Volvo 42hp Turbo Engine

Norman_E

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I have just looked at a second hand yacht which is fitted with a three cylinder turbo charged Volvo engine dating from 1991. I think the model is 2003T. I remember seeing (possibly in a magazine) comment that this particular model is prone to problems as it is basically a lower powered engine, souped up with a turbo, and is unreliable, and not so smooth running as a four cylinder. Any experiences would be appreciated. Should I look for a similar yacht fitted with a normally aspirated engine? Most of this model were fitted with Thorneycroft 35hp engines.
 

TigaWave

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I can only comment on the one I had ...a 1991 2003T 43hp, it only had 500 hours on it mind, and I put another 500 on in one year.
I think its going to be one of these how long is a piece of string questions, if its been well maintained, regular oil filter changes, never over heated/ run with damaged impeller, not too smokey then it could be better than any other engine thats been neglected. With old engines you dont really know what your getting. Smoothness, in theory odd numbers of cylinders can be smoother than even. I was very happy with mine, the only unplanned maintenance was new engine mounts. Didn't leak a drop of oil....still looked like new.
 

pvb

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Volvo 2003T...

I have a Volvo 2003T. It's a 1990 engine, and has done about 1900 hours. The Volvo 2001/2002/2003 engines don't seem to enjoy a reputation as Volvo's finest, but I wouldn't say they're inherently unreliable. Adding a turbo doesn't make an engine unreliable - remember that virtually all diesel cars and trucks are now turbo-charged!

In the 9 years I've owned mine, I've only had one repair carried out on the engine, and that was when an external oil pipe leaked as a result of corrosion. It starts easily, runs smoothly, doesn't burn oil, and has good reserves of power. Spares are easily available off-the-shelf virtually anywhere in the world (although that's a costly service to maintain, reflected in Volvo parts prices).

The one thing which is problematical with these engines is the splined drive to the gearbox; this is prone to wear, leading ultimately to sudden loss of drive. There are both Volvo and aftermarket fixes for this problem. Ask whether it's been done on the boat you're interested in, and see some proof. Otherwise insist on it being done before you buy.
 
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