Appleyard
Well-Known Member
I have noticed a few peeps mentioning that this engine had a poor reputation. Is this the case? and if so what are the problems to watch out for? Apart from the dreaded spline wear.
Volvo 2003 engines
- Thread starter Appleyard
- Start date
INKABOAT
Member
Apart from the spline wear, ithese engines have a reputation for poor cold starting. It is not immediately obvious how to start these, (especially if you bought the boat second hand without an engine manual) and curiously enough, you have to pull out the STOP handle in order to set up the cold start rack! I was on holiday in Barbados and found myself on a day trip catamaran fitted with these engines, and the owner had great trouble achievinga cold start: I enlightened him and I was immediately elevated to honorary Chief Engineer!
JamesS
Well-Known Member
I had a 2003 for 10 years, great starter even after leaving it for weeks on end over the winter. It's is worth spending to have the spline modification done.
Cheers.
Cheers.
johnwest
Well-Known Member
The cold start procedure for the 2003 is to set the throttle at just above half, pull out the stop lever to its full extent, push it in again, turn ignition key and engine will burst into life. Seldom more than 2/3 seconds on the starter even in the depths of winter.
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johnwest
Well-Known Member
Should have added check the condition of the spline on the gearbox. I understand that most that have been checked have been worn. Phil at Watercraft in Falmouth supplies a conversion at a very reasonable price and in a short timescale. Tel no 01326 376084.
j
j
Appleyard
Well-Known Member
OK..so apart from starting probs(easily sorted) and the spline wear issue ..whichis not really an engine problem but a gearbox weakness although I did actually mention itin my original question,what gives this engine its poor reputation???
INKABOAT
Member
What poor reputation? Had one for years: once I discovered how to start it (see earlier post) I never had a problem!
Appleyard
Well-Known Member
This is the thing I am trying to find out John...I have noticed the occational reference to these engines being not as good/reliable/quality as they might,so I was trying to find out what the problems were,if indeed there are any. I have one which(touch wood) seems perfect,starts first time and runs like the proverbial sewing machine,but was hoping to hear about any potential problems..and so hopefully avoid them .
INKABOAT
Member
James. These are pretty good engines: may I suggest that you don't look for trouble.....If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Appleyard
Well-Known Member
My feelings exactly John..I was not looking for problems..just interested in other folk's experience with the engine.
michael_w
Well-Known Member
Keep your fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong with the electrics. The Volvo "wiring diagram" has had many a pro electrician scratching their heads. Not to mention the apalling bad language from the owner too.
Sold my boat that had a 2003. Criteria for the new one - no volvo engines.
Sold my boat that had a 2003. Criteria for the new one - no volvo engines.
Sailfree
Well-Known Member
Agree, 2 new boats over 6 years trouble with Volvo folding prop, Volvo gearbox, Water in Saildrive leg, seized engine after 500hrs.
3rd new boat specification started with NO VOLVO BITS AT ALL.
Sold the last one and got to know the new owner. I had everthing fixed by Volvo dealer and am 100% confident there was nothing wrong at time of sale. He continued to have problems with various bits and has now re-engined with a Yanmar Saildrive unit. His maintenance bill for the year was horrendous. I am really sad as I hoped it was just me that was unlucky.
I am sure there are some Volvos that don't give problems but (as the dealer described it) Volvo's attutude to problems is robust. In other words if everything failed at 366 days and out of warrantee - tough luck.
3rd new boat specification started with NO VOLVO BITS AT ALL.
Sold the last one and got to know the new owner. I had everthing fixed by Volvo dealer and am 100% confident there was nothing wrong at time of sale. He continued to have problems with various bits and has now re-engined with a Yanmar Saildrive unit. His maintenance bill for the year was horrendous. I am really sad as I hoped it was just me that was unlucky.
I am sure there are some Volvos that don't give problems but (as the dealer described it) Volvo's attutude to problems is robust. In other words if everything failed at 366 days and out of warrantee - tough luck.
paddywackcocker
Well-Known Member
The 2003 is a standard marine robust engine. Has a quirky starting procedure (well a bit old fashioned) but that’s all. Engines get poor reputations from people, up set with failure due to poor maintance or understanding (re start-up), Then the snow ball starts. I agree the parts are horrendous for what they are, but well made and of good material.
Now start fitting expensive bits and don’t cure a problem that’s not there, then you have bad reputation. I like em and all the rest of the little power houses that do there long hot jobs with out much complaint, they just need looking after. Not when the panel starts buzzing or the lights start flashing. Then convincing you self that cozz its stopped its OK, or well it did start to get hot but I reduced revs and it was ok, so I check it next time I go out.
Now start fitting expensive bits and don’t cure a problem that’s not there, then you have bad reputation. I like em and all the rest of the little power houses that do there long hot jobs with out much complaint, they just need looking after. Not when the panel starts buzzing or the lights start flashing. Then convincing you self that cozz its stopped its OK, or well it did start to get hot but I reduced revs and it was ok, so I check it next time I go out.
kingfisher
Well-Known Member
Bad reputation is to a large extend due to:
- expensive spare parts, so any problem is immidiately 'ouch'
- one of the most common marine engines, so statistically also the engine with the most problems. So the fact that there are more reports about volvos breaking down than Yanmars, could maybe have to do with the fact that there are more volvos than Yanmars.
BTW: I have a 2001. I use the starting procedure as described, and actually go far beyond the halfway mark, and still need 10-15 secs turnover when cold. Once run, it starts fine.
- expensive spare parts, so any problem is immidiately 'ouch'
- one of the most common marine engines, so statistically also the engine with the most problems. So the fact that there are more reports about volvos breaking down than Yanmars, could maybe have to do with the fact that there are more volvos than Yanmars.
BTW: I have a 2001. I use the starting procedure as described, and actually go far beyond the halfway mark, and still need 10-15 secs turnover when cold. Once run, it starts fine.