Greg2
Well-Known Member
Looking at a boat with these engines (306hp). Anyone had any experience of them? In particular I am interested in reliability, known faults and fuel consumption.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Volvo TAMD 61
- Thread starter Greg2
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stuartw
Well-Known Member
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Wonderful engines. Immensley strong, having been derived from a very successful truck engine, for which you still can get many spares at a fraction of VP prices. Bags of torque.
The only known serious problem I know of, relates to exhaust valves sticking, due to the wrong material. This happened in the late 80's, and in the case of mine, these were changed. If it hasn't happened by now, it is unlikely to happen ever.
The only other minor problems, are leaking 'O' ring seals in the intercooler heat exchangers. Fairly easy to remedy though.
Apart from the odd electrical connector undoing itself due to vibration, I can think of nothing else.
As regards fuel consumption, it would depend on the hull form. My TS37 (twin 61's), which is semi-displacement, I get around 1 gallon/ N mile @ 20 knts. A little better at 17 knts and heaps better @ 8 knts if you can stand going at that speed.
They start very well, but you need good batteries - huge starting current.
All in all, I think they are an excellent work horse.
The only known serious problem I know of, relates to exhaust valves sticking, due to the wrong material. This happened in the late 80's, and in the case of mine, these were changed. If it hasn't happened by now, it is unlikely to happen ever.
The only other minor problems, are leaking 'O' ring seals in the intercooler heat exchangers. Fairly easy to remedy though.
Apart from the odd electrical connector undoing itself due to vibration, I can think of nothing else.
As regards fuel consumption, it would depend on the hull form. My TS37 (twin 61's), which is semi-displacement, I get around 1 gallon/ N mile @ 20 knts. A little better at 17 knts and heaps better @ 8 knts if you can stand going at that speed.
They start very well, but you need good batteries - huge starting current.
All in all, I think they are an excellent work horse.
ari
Well-Known Member
Totally agree. One of Volvos best. Big heavy low revving luggers that go on forever. Usefully unstressed and simple compared to modern engines.
Fitted in loads of stuff from Fairline, Princess, etc, extremely well proven.
I'd have a boat with a pair of these like a shot!
(TAMD 41's are my other favourite, in smaller boats obviously).
Fitted in loads of stuff from Fairline, Princess, etc, extremely well proven.
I'd have a boat with a pair of these like a shot!
(TAMD 41's are my other favourite, in smaller boats obviously).
mehei
Member
Fully agree with above coments.
We have a turbo 36 with approx 1500hrs without any big problems.
Look at the main weld on the exhaust /turbo connection .
These can fail because of design fault.
A modification is available from volvo in america !!!
We have a turbo 36 with approx 1500hrs without any big problems.
Look at the main weld on the exhaust /turbo connection .
These can fail because of design fault.
A modification is available from volvo in america !!!
Greg2
Well-Known Member
Thanks. Boat is a Princess with a planing hull so I guess fuel consumption may be a bit better at 20 knots than a semi-disp?
Doffy
Well-Known Member
Greg
Had these in Doffy, with no real problems at all, only as they wear the oil pressure when coming from a long run to idle as you come in thro piers drops to below 25psi alrm should kick in at 10psi.
If its a princess then check that the filters and impellors have been changed as they are real sods to get to and a lot of people don't bother to change the oil filter on the stb engine.
If your buying go for a good run at least 15-20 min at cruising speed of 20-22 knots and watch oil and temps. they should reach 2650 rpm easly mine on a 385 hit 3000 no problem with 21 x23 3 blade props, top speed 28-30.1 max.
If your after the 368 in Low then it looks a good boat??
Had these in Doffy, with no real problems at all, only as they wear the oil pressure when coming from a long run to idle as you come in thro piers drops to below 25psi alrm should kick in at 10psi.
If its a princess then check that the filters and impellors have been changed as they are real sods to get to and a lot of people don't bother to change the oil filter on the stb engine.
If your buying go for a good run at least 15-20 min at cruising speed of 20-22 knots and watch oil and temps. they should reach 2650 rpm easly mine on a 385 hit 3000 no problem with 21 x23 3 blade props, top speed 28-30.1 max.
If your after the 368 in Low then it looks a good boat??
Greg2
Well-Known Member
Yep, we have viewed that boat and a couple more elsewhere. Sea trial on another example showed engine temps/pressure appeared OK with about 2500 revs max (don't know prop size but had 4 bladed props fitted recently). Log not working so dificult to estimate the speed. Cited as 28 knots when new so probably won't pull that now. One in Low cited as 22/23 knots at approx 2300rpm and not run any faster.
Not sure what we will do - flybridge/sportscruiser debate still not completely resolved
Not sure what we will do - flybridge/sportscruiser debate still not completely resolved
ari
Well-Known Member
Which model Princess is it?
Greg2
Well-Known Member
Princess 368
