Volvo D4-260 EVC Orange Warning light. Advice please.

[wattsn]

Having just recently taken delivery of our new S38 with D4-260s we have already taken her out about 5 times with no probs whatsoever. However, taking her out today, after about 10 minutes we had an orange warning light display for the port engine with the corresponding flashing orange light on the EVC display (which went steady when acknowledged by pressing the D button).

Oil pressure remained constant for both engines at 4.5 bar and engine temperature at 85 C for both engines. No other signs whatsoever of any malfunction. Looking down in the engine bay, which I keep immaculate and dry, there was a very small amount of greeny black (looked pretty fresh) oil in the small bilge recess below the port engine. Could see no sign of any leak when travelling at 2500rpm, although sight access below and at the rear of the engine is almost impossible.

The engines had a FULL (£3,000) service by a main Volvo agnt in May, just 10 engine hours ago. before I let a Volvo enginner run away with my wallet would anyone have any idea what may be causing this warning display / oil leak? Are there any common issues with the D4 engines?

I did not get a chance to check the oil levle when we got back (will do on Tuesday) but with the very small amount in the bilge area I would think there would not be any noticeable drop on the dipstick.

Thanks.

 

[zazu]

If it is like mine (D6 350hp) which I think it is, after cancelling the alarm you hold the D button down for 5 seconds and it will then flash out (like morse) a code. These codes are listed on Pages 83-89 of your manual. Yes, 7 pages of them.

Unfortunately by switching the engine down you will have eliminated the code. However this is the procedure for next time. Try and have someone with you to count the flashes. It is very easy to miscount, especially in sunlight, and come up with the wrong diagnosis.

 

[wakeup]

What other symptoms?

Did then engine shutdown or go into limp mode?

 

[spannerman]

First thing to do is check the coolant level, the sensor on D4/6's is very sensitive and if its a fraction too low you will get a warning light up. Look in the filler and you will see a plastic 'level' strip on each side, if its below this it will make the light flash, make sure the coolant covers these strips.

 

[wattsn]

Did then engine shutdown or go into limp mode?

No. No other signs of any malfunction and all gauges were reading exactly the same as the starboard engine.

First thing to do is check the coolant level, the sensor on D4/6's is very sensitive and if its a fraction too low you will get a warning light up. Look in the filler and you will see a plastic 'level' strip on each side, if its below this it will make the light flash, make sure the coolant covers these strips.

Thanks. Will check that first soon as get back to the boat tonight.

 

[volvopaul]

£3000.00 THAT SOUNDS ASTONOMICAL!!! what did they do for that kind of money, see me when your out of warranty.

 

[wattsn]

£3000.00 THAT SOUNDS ASTONOMICAL!!! what did they do for that kind of money, see me when your out of warranty.

Already out of warranty. Dec '04 boat.

Included just about everything. Belts, filters, impellers, oil etc etc.

Will you travel to West Wales (we would put you up accomodation wise) as there are few, if any, decent Volvo agents here and was only talking to a guy tonight asking if people will travel from South Coast to do servicing. Could certainly get you a few jobs while here. Probably get you a good few days work to do all at once.

 

[wattsn]

Update

Back on the boat tonight and when starting the port engine it gave me the coolant low level warning light. Not the same light as when underway yesterday, but guess that is how it is meant to be.

Checked the coolant levels (thanks Zazu ) and they were at the lower level between the marks. Topped up both engines (starboard engine was also low but obviously not quite as low) and no more warning lights. Yahoo.

Thanks all Let's hope it stays this way when we next take her out.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Back on the boat tonight and when starting the port engine it gave me the coolant low level warning light. Not the same light as when underway yesterday, but guess that is how it is meant to be.

Checked the coolant levels (thanks Zazu ) and they were at the lower level between the marks. Topped up both engines (starboard engine was also low but obviously not quite as low) and no more warning lights. Yahoo.

Thanks all Let's hope it stays this way when we next take her out.

If you've just had a big service then praps they changed the coolant; this could have created a small airlock somewhere which cleared itself with a bit of use, leading to the slightly lower level at the header sensor. I had exactly this after the last service, I just had to top it up the once, and the problem has not recurred.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[wattsn]

If you've just had a big service then praps they changed the coolant; this could have created a small airlock somewhere which cleared itself with a bit of use, leading to the slightly lower level at the header sensor. I had exactly this after the last service, I just had to top it up the once, and the problem has not recurred.

Cheers
Jimmy

Let's hope so. Maybe that was also why they left a bottle of Volvo coolant on the boat as maybe it is usual for that to happen.

Hopefully all sorted now. Thanks all for the replies. Gotta love this forum

Hmm. Thinking a bit more I am now wondering whether the green substance in the bilge area below the port engine was oil or maybe coolant as when I mopped it up it looked a similar colour and consistency to the coolant. Is it possible for coolant to leak out and drip in to the bilges?

 

[CHI]

Let's hope so. Maybe that was also why they left a bottle of Volvo coolant on the boat as maybe it is usual for that to happen.

Hopefully all sorted now. Thanks all for the replies. Gotta love this forum

Hmm. Thinking a bit more I am now wondering whether the green substance in the bilge area below the port engine was oil or maybe coolant as when I mopped it up it looked a similar colour and consistency to the coolant. Is it possible for coolant to leak out and drip in to the bilges?

Hi Neil
Did try and ring you. Sounds like you may have a small leak when the system is hot and under pressure. Suggest you check all hose clamps and look for any signs of coolant staining on engine .

cheers
Keith

 

[wattsn]

Sorry Keith, did not get a call.

Been back to the boat tonight and had a good look with an inspection lamp. Cannot see any staining or drips anywhere (luckily for me engines are like new so easy to see any leaks). I'm wondering whether maybe some coolant was spilt when they drained/refilled during the service and maybe just coincidence with the alarm fault.

Anyway, can now eat your dinner off the engine room / bilge floor so will see when we next go out if any more appears.

 

[wattsn]

Not fixed

Unfortunately the coolant top up has not fixed the orange warning light. Have had to place a call to Volspec (carried out all servicing, last one being in May) and waiting to see what they suggest.

Also, when pressing the D button for 5 seconds it causes the warning light triangle to flash orange/red as it should but no flashing sequence on the EVC panel. Orange light just go out straight away. Very frustrating.