Volvo 2003T engine mounts - replacement

[Chris_Robb]

4 years ago I had the forward engine mounts replaced in Turkey. (Genuine Volvo bits - expensive). The Rear mounts - original 30 year old appeared ok.

I have had to raise the forward mounts twice and are nearly at their limit in height as the front had appeared to settle into the mounts significantly.

This season I had nuisance rumbles and unexplained noises (prop shaft ??) and reset the mounts getting the shaft central on the stern tube on reconnecting ( the shaft needs to be lifted slightly on connection to the gearbox).

I used a wood dowel to listen to the completed job as there were heavy rumbling from the rear mounts which could be reduced by pushing the engine away, indicating the port mounts were taking a greater load. However after further adjustment -I got it better, with even noise, but in a seaway the rumblings are still there.

I presume that the 30 year old rear mounts have become solid - thus the noise, and I am concerned by the amount of settlement in the new front mounts, now almost near their limit on upward adjustment.

Sourcing new mounts: ( I am in Greece), Volvo is outrageously expensive - I think around £500 per mount. Are there any Pattern mounts that I could buy?
The engine is in tip top condition - the 2003T is a lovely engine so long as you keep a close eye on the points suggested by PVB (thanks)

I look forward to any responses.

 

[Ammonite]

I'm afraid I don't know if the 2003T uses the same mounts as the 2003 but the following link for 2003 mounts does reference the VP part number so you can easily check assuming you have the part number.
Volvo Penta 2003 engine mount

 

[vic008]

My 2003 have unusual male V blocks attached to engine, that sit in female V that attach to the bearers. And they only sit in them, like not attached.

 

[scottie]

My 2003 have unusual male V blocks attached to engine, that sit in female V that attach to the bearers. And they only sit in them, like not attached.

What stops the engine falling off when the boat heels ?

 

[pvb]

My 2003 have unusual male V blocks attached to engine, that sit in female V that attach to the bearers. And they only sit in them, like not attached.

There's usually a bolt inserted upwards into the mount, to hold the whole thing together.

 

[pvb]

There have been various different mount designs fitted to the 2003T over the years. If you look at the "Engine Suspension" diagrams on the Marine Parts Europe website, you'll see different types - Volvo Penta parts and accessories - MarinePartsEurope.com

The original aft mounts were pressed steel, and had a habit of fracturing (part 14 in this diagram). They were replaced by a cast bracket which seems stronger (part 14A).

 

[ChromeDome]

Believe you already checked, but if interested in aftermarket mounts Google finds quite a bunch at notably lower prices

E.g. Volvo Penta 2003 engine mount

 

[pvb]

Believe you already checked, but if interested in aftermarket mounts Google finds quite a bunch at notably lower prices

E.g. Volvo Penta 2003 engine mount

If ordering from that link, note that the 2003T uses the 840845 rubber element (ie the 60 shore one) on both front and rear mounts.

 

[scottie]

There have been various different mount designs fitted to the 2003T over the years. If you look at the "Engine Suspension" diagrams on the Marine Parts Europe website, you'll see different types - Volvo Penta parts and accessories - MarinePartsEurope.com

The original aft mounts were pressed steel, and had a habit of fracturing (part 14 in this diagram). They were replaced by a cast bracket which seems stronger (part 14A).

View attachment 123320

Item 3 is essentially item 16 inverted the rubber hardness varies so I would still query what is holding the mount together if there is neither stud nor bolt item 4

 

[ChromeDome]

...note that the 2003T uses the 840845 rubber element (ie the 60 shore one) on both front and rear mounts.

Good info regardless of supplier / reseller.

 

[Chris_Robb]

There have been various different mount designs fitted to the 2003T over the years. If you look at the "Engine Suspension" diagrams on the Marine Parts Europe website, you'll see different types - Volvo Penta parts and accessories - MarinePartsEurope.com

The original aft mounts were pressed steel, and had a habit of fracturing (part 14 in this diagram). They were replaced by a cast bracket which seems stronger (part 14A).

View attachment 123320

Hi, just having a very windy time here in Lipsi, with the Meltemi having a final go at us. Escaped from a Lee shore concrete quay before it really blew up!

The diagram is perfect. But I actually have the rear mounting plate 14 not the new cast one. I will examine it closely.

I was concerned as to why the forward mounts seem to have collapsed in 4 years with only 2 years use! And cost £240 each.

I will have a go on the link sent and see what I come up with.
The aft ones are just so old that they probably have no shock absorbing capacity left!
Job for my return to Greece in March for a week's work on the Old girl.

Changing the mounts looks quite simple, using a Jack of sorts under the engine. Any one done this?

 

[pvb]

Changing the mounts looks quite simple, using a Jack of sorts under the engine. Any one done this?

It's not a major job, just need to lift the engine slightly - a big wooden lever will often do.

 

[Chris_Robb]

Thanks PVB, I have plenty of experience lining upthe shaft etc and load equalization, just never done the mounts.

Thanks for you help. All of you.

Blowing A hooly here, anchored out in Lipsi town bay, with the wind streaking. Anchor buried out of site!

 

[vic008]

Had my 'V' front ones apart 6mths ago, like lifted front of engine, and they seperate. There was a wire strop about 4" long , to prevent totally seperating?Otherwise nothing holding together. Yesterday lifted engine front to move to stbd near half inch to get the rubber better centralised.

 

[Caladh]

Chris are you sure it’s not the cutlass bearing that is rumbling ? Aassume you’ve got a shaft drive gearbox !

 

[PabloPicasso]

Believe you already checked, but if interested in aftermarket mounts Google finds quite a bunch at notably lower prices

E.g. Volvo Penta 2003 engine mount

Yes. I think I used them, or similar o. My volvo 2001. Seems to work ok

 

[Chris_Robb]

Chris are you sure it’s not the cutlass bearing that is rumbling ? Aassume you’ve got a shaft drive gearbox !

Bearings on shaft are easy to turn and no play at all. Where it enters the hull you need to make sure the the prop shaft when free of the gearbox is lifted part way up to get it into the centre of the hull aperture . Without the start turning you get the noise. Using a rod of wood you can clearly hear which mount is making the noise. This can be induced by pulling the engine gently towards you or away. When shaft is turning the York causes these rumbles heard ground the wood to your ear, so very sure it's the mounts, the rear ones. As they are 30 years old and should have been replaced by now it would seem to confirm it

 

[Caladh]

Bearings on shaft are easy to turn and no play at all. Where it enters the hull you need to make sure the the prop shaft when free of the gearbox is lifted part way up to get it into the centre of the hull aperture . Without the start turning you get the noise. Using a rod of wood you can clearly hear which mount is making the noise. This can be induced by pulling the engine gently towards you or away. When shaft is turning the York causes these rumbles heard ground the wood to your ear, so very sure it's the mounts, the rear ones. As they are 30 years old and should have been replaced by now it would seem to confirm it

I guess at that old they should be replaced. However the shaft will be easy to turn if the cutlass is sh^gged. You seem to have a handle on it if the boat is out of the water now.

 

[scottie]

Had my 'V' front ones apart 6mths ago, like lifted front of engine, and they seperate. There was a wire strop about 4" long , to prevent totally seperating?Otherwise nothing holding together. Yesterday lifted engine front to move to stbd near half inch to get the rubber better centralised.

Time for replacement?
So what holds the engine in place in event of a knockdown the prop shaft? Fuel hoses morse cables
As we say in Glasgow your coat is on a shoogly peg !