tgalea
Member
Any opinions , information on this engine would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Tyrone Galea
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Regards
Tyrone Galea
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Volvo MD2B
- Thread starter tgalea
- Start date
dickh
New member
Try the Volvo Pentas Owner Site - <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.volpen.org.uk/>http://www.volpen.org.uk/</A>
<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing...
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<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing...
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Stemar
Well-known member
I had an MD1, which is half an MD2. So FWIW & strictly IMHO:
It's a solid thumper, built like a brick privy, with weight to match, and one of the range that gave Volvo their (once) fine reputation. As long as it starts and runs OK it's a good engine.
BUT
Most of these engines will be 20 years old or more and coming to the need for the major overhauls which would set them up for another 20 years. This is not as profitable to Volvo as selling you a new engine, so they've have decided that they will no longer supply parts for them. This has proven to be a very profitable move for Yanmar, Nanni etc.
Some parts are available from Keyparts in Watford, who have gaskets made independantly, and will do their best to keep you running.
The dynastart (not sure if the MD2B has one or not) is of dubious reliability and low power output - 9amps max from memory).
All this must make getting a boat with one a bit of a gamble unless you buy on the understanding - and at a suitable price - that if you have a major problem, you'll change the lump.
If you PM me with your adress, I can email you a copy of the workshop manual
It's a solid thumper, built like a brick privy, with weight to match, and one of the range that gave Volvo their (once) fine reputation. As long as it starts and runs OK it's a good engine.
BUT
Most of these engines will be 20 years old or more and coming to the need for the major overhauls which would set them up for another 20 years. This is not as profitable to Volvo as selling you a new engine, so they've have decided that they will no longer supply parts for them. This has proven to be a very profitable move for Yanmar, Nanni etc.
Some parts are available from Keyparts in Watford, who have gaskets made independantly, and will do their best to keep you running.
The dynastart (not sure if the MD2B has one or not) is of dubious reliability and low power output - 9amps max from memory).
All this must make getting a boat with one a bit of a gamble unless you buy on the understanding - and at a suitable price - that if you have a major problem, you'll change the lump.
If you PM me with your adress, I can email you a copy of the workshop manual
roger
New member
Various problems of he MD2B some already discussed.
Even 4 years ago I had problems getting spares for the dynastart. If you need spares you could be in trouble.
Oil circ pump is above static oil level. Be careful when changing oil. You'll need to grind down a 1/2 inch ring spanner to get at the pump.
The Dynastart is quite slow to start the engine and is permanently engaged. Make sure you have a spare set of brushes.
My dynastart MD2 had a rated o/p of 7 amps at max speed - not enough to run the boat at night and lousy at charging batteries.
Often very little in the way of warning lights and instrumentation
Very very heavy. If you replace it you are likely to alter the trim of the boat.
The MD2b has a very narrow base. Most modern engines are suppled with a wider base. I bought a Betamarine BD722 with "atomic feet" (dont ask) it fitted easily into place.
I used to be able to start an MD 2B by hand - 25 years ago. I now couldnt start the MD2 (less HP). Make sure you are capable of starting it by hand.
<hr width=100% size=1>Roger
Even 4 years ago I had problems getting spares for the dynastart. If you need spares you could be in trouble.
Oil circ pump is above static oil level. Be careful when changing oil. You'll need to grind down a 1/2 inch ring spanner to get at the pump.
The Dynastart is quite slow to start the engine and is permanently engaged. Make sure you have a spare set of brushes.
My dynastart MD2 had a rated o/p of 7 amps at max speed - not enough to run the boat at night and lousy at charging batteries.
Often very little in the way of warning lights and instrumentation
Very very heavy. If you replace it you are likely to alter the trim of the boat.
The MD2b has a very narrow base. Most modern engines are suppled with a wider base. I bought a Betamarine BD722 with "atomic feet" (dont ask) it fitted easily into place.
I used to be able to start an MD 2B by hand - 25 years ago. I now couldnt start the MD2 (less HP). Make sure you are capable of starting it by hand.
<hr width=100% size=1>Roger
[448]
...
In defence of the dynastart. My MD2B shows a charge of around 20 amps when charging the no.2 battery the morning after a night of use of lights, water pumps, tv(sad?), vhf etc. Maybe the ammeter is wrong? I think the trick is to have two batteries. Be prepared for quite a lot of noise and vibration, and possible cooling problems which I solved quite simply. These lumps will run for ever if treated right.
Cheers, Dave
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Cheers, Dave
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scarlett
New member
I had an MD1 on which the pot outer casing was so thin that it leaked rusty sea water. I think it was because it was difficult to get all the water out each winter. Maybe the MD2 has the same possible problem.
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Aeolus_IV
New member
Had one in Aeolus when we got her - didn't last. Oil pump failed - couldn't maintain oil pressure - replacement (not new second hand) took a week to find seemed to be better - they don't self prime when too tired (even if they did when new). Didn't keep the engine running - terminally dead. probably was repairable but spares are more difficult to obtain than hens teeth. Yes, I guess that they are good engines while they are OK, but when they go wrong it will be extremely difficult to fix.
I managed to drop a Yanmar 3GM30F into the same engine bed with care and some metal work. Worth every penny to me, and a much better boat as a result.
Regards, Jeff.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://users.swing.be/FDB/centurion/index2.html>Centurion 32 Web site</A>
I managed to drop a Yanmar 3GM30F into the same engine bed with care and some metal work. Worth every penny to me, and a much better boat as a result.
Regards, Jeff.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://users.swing.be/FDB/centurion/index2.html>Centurion 32 Web site</A>
maxi
Member
Get a well looked after one, and it should last for ever, especially if converted to freshwater cooling. Should be easy to start elecrically or by hand using the de-compression levers. No electrical problems with alternator versions.
