm by heating and knocking in the back lower corner of the sump (being done by the dealer) to clear the prop shaft that obviously runs back under the engine. Everything else looks to be the same. The engine mounts have the exact same dimensions as the Perkins by the looks on the spec sheets I have found. Both the dealer and the ex Perkins rep rekon it's doable.

Anyone done this upgrade or have suggestions, tips or potential pitfalls?

 

[Tranona]

Don't have direct experience of that particular swap. but if the footprint for the mounts are the same then that removes one of the biggest problems of engine swaps. I assume that the bell housing for the Hurth is compatible with the new D2-50 engine - which by the way has absolutely no connection with the old BLM/Perkins/Volvo MD22 other than the green paint. However you should look closely at the placement of all the connections as everything - exhaust, filters, fuel system, electrics etc are on the opposite sides of the engine plus the water pump is on the front rather than the rear. On some boats this causes serious issue for access, particularly centre cockpit boats which have main access from the port side where all the service points are.

 

[Bobc]

I'm pretty sure that the D2-50 sits on the same mounts as the MD22 and is similar dimensions, so should be a straight swap.

 

[sheawines]

Don't have direct experience of that particular swap. but if the footprint for the mounts are the same then that removes one of the biggest problems of engine swaps. I assume that the bell housing for the Hurth is compatible with the new D2-50 engine - which by the way has absolutely no connection with the old BLM/Perkins/Volvo MD22 other than the green paint. However you should look closely at the placement of all the connections as everything - exhaust, filters, fuel system, electrics etc are on the opposite sides of the engine plus the water pump is on the front rather than the rear. On some boats this causes serious issue for access, particularly centre cockpit boats which have main access from the port side where all the service points are.

I'm going to have to run the raw water intake line rearward instead of fored and the gearbox has its cooling intake at the side rather than the top where the other boxes that the engine is advertised with are.i think the rest are pretty well accsessable. I have 3 sides pretty well open and the electronics side of the engine with bastard access. The gearbox housing bolt pattern is the same and I just need a new damper plate to marry up the different sized splines on the two.

 

[Tranona]

That sounds good. how about the exhaust to marry up with your existing system?

 

[scottie]

;kids

I am upgrading from my Perkins to a new Volvo on the advice of an ex Perkins dealer (rather than a reco). The theory was that the M50 is the same block as the MD22 and the MD22 should be upgradable to the M2-50 (2020+ version of the M2-55). I have a Hurth MIV15 gearbox (V drive) that I have tested the new M2 with. Other than needing to get a slight clearance of about 5mm by heating and knocking in the back lower corner of the sump (being done by the dealer) to clear the prop shaft that obviously runs back under the engine. Everything else looks to be the same. The engine mounts have the exact same dimensions as the Perkins by the looks on the spec sheets I have found. Both the dealer and the ex Perkins rep rekon it's doable.

Anyone done this upgrade or have suggestions, tips or potential pitfalls?

are you sure of sump clearance for vibration ? Being adequate

 

[Bobc]

I swapped my MD22 (M50) out for a Beta 50. That was a pretty simple job.

 

[sheawines]

That sounds good. how about the exhaust to marry up with your existing system?

Isn't too far out by the looks. Considering a new lock and pipe to it however.

 

[sheawines]

;kids

are you sure of sump clearance for vibration ? Being adequate

I think so. You mean sideways? Vertically the propshaft is the issue. The dealer set up the v.drive on it and using a 40mm shaft it was less than 5mm of an issue and I actually use a 35mm shaft so he's making the sump adjustment for a little extra clearance. I'm wondering however if the vibration could be an issue. Not sure of the weight differences and consideration for vibration Freq and amp. Its on a Wauquiez and from all reports they were well over engineered.

 

[sheawines]

Don't have direct experience of that particular swap. but if the footprint for the mounts are the same then that removes one of the biggest problems of engine swaps. I assume that the bell housing for the Hurth is compatible with the new D2-50 engine - which by the way has absolutely no connection with the old BLM/Perkins/Volvo MD22 other than the green paint. However you should look closely at the placement of all the connections as everything - exhaust, filters, fuel system, electrics etc are on the opposite sides of the engine plus the water pump is on the front rather than the rear. On some boats this causes serious issue for access, particularly centre cockpit boats which have main access from the port side where all the service points are.

Checked it out. The Hurth and the M2-50 uses a Burg Warner bolt pattern.

 

[sheawines]

I'm pretty sure that the D2-50 sits on the same mounts as the MD22 and is similar dimensions, so should be a straight swap.

That's what I'm told.

 

[sheawines]

I swapped my MD22 (M50) out for a Beta 50. That was a pretty simple job.

Was that the same mounts?

 

[Jules W]

I am in the process of swapping a perkins 4236for a volvo d275. The issues so far are the beds need to be narrower. The prop shaft needs to be longer (the current velvet drive is a long gear box) to avoid the sump hitting the bottom of the boat, the exhaust needs to be bigger due to the new engine being turbo. Finally the wallet needs to be lighter!

 

[Tranona]

Here is the Beta data sheet betamarine.co.uk/resources/Data_Sheets/Seagoing/B50-DS/#page=2 Have you bought the Volvo yet?

 

[Bobc]

Was that the same mounts?

Rear mounts went straight in the same bolt holes. Front mounts were about 2 inches further forward, but on the same rails. Same propshaft.