Volvo md1?

[chrishewett]

I have located a couple of Volvo md1 engines, both requiring repairs, one with frost damage to the engine block. Can anyone tell me what size these engines are and how big and expensive repairs can be?
Chris

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[maris]

As far as I am aware the MD1 is a seven horsepower unit. ( may well be wrong ).
If you've located two units hopefully you should be able to build one good unit with very little costs. I've never had to buy spares but I would think volvo parts would be expencive.
Im sure someone will come up with the data you require.

good luck
Donnie

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[Mirelle]

Locate any of the MD2 threads and an MD1 is half of an MD2! Made by Volvo, from 1959 (I think) until 1970-something. 8hp at 2,300 rpm, salt water cooled, originally with a Dynastart. Basically bullet proof and idiot proof ( I have an MD2) but this is an old style diesel, hence big and heavy. Much, much bigger, in each dimension, than a Stuart 4. Frost damage to the block sounds like one to avoid unless you need spares. Being Volvos, spares are expensive eg a gasket set for a top end overhaul will set you back Pds 130! On the other hand they are still very numerous, so loads of secondhand bits and expertise in every yacht club bar in the land (much like Stuarts, in that respect!)

As a replacement for the Stuart, I would think - too heavy and maybe too tall. Look for a Yanmar or one of the Kubota marinisations (Beta or Nanni)

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[chrishewett]

Thanks, very helpful.
I think this engine search is going to take some time!
Chris

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[bedouin]

I would echo what Mirelle says. I have an MD2B, which is a great engine, but if it were to fail there is no way I would consider replacing it with another unit of the same vintage. The engine has been out of production for over 20 years so replacement parts are getting very expensive (although service parts are still readily available and cheap).

Also, even the two cylinder version is rough in comparison to modern small diesels, I imagine the one-pot version will be twice as bad.

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[Aeolus_IV]

I can only echo Bedouins view - we had a MD2B which gave up on us. After a couple of months of people tinkering with it (I'm no diesel expert), we pulled it out and put a 3GM in its place. These engines are now getting quite old and many spares are no longer readily available those which are being mostly reconditioned second hand parts. Trouble is that this isn't the cheapest option.

Jeff.

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[PBrooks]

Check availability of spares carefully. I wanted to rebuild my MD1, but I was told that there are no oversize pistons or rings available. So if there is significant bore wear (as mine has), it will be difficult / impossible to rebuild.
Best regards
Paul

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[Burnham_Bob]

I replaced an MD1 three years ago. The basic unit goes on for years, and although mine was only running intermittently I got £150 for it. I suggest you put the two together and see if you can get it running on a bench.

Volspec were very helpful with information like timing the fuel injection etc, but i have seen photostats of the maunal for sale at boat jumbles.

If you can start it by hand - ie without the dyna start the copmpression is okay so oversize pistons and rings won't be needed. Spares are difficult. Things like gaskets you can cut yourself.

I would see if a bit of ingenuity can get it going and then go from there. You may still not know how much power it delvers until you test it under load.

As for replacements, I got a Yanmar 1GM 10. Price wise it was very competitive and it goes like a sewing machine. Starts first time every time and its smoohter quieter, lighter and more powerful than the Volvo. You might get one for around £1100 rebuilt by the dealer near southampon.

good luck and don't strain yourself with the volvo - take the flywheel off before you try to move it!

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