On the downside, most are tired and have cooling problems, mostly caused by poor ownership. Parts are exorbitantly expensive, particularly gearbox bits.
I have just parted with mine after some 10 years, and life has become much nicer under power.
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On the downside, most are tired and have cooling problems, mostly caused by poor ownership. Parts are exorbitantly expensive, particularly gearbox bits.
I have just parted with mine after some 10 years, and life has become much nicer under power.
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Pelican
New member
They were designed as marine engines and if looked after properly will last forever. Mine is 35 years old and in my ownership for the last 15 years has been rebuilt twice, the last time about two years ago. I had expensive problems with the Dynastart and so trew it away and put in an alternator and seperate starter motor. It always starts on the button hot or cold.
I do about 400 hours per year and change the oil every hundred hours. It is fresh water cooled. I have two spare engines for parts so I hope to listen to the throb of the engine for a few more years!
Pelican
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I do about 400 hours per year and change the oil every hundred hours. It is fresh water cooled. I have two spare engines for parts so I hope to listen to the throb of the engine for a few more years!
Pelican
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butler
Member
they make good sinkers for mooring chains.
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ravingmadroy
New member
AS an MBD entusiast I have to agree with most of the comments above,
looked after properly they are great engines, the oil pump gears are still available and a quick surface grind of the top plate will maintain good oil pressure, as I said looked after they will never become a sinker for a mooring
good sailing (with a good back up)
raving mad roy
looked after properly they are great engines, the oil pump gears are still available and a quick surface grind of the top plate will maintain good oil pressure, as I said looked after they will never become a sinker for a mooring
good sailing (with a good back up)
raving mad roy
Jcorstorphine
Well-known member
CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!
ravingmadroy
New member
nice to hear an inteligent reply and well qualified.
oldharry
Well-known member
... but true. Lots of dead ones around 'for rebuild'. Fine if you could get spares at a reasonable price. Volvo still do the spares, but at an extortianate price.
Most of them died because of stupid oil pump design. An O ring fails, so the pump stops pumping, wrecking the main bearings. Around £400 for a new set of shells, plus labour to remove the engine from the boat, strip it and rebuild it. And if the crank is damaged too, the parts bill soars well into four figures - assuming you can even get one!
Oh, and they are lousy mooring weights - the mix of metals burns the riser chain out!
Most of them died because of stupid oil pump design. An O ring fails, so the pump stops pumping, wrecking the main bearings. Around £400 for a new set of shells, plus labour to remove the engine from the boat, strip it and rebuild it. And if the crank is damaged too, the parts bill soars well into four figures - assuming you can even get one!
Oh, and they are lousy mooring weights - the mix of metals burns the riser chain out!
Gospel
New member
CAN YOU SEND ME A WORKSHOP MANUAL PLEASE. bryan.oates@telia.com
I have a VP MB10a( 15 hp petrol motor) and I want to change it for a diesel motor. Some one has a reconditioned MD2B but I know little about them. todays motor weighs 115 kg with gear box. what does this one weigh? I can look it up in the manual
regards Bryan
I have a VP MB10a( 15 hp petrol motor) and I want to change it for a diesel motor. Some one has a reconditioned MD2B but I know little about them. todays motor weighs 115 kg with gear box. what does this one weigh? I can look it up in the manual
regards Bryan
Stemar
Well-known member
Brian, I emailed you some info, but your mail box is full.
Here's the gist:
Personally, I wouldn’t consider fitting an MD2 as a replacement. IMHO, they’re just too old. Even a freebee will cost you several hundred pounds, what with new engine bearers, prop, etc. I did this putting a 2003 in place of my dead MD1 and I reckon it’s cost me well over £500 in bits and bobs, even doing the work myself.
Unless you know the provenance of the MD and are sure it’s healthy, I would work on the assumption that it’s been removed for a good reason, and it’s probably also a good reason why you don’t want it in your boat!
Last point. The MD2 weighs in at nearly double your petrol engine – 220Kg! This will have a very significant effect on your boat. FWIW, the 2003 is 28hp and 159kg.
Regards,
Steve
PS loads of manuals in PDF at www.motoren.ath.cx
Here's the gist:
Personally, I wouldn’t consider fitting an MD2 as a replacement. IMHO, they’re just too old. Even a freebee will cost you several hundred pounds, what with new engine bearers, prop, etc. I did this putting a 2003 in place of my dead MD1 and I reckon it’s cost me well over £500 in bits and bobs, even doing the work myself.
Unless you know the provenance of the MD and are sure it’s healthy, I would work on the assumption that it’s been removed for a good reason, and it’s probably also a good reason why you don’t want it in your boat!
Last point. The MD2 weighs in at nearly double your petrol engine – 220Kg! This will have a very significant effect on your boat. FWIW, the 2003 is 28hp and 159kg.
Regards,
Steve
PS loads of manuals in PDF at www.motoren.ath.cx
glastry
New member
i know its a long time ago,but can you tell me where to source an alternater and starter to replace a dynastart on a md2?
any help much appreciated!
any help much appreciated!
Metabarca
Well-known member
Well, I replace my MD2B after it died last August, but I've still plenty of spares, including two alternators and two starter motors! The problem is that I'm in Italy and the pieces are heavy. If you're interested I'd be happy to give you them for a knock-down price but I'm not sure how to get them to you cheap (day trip via Rynair?).
Aja
Well-known member
I have a 'nearly new' starter from our old MD2b
Donald
Donald
stephena
New member
Hello
I have a MD2 that overheats at full revs how did you cure yours
Many thanks
Stephen
I have a MD2 that overheats at full revs how did you cure yours
Many thanks
Stephen