Volvo MD1

[geb22]

Hi I'm new to te forum and to inboard engines.I have just bought a part completed boat which comes with a MD1. Question is, what is generaly thought of this engine, are they relyable and can you get spares. Should I keep it if it runs OK or am I wasting my time and should I bite the bullet and spend loads on a new Yanmar etc.?

Thanks in advance for genuine advice..

 

[bdsweeting]

I don't know this particular engine but would say that "If it ain't broken, then don't fix it"

Also, welcome to the forum, don't go away, a better answer will be along soon, I'm sure.

 

[NickNap]

It's a good question - the MDI is an old engine, and a replacement such as a Beta will cost you £3K+.
You can still get spares from Keypart for the MDI.
I guess it comes down to whether you worry enough about reliability, starting etc.
Three years ago I couldn't really afford a new engine, but my worry about the reliability of my MD1 when really needed was such that I bit the bullet you're thinking about (bought a BETA; excellent). It made for peace of mind, but it is expensive. You could get your MD1 reconditioned, but this might still cost £1K+.
If you're thinking about keeping the boat for a few years, I'd give serious thought to a replacement engine.

 

[Topcat47]

Spares for the MD1 are EXPENSIVE when they are available. While you can get the consumables and most of the other bits, the exhaust manifold is one of the things that is stock-out. When I replaced mine with a Yanmar, I had stripped my Volvo for refit and the manifold fell apart as soon as I took it off the engine. I could have bought a refurbished one with a crap manifold for the cost of the spares needed to overhaul mine, never mind the tme.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it....but if it is....change it.

The Yanmar is raw water cooled but beware of "extras".. I needed a new prop and propshaft and the high exhaust mixer which added a lot.....if you go the other route you'll need to install a FW system too.

 

[Mallensbrae]

Hi there, The MD1 is the alleged marine version of the Volvo D1 industrial engine used to drive cement mixers amongst other things and there are industrial engine agents who can supply the parts for the "D" although you may have to do a bit of seeking.

A couple of years ago I rebuilt an MD2 for a chap. I stripped it down in his presence and he made a list of the parts needed. I told him to go and price them from Volvo and Keypart but not buy them. His cost was £1121 + VAT. After a bit of seeking out we did the whole job for £500...