volvo tmd 41 b - 150 hp

[JEG]

I am considering making an offer for a 11 metre steel boat powered by one of these with 1200 hours & ten years on the clock. In view of the criticism of this manufacturer in the past; I wondered if any of you had an opinion on this particular model?

I thank you.

 

[[2574]]

I ran a TAMD 41b in a 30' Nimbus for four years at sea (20kts). Single engine boat, cross channel. It never missed a beat, good engine, though it was a 192hp version.

 

[Divemaster1]

Believe this to be the 2nd generation of this engine .. turbo and intercooler, rated 150 with gearbox and shaft and believe 165 on sterndrive (first one was with turbo only and ratet at 130 hp, or was it 124 on shafts ?). This engine I believe formed the basis for the new KAD 6cyl series engines with revised fuel injection and combustion chambers etc.
Used to have 2x TMD41a's, which performed very well with no major problems. You may find some corrosion problems in the area (bend) where the cooling water hits the exhaust, but this will be obvious if you remove the bend (4 bolts & 15 min job) and inspect it. Relatively cheap to replace anyway. Engine will smoke at startup (pre-heating i seem to recall), but should run clean after that. My worry would be maintenance. In general a well used and maintained diesel, is better than one with low usage and perhaps badly stored.

My advise would be to do a proper sea trial and running the engine under load for a couple of hours and then push the engine a bit hard & check for smoke and or excess heating (temp gauge). Of course a proper survey of the vessel with engine oil analysis is essential.
Take a proper look at service history and find out if and when turbo has been changed (potentially expensive). Ought to check the intercooler for flow as well as I seem to recall some reduction in flow on the early engines...

Anyway, good luck !!

AHM

 

[spannerman]

Here in Norway it is about the most common engine around, and as a Volvo mechanic I can confirm that they are a sound engine if properly maintained. We had one traded in that had run 9,000 hrs without major overhaul in a commercial boat. The things to check for are:

When driving at full throttle the temp shouldn't exceed 80 -82 C, if it creeps up past that it needs the oil cooler and heat exchanger stripping and cleaning out, not a huge job but its a bargaining point. This will need doing on these engines at around 8-10 yrs.

Also check for sea water dripping from the back of the sea water pump, can wreck the alternator if its on that side.

Check temp on exhaust bend, should be able to place your hand on it when driving, if too hot poss rusted up and reqs replacing.

If poss remove airfilter and check for play on turbo shaft, should be next to none.

Take off oil filler cap while running, will be some air but if it blows a gale then engine is worn and reqs new pistons and liners.

Check for black smoke when accelerating boat, if excessive injectors need servicing, assuming air filter is OK.

Good luck Steve

 

[Chris771]

I'm running a TAMD41P in my Beneteau, but it is still basically new, so the problems should not start for at least another two years till the warranty is out.

Meanwhile it is quiet & smooth with good acceleration seems to burn about 5 gph at 19 kts in a Beneteau 760. I do like the smoothness of 6 cyls over the other 4 cylinder offerings although the Toyota Based 4 cyl Nanni was a temptation. The informed female input I got when making the choice was that the green paint looked better, the Nanni would have clashed with the curtains, so the choice was made on good sound values.

No regrets .................................................................... Yet!

Chris