Volvo MD6A

[Spuddy]

My old Yanmar is prolly beyond resuscitation - see sand in bell housing plus compression gone completo. Good money after bad to sort it all. Anyway had offer of MD6A, claimed to be lightly used and sound, with all bits - left over after re engining something with bigger. My limited researches reveal: old model, twin, about 10 or 12 HP. What does the team think ? Anything more sophistique will be more than boat's worth.

 

[rosie]

I have a 1980 MD7A which I believe is very similar(they have a joint workshop manual). I believe it was originally built as a marine diesel rather than a marinised car engine - very strong, simple & heavy!. Seems to go on for ever & in my experience very reliable. Consumables are readily available at normal Volvo prices but not all major parts are now available and if they are, they are VERY expensive. I am sure others will disagree but I hope this is some help.

 

[webcraft]

We had one in our Albin Vega, and were very glad to get rid of it.

They are seawater cooled, and unless they have been flushed regularly there may be corrosion in the water channels with consequent overheating problems. In addition, they are heavy compared to modern engines and bits can be expensive.

Unless you have been offered it for an absolute song and it will go straight on the bearers with little or no modification I wouild give it a body swerve. Check also if it has a dynastart (nightmare!) and if so if it has had an alternator fitted.

All IMHO of course

 

[Davy_S]

I had an MD6A for a few years, the only problem I ever had with it was the rubber exaust hose collapsed, engine kept running but kicked out loads of black smoke!
I cant really blame the engine for that.
I never had a problem obtaining normal service parts for it. The engines went on for years, bulletproof if looked after.

 

[stevebirch2002]

MD6A (Dynastart) is a nominal 10HP Volvo. Made in the early 70s. Superceded by the MD6B (Starter Motor version) and then the MD7A (Bored out to 13HP).
Spares are very, very, very expensive and some parts unavailable anymore.
Salt water cooled and cooling channels can become blocked very easily unless really flushed each year.
Unless you know the history of the engine then I wouldnt touch it with a barge pole unless very cheap (Less than £100).

All in my opinion

 

[chrisc]

Wasn't this engine originally a chinese pump engine?

 

[Stemar]

If it's got a dynastart, rather than a proper starter and alternator, I wouldn't touch it. They aren't especially reliable, are expensive to replace and have a MUCH lower output than an alternator.

 

[Spuddy]

Thanks for the input. Originally standard on the Vega then, I take it. Bloke wants £400 so hmmmm. Has got starter motor plus alternator. History seems to be one lady owner, professionally serviced, laid up on hard for 5 years. And deffo won't just drop in. Noticed that the French go in for a bracket on the counter plus an outboard more than we do - prone to drowning but maybe just for this year ?

 

[stevebirch2002]

Yep standard for the Veg Series II and Series III. Use an outboard will be easier and chaper and save pennies for a Beta..!

Good luck

 

[comoxlarry]

I have an MD6B Installed in 1974 which I had to rebuild last year ( can't afford a new engine ) They are very heavy, hard to mount with everything contained in the injecter pump. If it's faulty you're out of luck, a tiny amount of water in the fuel will finish it. also the transmission is raw water cooled and tends to rust through mixing water with trans oil and destroying it. If I could afford something else I would change it.