Volvo Penta supply issues

[aphypers]

My local Volvo Penta dealer was all set to replace the engine in my Bowman 40 next week with a D2-55. Last week, I was informed by the dealer that without any prior warning and with immediate effect, Volvo have stopped supplying their D2-55 and D2-75 engines. I was told it is because the engines do not meet current emission regulations. These models will be replaced with new D2-50 and D2-60 engines. The D2-60 will be available in January 2017, but the D2-50 will not be available until June 2017. Until then, Volvo are unable to supply any engines in this size range. I called several other Volvo dealers, who all confirmed the situation.

Whilst this is a major inconvenience for me, it is likely to have a far bigger impact for the wider marine industry, especially boat builders with boats in build requiring a D2-55.

The D2-55 is a very widely used engine and it seems incomprehensible that a company of the size and reputation of Volvo should stop production without any warning and not have an alternative product available for over 6 months.

I was wondering if anyone can shed any light on this very strange situation.

 

[lpdsn]

I was wondering if anyone can shed any light on this very strange situation.

On this particular forum it is irrelevant as you're not allowed to use your engine when racing.

You could maybe post on PBO.

PS If it were me, I'd be looking at another supplier.

 

[springer]

Hi all,

A little light on the subject.

As from January 18th 2017 the next generation of RCD emission regulations become active and the D2-55 does not meet standards, and therefore cannot be legally supplied. The D2-75 turbo version is fine and remains available. The D2-60 will also be available almost immediately and is effectively a de-tuned D2-75, turbo and all, same shape, same size as D2-75. The reason that a D2-50 is not yet available is that emission testing has not been completed. These are well used and respected PERKINS built engines.
Hope this helps,
Springer

 

[ashtead]

What happens to all the unsold D2-55s then ? Are they shipped to the Channel Islands and sold there like the light weight 2 stroke outboards ? Or are they just allowed for commercial users now ? Maybe Perkins are sending them all to China ?

 

[aphypers]

Many thanks for the additional info re new RCD regulations, which is very helpful and does shed light on the snippets of information I’ve had from Volvo. Presumably other engine manufactures like Beta and Nanni are going to be in the same situation?

Out of interest, how is it that the D2-75 complies with the new regulations when the D2-55 doesn’t (I thought they were fundamentally the same engine)? Does the turbo on the D2-75 improve the emissions situation?

As for unsold D2-55s , Volvo tell me there aren’t any as they are each made to order. I’m assuming that any unused Perkins engine blocks which would previously have become D2-55s will now become D2-50s and D2-60s, once they have proved they meet the new regulations.

 

[springer]

Hi,

All manufacturers MUST conform to the RCD regs as from 18th January. The use of a turbo certainly helps with emission control particularly at the upper end of the horsepower rating. It should be noted that some of the smaller VP engines will reduce max output by 1 or 2 HP to meet the regs.

You are correct, the D2-55 blocks will be set at 50Hp and tested for certification, the 75 has been wound down to 60Hp and it looks as if all the testing and approval has been given. The D2-75 has been tested and certified at the 75Hp level.

Springer