Volvo Penta MD11D - Service

[croc9968]

Apologies for the simplistic nature of this question but I want to service the engine in my Maxi 100 (1984). Its a Volvo Penta MD11D (original) and the boat has been left unused and in the berth for a number of months (possibly longer). The engine starts (although takes a while to fire up) and when running sounds fine. I'm keen to service it myself and I've never serviced a marine engine before. Are there any tips for parts and servicing that you could share with me? Are there certain parts which are interchangeable from other engines and therefore cheaper (e.g. filters etc). Any tips for servicing? I especially want to ensure that it starts more reliably (and I'm hoping a good service and more regular use will help as the engine seems in good shape for the year)

 

[VicS]

Basic servicing is described in the owner's manual

Manuals & handbooks | Volvo Penta if you have mislaid your copy

More detail in the workshop manual https://www.maritimepropulsion.com/files/pdf/1001252

Official parts lists and diagrams at Volvo Penta MD11, MD11C, MD11D, MD17, MD17C, MD17D - MarinePartsEurope.com

Service parts, both OEM and after market, MD11D - Diesel Engine

All parts at full VP prices Volspec Limited | Volvo Penta Main Dealer | Marine Engineers | Industrial Engineers | Spares, Service

Filters In-Line Filters, UK's Leading Filter Specialists but someone will suggest an even cheaper source that I have forgotten

Servicing pretty straight forward. Remove the dipstick and coarse filter to suck out old oil and refill if access to drain plug and filler are bad ( Make sure joint O rings are good when replacing as this is part of the oil pump suction.

Bunged up water passages in the exhaust manifold, if it is sea water cooled, can lead to overheating

Check operation of the cold start system.......... See diagram 5 on page 5 of the owners manual........ otherwise reluctant starting could be due to poor compression.

IMO spending large sums on any major repairs / overhauls would be chucking good money after bad

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Keyparts supply discounted service parts and are very helpful. Make sure you “set” the cold start by pulling out and then closing the engine stop control before attempting to start motor. Check the air intake is not “bunged” up by insects etc. if engine has been standing for some time. If so clean with light oil.
Providing the starter spins engine over fast enough should start with little trouble.

 

[croc9968]

Thank you very much for your detailed replies.....

 

[VicS]

Keyparts supply discounted service parts and are very helpful. Make sure you “set” the cold start by pulling out and then closing the engine stop control before attempting to start motor. Check the air intake is not “bunged” up by insects etc. if engine has been standing for some time. If so clean with light oil.
Providing the starter spins engine over fast enough should start with little trouble.

Are you sure that applies to the MD11D .... does it not have a button to press like the MD11 C

 

[croc9968]

Basic servicing is described in the owner's manual

Manuals & handbooks | Volvo Penta if you have mislaid your copy

More detail in the workshop manual https://www.maritimepropulsion.com/files/pdf/1001252

Official parts lists and diagrams at Volvo Penta MD11, MD11C, MD11D, MD17, MD17C, MD17D - MarinePartsEurope.com

Service parts, both OEM and after market, MD11D - Diesel Engine

All parts at full VP prices Volspec Limited | Volvo Penta Main Dealer | Marine Engineers | Industrial Engineers | Spares, Service

Filters In-Line Filters, UK's Leading Filter Specialists but someone will suggest an even cheaper source that I have forgotten

Servicing pretty straight forward. Remove the dipstick and coarse filter to suck out old oil and refill if access to drain plug and filler are bad ( Make sure joint O rings are good when replacing as this is part of the oil pump suction.

Bunged up water passages in the exhaust manifold, if it is sea water cooled, can lead to overheating

Check operation of the cold start system.......... See diagram 5 on page 5 of the owners manual........ otherwise reluctant starting could be due to poor compression.

IMO spending large sums on any major repairs / overhauls would be chucking good money after bad

Thank you so much for this resource.....

 

[pvb]

Are you sure that applies to the MD11D .... does it not have a button to press like the MD11 C

You're right, it does have a separate cold start button. I think Kurrawong_Kid must have been thinking of the 200X series of engines.

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

No. Our boat has an MD17D, 3 cylinder version of MD11D, and has that version of cold start. Our previous boat had a MD2B and that had a cold start button. Easy to tell by looking or reading the manual!

 

[VicS]

No. Our boat has an MD17D, 3 cylinder version of MD11D, and has that version of cold start. Our previous boat had a MD2B and that had a cold start button. Easy to tell by looking or reading the manual!

The MD 17 engines have what they call an automatic cold start device

MD11 engines have the cold weather starting button

This is all stated in the owners manual