Forums, Engine, Gearbox, Stern Gear, etc, Volvo 2030

Zoom 495 at 21/11/2014 17:41:29
Hello all. I have a Volvo 2030D engine in Zoom. I believe the hours to be very low although I think the engine was installed at least eight years ago.
Does anybody have any experience with these Nordic beasts?
Specifically, the engine gauge panel appears to be faulty. The rev counter registers different numbers than what I feel the engine to be turning, the hour meter does not read, and the temp gauge reads quite low even though a heat gun says the engine temp is normal.
Thanks all

George Isted at 25/11/2014 13:57:09
I think having a Volvo fitted in a Co32 is a little unusual so I am not sure how many on here will be able to help.

You may be better asking for assistance on a more general sailing forum such as the one on www.ybw.com.

waratah912 at 25/11/2014 16:18:21
We have a Volvo, but it’s a 2002, so an older model.
The tachometer behaves oddly, but that’s because it’s for a 24v system in a 12v installation (don’t ask….but if anyone needs a 24v Volvo tacho….), result is it reads something like double, goes off scale and then starts all over again! Marginally more useful than one that doesn’t work at all.
A 2030 is probably more power than you can dissipate through a 2 blade prop in the standard CO32 aperture, so you may be under prop’d and the engine is running light. If in doubt about the temperature, change the thermostat, it may be sticking open. They are available from all good Volvo stockists for their normal bargain prices! I’ve changed ours twice in 25 years ownership and always carry a spare. Mine have failed shut which is more of a problem, especially on a raw water cooled engine.
So long as the high temp and no charge alarms work and you get 6+ knots while cruising, enjoy the scenery and ignore the instruments :)

Zoom 495 at 25/11/2014 21:58:05
Thank you Gentlemen for the responses.
The Volvo 2030 was installed by the previous owner and I believe it is a Campbell Sailor 3 blade prop that was mounted at the same time. I have no doubt the vessel has more engine than it needs, but the tach reads low, which is weird.
Is this an unusual engine for a Co 32 because of it`s size, or are they just plain unpopular?
Cheers,k

George Isted at 26/11/2014 10:37:13
I suspect they are less popular when replacing an engine due to their initial cost and cost of parts. Nothing wrong with Volvo engines, in fact they are very good and common in new build boats from the main manufacturers (Ben/Jen/Bav/etc).

waratah912 at 26/11/2014 17:20:09
I suspect Volvo are also probably larger and heavier than the competition too

Zoom 495 at 26/11/2014 17:58:22
Well regardless of their cost or weight, their electrickary leaves a little to be desired. And thanks for the heads up on the cost of spares. I will start sourcing some items now to get the best price possible on items I will eventually need.

waratah912 at 26/11/2014 19:16:29
There’s another thread on the forum about the spring washer that retains the stop and throttle mechanisms – definitely worth keeping an eye on that!

Simon Begley at 27/11/2014 22:38:42
I think this engine is actually a Perkins Perama M30, but painted green instead of blue. We have the Perkins M20 in Blue Jalma. It’s appears identical to the Volvo 2020 except for the gearbox. In my experience the parts are interchangeable, but they cost more if they come in a Volvo box.

George Isted at 28/11/2014 09:44:07
More interesting (if you like that sort of thing) info on the Perkins Perama M30/Volvo 2030 here….
http://coxengineering.sharepoint.com/Pages/EngineDerivations.aspx

Zoom 495 at 29/11/2014 02:30:17
Wow, that is interesting info. Opens up a few options for acquiring spares…
Thanks Gents