Volvo D4 or Yanmar 4LH-STE

[AllanG]

I've been looking at 2002-2005 year Nimbus 320's and notice that they have either Volvo D4 (210 hp) or Yanmar 4LH-STE (230 hp) single engine installations.

I understand the Volvo D4 is a more modern engine, using common-rail injection and ECU electronic control, but was wondering, in the opinion of forum members, which would you choose and why?

What are the reliabilty issues with both engines? Would there be any major difference in servicing costs? Which would be the most economical at 16-18 knots cruising speed?

Many thanks in advance.

Allan

 

[aquapower]

I've been looking at 2002-2005 year Nimbus 320's and notice that they have either Volvo D4 (210 hp) or Yanmar 4LH-STE (230 hp) single engine installations.

I understand the Volvo D4 is a more modern engine, using common-rail injection and ECU electronic control, but was wondering, in the opinion of forum members, which would you choose and why?

What are the reliabilty issues with both engines? Would there be any major difference in servicing costs? Which would be the most economical at 16-18 knots cruising speed?

Many thanks in advance.

Allan

Both are good engines, wouldnt worry me if I had either of them, I would be more worried about the condition of the boat and to make sure it had been properly serviced over which engine it had as they will both do the same job

 

[DavidJ]

Agree with aquapower but I think the sell on value will be greater with the more popular Volvos. I'm interested if this view is shared with others.

 

[Firefly625]

Agree with aquapower but I think the sell on value will be greater with the more popular Volvos. I'm interested if this view is shared with others.

I think it so depends on what you have.... I would always go with the Yanmar, a truly superb engine..

So the straw pole shows it don't matter much, Volvo or Yanmar...!

 

[mickyspec]

the 4 lha yanmar is widely regarded as yanmars best ever,with documented cases of well in excess of 10,000hrs run commercially.
the D4 is also well respected.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Depends on...

...whether you want good or bullet proof

D4 = Good
4LH-STE = Bullet proof.

The 4LH-STE gets my vote coz of its simplicity. And simplicity is the key to all marine engines.

All IMHO, of course!

 

[duncan]

as others highlight this is a pretty simple compromise -

the D4 is more modern and efficient - but the latter is nominal

the 4LH has no electronics and, barring major mechanical failure, feed it fuel and it will work (electricity to start helps!)

Yanmar spares and auxillaries are ridiculously expensive - Volvo spares are expensive.

I have one, but would be equally happy with the other as a purchase option.

If you intend to do all the mechanical work on your own engine then the Yanmar is the obvious choice - if not it's really a draw.

 

[ulyden]

Just remember if you have a more modern engine the number of componets wich might fail is larger. Fuel consumtion on Vp is aprox 2-4% better than yanmar.

Ideling performance is better on a CR engine (sound and smoke) Reliability and cost seems to be better on the yanmar even if parts are more expensive. You destroy fuel system on cr engine if you get water or dirt into the fuel system. Yanmar fuel system is more expensive but less sensitive and less flexible. Volvo engine are working better in altitude and extreme tepratures due to this greater flexibility.

On a pleasure boat my priority is high reliability and low cost. If you mostly are idling in habour Volvo is best!

 

[Firefly625]

...whether you want good or bullet proof

D4 = Good
4LH-STE = Bullet proof.

The 4LH-STE gets my vote coz of its simplicity. And simplicity is the key to all marine engines.

the 4 lha yanmar is widely regarded as yanmars best ever,with documented cases of well in excess of 10,000hrs run commercially.
the D4 is also well respected.

it gives me a nice warm feeling hearing those comments on the engine in my boat, that is why in a few years time (if business ever picks up) I would be delighted to find a Hardy Commodore 36 with twin Yanmar 4LH-STE..

 

[Latestarter1]

it gives me a nice warm feeling hearing those comments on the engine in my boat, that is why in a few years time (if business ever picks up) I would be delighted to find a Hardy Commodore 36 with twin Yanmar 4LH-STE..

Whole bunch of very fair comments, never came across power to stop SOLAS pump solenoid option on the LH so it needs power just the same as the D4.

Yanmar has a considerable weight advantage (150kg)over the D4 and in original posters application will really sparkle.

Have a real soft spot for the 4LH there is as usual there is one big however, maintainence. I would inspect service records for evidence of cooler servicing, heat exchanger is straight forward, charge air cooler is fragile and has to be dealt with caution and service agents are aware of this.

Turbo on this engine tends to pass a degree of oil whilst still in rude health, pulling a gunked up charge air cooler apart is no big deal but needs care. I was in North Wales last week and looked at 4LH, six years old just over 1,000 hours, spotless, bang up to date records but no mention of stripping heat exchanger or charge air cooler, nor was there any evidence that it had ever been done.

A marine age time bomb.

 

[Firefly625]

Whole bunch of very fair comments, never came across power to stop SOLAS pump solenoid option on the LH so it needs power just the same as the D4.

Yanmar has a considerable weight advantage (150kg)over the D4 and in original posters application will really sparkle.

Have a real soft spot for the 4LH there is as usual there is one big however, maintainence. I would inspect service records for evidence of cooler servicing, heat exchanger is straight forward, charge air cooler is fragile and has to be dealt with caution and service agents are aware of this.

Turbo on this engine tends to pass a degree of oil whilst still in rude health, pulling a gunked up charge air cooler apart is no big deal but needs care. I was in North Wales last week and looked at 4LH, six years old just over 1,000 hours, spotless, bang up to date records but no mention of stripping heat exchanger or charge air cooler, nor was there any evidence that it had ever been done.

A marine age time bomb.

I have full service records on board and will be having a look through to see if any of this work has been done... now feeling worried. Had new gearbox oil cooler fitted and of course Volvopaul did the gearbox.... actually Paul, I hope you read this thread as you will be the chap that is servicing my Yanmar this year and I will want to to have a look at these things.... I may need to see whats in the piggy bank.