Volvo 63P Sudden Power Loss Problem

[Garryt]

I was returning from a relatively short trip a couple of weeks ago and I was cruising at about 2,400 RPM. Suddenly there was a loss of power to the port engine and the revs dropped down to about 1500RPM and wouldn't recover beyond that level.

There were no plumes of black smoke out of the back, so I returned to the marina at a slower speed. There was also no untoward vibration on the remaining journey of about 5 miles.

Since returning alongside, the fuel filters have all been changed, just in case there was a fuel blockage.

Although probably nothing to do with the issue (?), both engines have just had an oil / filter change.

I took another short trip last weekend and was hacked off to find that I could still not increase the revs on the port engine above about 1500 RPM when under load. When the starboard engine revs are increased to say 2300. the effect is to slightly drag up the port engine revs, but no more than about 1800 RPM.

When not under load, the engine revs freely and there are no noticeable differences in the sound between both of the engines.

The prop has been checked by a diver to ensure there's nothing visible on the port shaft and the rope cutters are also still fully intact.

What do you experts think the problem could be? Could it be a blockage in the fuel lines?

The engines have never missed a beat before now.

Thanks guys!

 

[matt_lake]

Garry, Is your EDC display showing warnings? The system will give you 'get me home' power (approx 1500rpm) when an error has been detected. Would suggest a VP agent and his laptop may be required. Good luck.

 

[benjenbav]

Every time I read about someone having problems with their engine management system it makes me glad I've got simple mechanical controls and so long as the lumps are going suck-squeeze-bang-blow there isn't too much to worry about.

 

[smileygirl]

Id check your fuel lines. Last year I picked up a piece of metal swarf from the fuel tank. (sealine 410)had to dismantle all the fuel lines to that engine before I found the little s?d.(not difficult took about 2 hours ) It was stuck in the diverter valves on the bulkhead. engines ran fine at low ish load but give it the beans and it would play up.

 

[Garryt]

Hi Matt,

I don't have the EDC system. I've got the good old "agricultural" mechanical system that rarely ( /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ) goes wrong!

 

[Garryt]

Sounds like a good place to start with the fuel lines!

Any other suggestions would be most welcome!

 

[Peanuts]

Hi
Just one question, I know each engine has it's own fuel filter but do they have seperate fuel pipes from the tank. What I am trying to get at is that some boats have a single pipe from the tank, splitting to 2 filters then on to the engines. If there was something in the main fuel feed it would affect both engines - wouldn't it?
However if seperate fuel feeds it could be something in the line, it's just a bit suspect you have had fuel filter changes recently. It could be the filter causing the problem??

 

[mjf]

You checked the obvious stern gear fouled and its not that.


Check the fuel pump drive is tight and timing OK.


I once had an issue with the bolt that holds this in place - bad manufacture of the bolt (hollow inside) caused the timing to go off. When engine hot lots and lots of white exhaust smoke .

 

[burgundyben]

Have you checked the air filter?

 

[Garryt]

Guys,

We have a separate fuel feed for each engine, so the next step will be to clean the fuel feed that is unique to the port engine after the fuel filter.

I'll also examine the fuel pump fixing for security.

It's strange how you think that an engine will never go wrong for you.... We've had the boat for more than 2 1/2 years now and the engines have been as sweet as a nut!.... Oh except we had a fuel filter blockage about 18 months ago which was quickly rectified....

However the symptoms were nothing like this!

Thanks for all your input guys. I'll be sure to let you all know what the problem was when we eventually sort it!

 

[SpottyDog5]

I believe you can swop tanks on a F43 on the fuel tap, not sure if it before or after the filters?

 

[Garryt]

Yes, you can swap them over, but the problem is, you may still have the same problem if the line from the taps is blocked. I think there's nothing else for it really but to clear all the fuel lines from end to end, so at least that avenue is cleared!

 

[P430]

Hi Garry
I now have my acount working again. Let us know how you get on regarding the email sent. As I said in the email we had the same problem with our port side 63p and found it to be the high pressiure hose from the turbo to the engine. One of the stainless high pressure clips had become loose/broken so the pressure from the turbo was going everywhere except into the engine. If you remove the black airfilter you can see the turbo and the pipe which is verticle and contected onto the manifold.

(I apologise for my non-technical terms but they end at wotsit's and thingies)

 

[volvopaul]

Hi garry, reporting from a very hot and sunny Lymington town quay here on the trott moorings.

I would say its your turbo wastegate has fallen apart hence you need a new turbo due to no boost pressure, a common fault on 63l and p versions of this engine, these fail at any time so dig deep! soory to bear this theory.

 

[Garryt]

I'm hoping that as a result of today's inspection, we've found a few loose clips and indeed, one that had slipped off a hose, so I'm intending on taking it out during the week for another trial.

This is one time when I hope you're wrong Paul! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Garryt]

Took the boat out today for a trip around the Breakwater in Plymouth and hey-presto...Normal service is resumed! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Well guys, just thought I'd let you know, that the problem seems to have been associated with air loss around the turbo.

All the pipes were checked and tightened.

One in particular was found to be quite loose and the clip had almost slipped off it!

Perhaps over a period of time, vibration had been the cause.

Many thanks for your help and suggestions everyone!

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jimg]

Glad that it turned out to be a low cost solution!

I guess we are always expecting the worse with boats. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RobWales]

Phew!
Bet that was a major relief?
Well done on sorting it........
The power of this forum again hey?
Rob /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Garryt]

Absolutely!

You always have visions of "expense" every time there's even a little hiccup! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Alls well that ends well! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Renegade_Master]

check the turbo



whoops just posted this b4 reading your later post doh, mind you I was right :~)