VP2003 head replacement

The heat of engine block seems normal to me, but the elbow still seems unaffected by it is about at ambient.
Ran at 1500 against my moorings no changes.
 
black mercury said:
If access is good you can remove the black rubber exhaust from the elbow and look up with a strong torch to see the condition of the elbow. A mirror may be needed. It will save you removing the elbow. Be warned the exhaust hose can take a grip on the elbow, you may need to use a screwdriver and slowly work around where the two clamp and force the rubber from the steel elbow.
When you check the exhuast elbow concentrate on where the cooling water exits inside the elbow.
But run engine and check for water around the injectors first, before pulling things apart.
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Still running will have to stop soon once moved to tidal hard stand.
No seepage, elbow feels cool, sounds sweet.
Still unsure that all is as well as should be following my previous experience with white smoke.
Is running at a mooring a good enough test, as like yourself and others here suggest checking the elbow for any blockage.
 
White smoke on start up is common on those engines - they use extra fuel to get themselves in the mood to run.

I can't help thinking that if the engine is running sweetly, it is, to translate a French expression, "of extreme urgency that you do nothing" until you've got to know the foibles of the engine. It's a decent lump, but it has been around a bit, so is likely to have its little ways, but if it starts and runs OK any problems are unlikely to be terminal.

I'd certainly agree that any mechanic who says you need a new head because the copper sleeves are leaking is not one to allow on your boat. He may say he can change the sleeves, then discover the head is beyond repair, which is unlikely, but possible, but I don't see how he can know without dismantling. If it is leaking sleeves, which is possible, but by no means certain, I'd expect signs of water in the oil. Maybe check that?

Final thought, if it does really need to be done, I don't know how much you are expecting to pay for a head, but if it's in decent condition, I'd guess it's not going to be cheap, plus gaskets, plus labour. That's a fair bit of cash, and you'll still have an old engine at the end. Maybe bite the bullet and put a new engine in? How much is peace of mind worth? - and, most probably, a significantly quieter boat under power.
 
pvb said:
You need a new fitter! The copper sleeves into which the injectors fit are sealed by O-rings. If you have the correct tools (Volvo Penta dealers have them) it's an easy job.
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I had two done while I waited and for peanuts. Certainly not even £100 for two. A good fitter using standard roller type tube expanders should be able to do this. Just make sure the are expanded the correct amount I have seen some that were not.
 
Stemar said:
White smoke on start up is common on those engines - they use extra fuel to get themselves in the mood to run.

I can't help thinking that if the engine is running sweetly, it is, to translate a French expression, "of extreme urgency that you do nothing" until you've got to know the foibles of the engine. It's a decent lump, but it has been around a bit, so is likely to have its little ways, but if it starts and runs OK any problems are unlikely to be terminal.

I'd certainly agree that any mechanic who says you need a new head because the copper sleeves are leaking is not one to allow on your boat. He may say he can change the sleeves, then discover the head is beyond repair, which is unlikely, but possible, but I don't see how he can know without dismantling. If it is leaking sleeves, which is possible, but by no means certain, I'd expect signs of water in the oil. Maybe check that?

Final thought, if it does really need to be done, I don't know how much you are expecting to pay for a head, but if it's in decent condition, I'd guess it's not going to be cheap, plus gaskets, plus labour. That's a fair bit of cash, and you'll still have an old engine at the end. Maybe bite the bullet and put a new engine in? How much is peace of mind worth? - and, most probably, a significantly quieter boat under power.
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You sound like me talking to myself in the middle of the night, and in agreement with your pragmatic approach along with the extreme urgency of doing nothing. There comes a point, an economice one where it is not longer viable to spend on what is an elderly engine anyway. My costs at present are nearly £700.00 for head and gaskets., all except the carriage is refundable.
The engine looks in good order, except in one area the paint original. I understand from the PO that the gearbox is fairly new, and indeed looks so.
Since running for an hour there is no sign of anyweeping of water up past the injectors, non at all, the oil looks good on the dipstick, no signs of emulsification usually associated here oil is present.
i realise they are a little smokey to start but since the fitter is much reduced.
My only concern is the white smoke/steam that appeared some 2 hours into a trip, not seen any since, but neither have i made any until off the hard stand.
I do so much appreciate all comments, advice, this site never fails to do so.
 
Bilgediver said:
I had two done while I waited and for peanuts. Certainly not even £100 for two. A good fitter using standard roller type tube expanders should be able to do this. Just make sure the are expanded the correct amount I have seen some that were not.
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Take the head in and do it whilst you waited sounds great. I dont mind if its a couple days no worries.
What symptoms did you have that meant the liners had to be replaced.
 
Cleanhull said:
Take the head in and do it whilst you waited sounds great. I dont mind if its a couple days no worries.
What symptoms did you have that meant the liners had to be replaced.
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One moved when trying to remove an injector so to be safe during the next winter overhaul changed both. .

Leaking nozzle sleeves is not likely to produce steam in the exhaust. The steam you may see at the stern of the boat is more likely to be steam produced in the lower temperature zones of the cooling passage and then getting into the cooled exhaust at the exhaust elbow. Earlier Volvo s such as the MD1 etc MD2 etc and some later ones were prone to this where water surrounding the bore could boil due to poor circulation and appear as pulses of steam at the stern. It is possible this can happen with the 2003 . A failed head gasket can have this effect but the steam is produced in the water jacket not the cylinder. if steam is produced in the cylinder it will be superheated and probably not seen.
 
It's worth noting that these engines are notorious for producing a little white smoke, which is usually reduced when the waterways are given a good clean using acid or Rydlime or similar. I used Hydrochloric acid (commonly available as brick cleaner); it made an immediate and substantial difference. Take the engine anode and themostat out before doing this!
 
AntarcticPilot said:
It's worth noting that these engines are notorious for producing a little white smoke, which is usually reduced when the waterways are given a good clean using acid or Rydlime or similar.
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My VP2003 has always run with some white 'smoke' trailing the boat. I've had it 12 years now. I did get a Volspec engineer to look at it once and he declared it to be steam due to condensation forming in the latter part of the exhaust pipe and absolutely nothing to worry about. If the engine starts, and runs fine, I'd leave it alone and go sailing...
 
Maybe keep that reconditioned cylinder head. If engine starts easily and you have a new gearbox you could have years of future use out of the engine. It won't be long before heads will be hard to source. Even if you never use it you will be able to sell it in the future, for more than you paid for it.
As has been said, an engine flush and elbow inspection for now, then keep using it. Maybe send a video of smoke / steam if it happens again.
 
black mercury said:
Maybe keep that reconditioned cylinder head. If engine starts easily and you have a new gearbox you could have years of future use out of the engine. It won't be long before heads will be hard to source. Even if you never use it you will be able to sell it in the future, for more than you paid for it.
As has been said, an engine flush and elbow inspection for now, then keep using it. Maybe send a video of smoke / steam if it happens again.
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A very good point re keeping the head, along with a head gasket set which are quite expensive, even if my existing continues to give good service.
I would like to say a very gratefull thank you to all who have taken the time and interest in contributing to my request for help.
I have certainly learned a lot about my VP2003, knowledge that will contribute to her future running, and, may help me help another sometime. Bset wishes to all.
 
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