Whats the reliable life of a Volvo D1-30A

[picardy]

I have a D1-30A with about 350 hrs on the clock. Its an early 2005 model and currently works Ok but has had some money spent on various minor repairs.

My question is what is the expected reliable trouble free life for an engine like this? I know it will go on for ever if I keep replacing parts but is there an optimum time to replace a modern diesel engine in years rather than hours? I am particular mindful of corrosion (which is starting to show on the exterior) and of course electrics which may become troublesome.

Many thanks

 

[Quandary]

I have one of those, Japanese build quality with fresh water rather than raw water cooling, an easy life running at 2k. revs and frequent oil changes, I reckon about thirty years by which time I will be over 100 and might have given up sailing. I am not so sure about the saildrive, though I still expect it to see me out.
The industrial diesel workshop that rebuilt my last engine at around 15 years old explained that what they had done was quite unnecessary and that most boat diesels were taken out of service with loads of life left in them.

 

[RichardS]

I have a D1-30A with about 350 hrs on the clock. Its an early 2005 model and currently works Ok but has had some money spent on various minor repairs.

My question is what is the expected reliable trouble free life for an engine like this? I know it will go on for ever if I keep replacing parts but is there an optimum time to replace a modern diesel engine in years rather than hours? I am particular mindful of corrosion (which is starting to show on the exterior) and of course electrics which may become troublesome.

Many thanks

350 hrs ..... it's barely run-in. My engines as both over 3000 hours and I expect them to see me out!

Richard

 

[Tranona]

Address the corrosion problems - does it leak or is your engine bay damp and it will outlast you. Basic engine is lifed for 8000 hours, but to achieve that you need to run it at load for reasonable periods and make sure it is always properly warmed up. Occasional bursts to at least 3000 rpm. change the oil and filters every year or 150 hours and the coolant every 2/3 years. The 2030 (predecessor model to yours) was used on charter for 7 years and had 3500 hours and ran the same as it did when new. What kills diesel auxiliaries is short running times, particularly at light loads followed by long periods of inactivity (and neglect!)

 

[pvb]

What kills diesel auxiliaries is short running times, particularly at light loads followed by long periods of inactivity (and neglect!)

Fully agree, and the OP's 350 hrs in 10 yrs suggests not a lot of use. I always make sure I run the engine at fairly full throttle for at least 20 mins every time I take the boat out.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

My MD2030+ms25s has done 5500Hrs in 15 years and it is in need of attention. I'm planning to take the lot out and replace the entire drivetrain with a new D1-30F + 130S Saildrive ... then it should outlast me. The old engine will be opened up to assess the cost of a refurb and will be rebuilt and sold, or E-Bayed for spares - dependent on wear.

 

[charles_reed]

Depends on how badly it's been neglected, but I'd expect a life of 10K hours from a diesel of this nature. 350 hours (if the meter is accurate) is totally insignificant - my last 2GMYanmar did nearly 10K hours from new and that was raw-water cooled.