Volvo Penta MD1A

[ghostlymoron]

I had a MD1 on my 19 footer which was fine, personally, I think it's too small for a 29' boat.
I'd imagine that the dynostart is wired purely as a starter and the alternator is to provide more charging capacity.
I bought another MD1 to use as a spare which was easy to take apart but I found a crack in the block which meant it couldn't be used so I sold it on eBay in bits. I found it difficult to get hold of head gaskets so you've done well.

 

[Keith 66]

We had one in our sabre, it had had a small fortune spent on it, new piston, rings & liner, new exhaust elbow etc etc, All in a quest to stop it smoking. In the locker next to it we found a plastic jar half full of thick honey coloured liquid, the Legend read STOP SMOKE engine oil additive, seals worn piston rings etc etc!
I asked the previous owner if it had worked he said "No it just made it harder to start".
Best thing for one of those today is as a mooring sinker!

 

[Jase6100]

Thanks Keith,

I appreciate that it is a very old engine and has its best days behind it. The engine was working reasonably ok prior to the cold weather albeit with some black smoke/ carbon deposit at full throttle.

However the problem I have is that in order to begin to start an engine upgrade I need to move the boat to a location that has the facility of lifting out.

We think for the cost involved it is worth attempting a DIY job on the piston and cylinder to give it some independent propulsion. A tow would be extortionate.

 

[Jase6100]

Quick update. Appreciate it has been a while. Purchased a brand new Sole Desiel Mini 17 to replace the cement mixer. (Volvo MD1) New prop and shaft was required to meet the different length, orientation and pitch. New engine bearers were required and new water inlet and exhaust outlet. It took about a week to fit. I was the apprentice to a very kind and generous fellow member at the club that did the work for nowt. I learnt loads about mechanics, engineering and the inner workings of my boat.

All work was completed in May 2022. It has given the Kings Cruiser a new lease of life. I have much more confidence in its reliability and this imperative when sailing in the lower reaches of the Humber Estuary.

 

[Stemar]

Well done. I'll bet the boat's unrecognisable under power compared with before!

Thanks for updating us.

 

[Jase6100]

Absolutely, it chugs along at a good 5 knts at 1/2 revs. It’s given so much more piece of mind and confidence. It feels great to be able to turn the key and hear it fire up first time every time.
This has been invaluable when needing to manoeuvre quickly. This was the case when returning to Grimsby after an overnight in Hull. After turning down the Humber at Skitter Sand I was met with a Tempest, strong wind over tide. My mainsail tore and found myself unable to maintain momentum under the Genoa alone and was drifting towards the North Shore. However, a turn of the key saw us safely back on course in enough water to arrive back unscathed, albeit a little flustered ️

 

[Jase6100]

 

[Jase6100]

 

[Jase6100]