Volvo D2-55

[JohnGC]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a 2001 build yacht with a Volvo D2-55 engine. I wonder if anyone has any pointers on them, problems, things to look for or ask about? Things that should be checked?

Thanks,

John

 

[RJJ]

Have purchased same this year, 13 years old and so far so good.

Glad also to hear thoughts from anyone more experienced.

My surveyor educated me on the replacement schedule for the saildrive gaiter. It likely requires the engine lifting, so it's a significant bill. A negotiating point depending on age (stated life is seven years).

Apart from that I would do the obvious checks: what does the diesel look like out of the tank? Is the oil level correct and clean in engine and gearbox? Is there a nicely kept engine hours/service log? Not that these tell you everything, but it's a good clue.

I would ask the seller at what revs he uses the engine and address a guileful question "how does she motorsail" with respect to my post a few days ago. Hopefully he will reply along the lines illustrated by respondents to my post!

You can spend money on a compression check and Volvo survey, but we chose (having satisfied ourselves on the above, and following seatrial) to take our chances.

 

[Gryphon2]

We had a D2 55 on our Beneteau423 with a conventional drive. It behaved well for the 4000 hours we had it for except for the damper plate that disintegrated at about 3000 hours by shredding and shedding the rubber bits. Apparently that was a common fault on those boats but whether it was common to other boats I do not know.

 

[JohnGC]

Thanks.

Googling suggests the damper plate was an issue on at least a few Beneteaus. It sounds as though an upgraded part is/was available. I see what I can find out from the current owner.

John.

 

[asteven221]

I have had a Beneteau with a D2-55 and now a Bavaria with a D2-55. I do all my own servicing and repairs, so I am quite familiar with these engines.

Never had any problems with either engine, so no complaints. These are fitted to a lot of boats from all the usual manufacturers and I would think if they were in any way bad engines, the internet would be full of moans, groans and requests on how to fix them. It isn't.

Subject to all the normal pre-purchase checks you would do with any engine, I would buy a boat with a D2-55 installed without hesitation.

 

[Bobc]

Only real problems I've heard of from these are the usual VP exhaust elbow and the heat exchanger corroding if it hasn't been looked after properly.

 

[RJJ]

What should I be doing with my exhaust elbow and heat exch? Thanks!

 

[Bobc]

What should I be doing with my exhaust elbow and heat exch? Thanks!

My mate Ant did a video about exhaust elbows here:-

Regarding the heat exchanger, you should remove and clean the stack every few years, and also make sure that the seals are all good and there is no seawater weeping past them, as this will corrode the aluminium.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

My mate Ant did a video about exhaust elbows here:-

Regarding the heat exchanger, you should remove and clean the stack every few years, and also make sure that the seals are all good and there is no seawater weeping past them, as this will corrode the aluminium.

Better link here (that one is more general (still interesting!) tips)

Fascinating stuff.