Volvo Oil Leak

[zazu]

I have a pair of D6 350 hp volvos. 18 months old, 350 hours.
Been great so far. Very quiet, powerful and surprisingly economical.

In July the port engine developed a small oil leak. After cleaning and careful monitoring it would appear to be from the rear end (drive end) although it is impossible to see clearly under the engine. Starboard engine spotlessly clean.

I am told this could be from the crankcase and the engine would need to be removed to fix. I can see large bills ahead.

The Volvo agent said I would be best off by writing direct to Volvo as it is out of warranty. This I did 4 weeks ago and await a reply.

To my mind engines of this size and cost should not develop a leak after 18 months. Even 350hrs use is a drop in the ocean.

Am I being reasonable in pursuing Volvo under "fit for usage" etc ?

Any advice welcome.

 

[[2068]]

Before trying the expensive fixes, check the cheap ones first. In particular, check the grommet sealing the base of the dipstick tube to the block. Oil from here can track round the pan to the rear of the engine and look like a crankshaft seal has died.

Similarly with oil transfer pipe junctions that can leak.

It's definitely worth getting in a professional to determine the true source of the leak first, then take appropriate action from there. A small mirror on a pole can help.

And anyway, I thought Volvo's had a 24 month warranty ??

dv.

 

[scej]

I have 2 1500 MTU fitted in the boat and i can count 12 oil leaks so far on the two of them I have had the engineers out three times and they still have bnot turned up with the correct gaskets to repair the things. these engines have now done 345 hrs since march 2005. the oil leaks aren't bad but just a pain as the bilge looks bad. the oil leak on yours shouldn't be that dear to fix if it just the crank seal shouldn't take that long it just a pain getting the engine out to do it. Good luck with Volvo

 

[admillington]

When I was in Jersey last year, we were moored next to a new S42 and he had oil leaks on this 350Hp Volvos and Volvo had had numerous attempts to fix them without success.

I doubt Volvo will even bother to answer your letter. I have tried in the pass and when I called up to question why I hadn't had an answer they refered me back to the dealer etc - seems to be standard practice with these large marine companies as Fairline are just the same.

 

[davedpc]

When I first had my boat it was difficult to find the oil leak as the engines are black and oil tends to end up dripping off the back of the sump. Oil rarely leaks on tickover or when the unit is not under pressure [turbocharged] I found the best way to find leaks was to puff talc. around the block and check after a normal run using a mirror. My leak turned out to be the large banjo bolt on the oil external transfer pipe. You will always have small leaks-it only takes a small drop to spread out on water to look mega. I put one of those oil absorbant sausages under the engine which is very effective in removing the oil from the water. Dave.

 

[KevB]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a pair of D6 350 hp volvos. 18 months old,

[/ QUOTE ]

They come with two year warranty but that's immaterial because your statutory rights say Volvo (the dealer) will have to repair them.

 

[D3B]

Me

twin D3 160'S

Both leaked from the intercoolers.
Only small drops, more evident when on and off the plane frequently.
Breather hose is left inside the intercooler. so when on and off the plane any oil in there would leak out of the little hole and drip down.
Volvo cured it by drilling and tapping the small drain hole adding a threaded nipple and hose to storage pots fitted to bulk heads.
There area a lot of the D3 160's with this problem!

Like you not a lot of oil just bl00dy annoying to keep opening and finding oil in the bilge. I had all the crank case comments too. Found Volspec on the east coast very knowledgeable.

Doug

 

[Hurricane]

Whats these "oil absorbant sausages" you use.
How do they work?
Where do you get them?
I like to leep my engine room clean but as you say a little goes a long way.
I wonder if these will help?

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

[ QUOTE ]
Whats these "oil absorbant sausages" you use.
How do they work?


[/ QUOTE ]

Cat litter in a stockinette tube.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Yes, I was going to suggest talc - but I didn't know about the oil absorbant sausage bit. Where do you get them?

Another useful lesson from a forumite - thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BrendanS]

I've seen them in bigger chandleries, and there are many makes, but here is one stockist
http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/1095

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Thanks Brendan

 

[oldgit]

Recent poster stated that an industrial fluids handling outfit called Pirtek Ltd does them cheaper.

 

[davedpc]

In the swindlers made by I.C.I. Dave

 

[duncan]

joining your oil leak thread, as it may become the definitive, I have one on my Yanmar 4lha-stzp. So far I have tried in vian to pin it down but what a [--word removed--] to clean up all the time. I get both sea water after a rough passage, and fresh water after heavy rain in the bilge so mopping up becomes an ecological nightmare!

Talc time next............