Volvo 3.0 sea trial problems

[shetland]

I have a new Volvo 3.0 SX drive engine installed in my boat, and have recently took the boat out to check the performance and any faults on the engine.

There are two problems that i have noticed-

1. When starting from cold the engine will not run smoothly, and has to be run above idle speed until it has reached its engine operating temp of 60 degrees. If i try to reduce the idle speed the engine stalls. The engine has to run for at least 10-15 mins before the drive can be engaged.
Is this normal for the 3.0 engine or is there a fault with the carb.


2. At 1900 rev/min there is a high level of gear whine noise, but the noise disapears when the engine speed is increased to 2100 rev/min.

The engine hours run is four hours.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Duster]

My 3L Mercruiser is just the same, particularly early in the season when the water is cold (it was only 7 or 8 C) when we launched. We just let it run at fast idle while we stow our odds and ends and sort the boat out. It's ready by the time we are.
The new leg we fitted 2 years ago was a little bit noisey for the first few runs but soon settled in.
I would however ask whoever supplied the unit to have a run out with you and check things properly - offer to pay for their time if needs be.
Regards mikej

 

[spannerman]

Sounds like the electric choke wants adjusting, Volvo and Mercs should run at high idle automatically from cold then the revs reduce as they warm up. It needs the throttle to be opened and closed once before starting to engage the choke.

 

[Duster]

It does exactly as you say, but seems to need a little bit of fast tickover to complete warming up after the choke has released or you have to engage gear quickly to avoid stalling, especially when the water is cold.
It would love to have it proffesionally set up but competant sterndrive mechanics are rarer that nuns in a knocking shop up on the West coast. The yacht engine bods usually charge a fortune to make things worse and still have to study my service manual, so I have to do as much as I can myself. Fortunately the engine is 1970's car engine technology which I am reasonably comfortable with.
Thanks for the advice however, I may find a competent car mechanic with portable diagnostic equipement to check it out.
mikej

 

[shetland]

Spannerman- What could be causing the gear noise whine.