V/p gearbox yet again

[mldpt]

Hi A friend of mine ha just bought a 10 year old Sadler 29 it has a V/P 2002 in, I have a 2003 in my boat and I did the gearbox spline modification last winter, what he would like to know is after what engine number did Volvo modify the 2002 we have the engine number for the 2003, mine was well worn but was first new in 1987 his was launched in 1991.
REgards Mike

 

[jleaworthy]

Engines with a serial number 2300059128 or less are believed to be at risk. My engine/gearbox which I have just had modified was built in 1989 and was just within the "at risk" numbers. A 1991 engine should be OK.

 

[mldpt]

thanks for your reply, but does this engine number account for all the 2000 series, as in the 2000 and 2003.
Mike

 

[jleaworthy]

Mike,
In answer to your question I'm afraid I don't know. The engine number given came from the Westerly Owners' website. My own engine (a 2002) is serial number 2300042896 and that definitely needed DB Marine's modification. As Volvo Penta themselves gave some confusing information, again according to Westerly Owners, I guess the only way to be totally sure if you think that there is a possibility of failure is to whip the gearbox off. Provided you can slide the shaft backwards by about two and a half inches it's a straightforward job.
John

 

[mldpt]

Hi John.
Thanks for your prompt reply, I am not sure how much space there is between the gearbox and the stern gland, and as the boat is in the water the shaft cannot be removed, I will check with Bill to see what the engine number is before we to involved. as I said I did mine last year, and it worked out fine but there is loads of space on the Corsair.
Thanks for your help anyway.
Happy new year Mike. www.sailingforfun.co.uk

 

[Allanrichard]

I have just completed the modification from DB Marine on my Moody Eclipse 33 with 2003T engine. Ordered boat in Jan 1991 and delivered in July 1991 yet still needed the modification. It would appear that the builders have the engines in stock for some considerable time before fitting ! Surprising thing though was that although the engine had a 3 yr guarantee, which was extended directly from Volvo Penta for a further 2 years, and maintained throughout that period by Volvo main agent, I never received any notification from Volvo or their agents that there may be a fault in the spline.
There wasn't a great deal of wear incidentally but enough not to be able to use the Volvo upgrade using the original spline so I plumped for the DB Marine conversion. Excellent firm to deal with.