Volvo D3
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Paul Harries
As a prospective buyer of a 54 I am anxious about all the negative comments online about the Volvo D3. Could you place this in context for me? Is this a bad engine with limited life? Are problems common place? Is it reliable?
Anyone had to replace engine, if so with what and at what cost. The problem with the internet is that problems tend to be magnified and reliability is under reported. I just want to place my anxiety in context. Thx Paul
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Stefan Schaufert
Dear Paul,
our D3 has appr. 1700 hours and is very reliable - so far. Only the water pump was a little bit tricky (leaky) - from time to time. Best regards Stefan A54 #119 Lady Charlyette, currently Bahamas
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Paul,
I replaced the VOLVO D3 110iC in 2018 with the VOLVO D3 110iH
Pls contact me directly ( teun@... ) and I will explain.
Best Regards Teun April 21, 2021 07:48:28
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Paul Harries via groups.io
As a prospective buyer of a 54 I am anxious about all the negative comments online about the Volvo D3. Could you place this in context for me? Is this a bad engine with limited life? Are problems common place? Is it reliable? Paul
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Mohammad Shirloo
Hi Paul;
We have had our 54 for about 6 years. We have not had any issues, other than the normal maintenance related items, with our 110, so far. We had the same concerns at the time of purchase, as you do now. Our research indicated that a handful of the 54s have had issues with their D3-110 with some of these being major, needing engine replacement, as you may have seen in this forum. Our research was also confirmed by our surveyor Olivier, that has been involved with Amels for over 30 years.
This did not sway our decision as we felt that the Amel and especially the 54, represented such a uniquely qualified boat for our purposes, that even the potential for an engine replacement, would not have affected our decision to move forward.
Our initial decision has been reinforced throughout our 6 year ownership and have been more and more impressed by the design every year.
Respectfully;
Mohammad and Aty B&B Kokomo Amel 54 #099
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Paul Harries via groups.io
As a prospective buyer of a 54 I am anxious about all the negative comments online about the Volvo D3. Could you place this in context for me? Is this a bad engine with limited life? Are problems common place? Is it reliable? Paul
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Paul, The Volvo D3 is a good engine. I believe that there were more failures with the D3 than the previous engines installed in Amels, but there is no empirical data on this, just anecdotal. I think most of the failures were due to the fact that the D3 was Volvo Penta's first Common Rail Sensor & Computer-controlled diesel engine. This was not only a challenge for owners but also for Volvo and Volvo technicians. There was a learning curve for everyone. For instance, years ago most of us did not realize that an oil-soaked turbo boost sensor could not only cause rpm and power problems but left uncorrected could eventually cause serious damage to the engine. As with anything, the more features, devices, and components one adds to a product, the more complicated it becomes, and the risk of failure increases. However, the Volvo D3 owners can be assured that the D3 is a much cleaner burning diesel engine that will help save the planet. Bill
As a prospective buyer of a 54 I am anxious about all the negative comments online about the Volvo D3. Could you place this in context for me? Is this a bad engine with limited life? Are problems common place? Is it reliable?
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Paul.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I’d be happy to speak to you off line if you wish. In short we bought a 54. The furlers were a problem and we changed them, and the VD3-110 died. We replaced the engine. Would I buy the boat again? Absolutely yes. It’s an amazing machine. Even with the original furlers, knowing what I now know, I might not have needed to change them. Re the engine I agree with Bill R completely. Now we have a D3-110 “H” model. Like Teun. Great engine. But as the D3-“C”motor ages, it proves its genetics: sound or faulty. Ours died a relatively early death. The A54 is wonderful. Amazing actually. We’re about 24k NM into our love affair. Heading to Fiji soon for another 2k. We’ve been on all sorts of other boats, cool in their own ways. 55s, 64s Gunboats, leopards, everything. I’ve not been tempted to have another boat. I’d have either a SM or a 54 all over again. ( I do have a slight weakness for a Farr 60 pilot house). Or the new Amel 50, if I was around a lot of orcas. 😄. Don’t be turned away. These boats are simply incredibly designed. The culmination of decades of nautical head scratching and millions of miles. Built to be single handed by a blind guy in the worst conditions. Wife and kid approved and loved as well. Get one! Best of luck. Porter McRoberts S/V IBIS A54-152
On Apr 21, 2021, at 4:48 AM, Teun BAAS <teun@...> wrote:
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Cheers Porter glad to hear life is good
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
👍🏻😁 Courtney Trippin 54#101
On Apr 21, 2021, at 5:41 PM, Porter McRoberts via groups.io <portermcroberts@...> wrote:
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Paul Harries
Thanks to you all
Did any of you have the D3 leave you stranded? What is appx cost of replacing the D3.
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Never stranded sometimes perplexed. I am right now trying to source an air boost sensor for my Penta D3 without it I am stuck with 2500 RPM as opposed to 3000 RPM however I rarely if ever cruise above 2200 RPM. The big issue is Amel used a different sensor than most Volvo engines so now I am searching for the right part.In the meantime I keep cruising.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Apr 21, 2021, at 7:09 PM, Paul Harries via groups.io <Pharries@...> wrote:
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Ulrich Michael Dangelmeyer
Hi Courtney and Porter, don't worry, the D3-110 is just a modern diesel engine as installed in millions of cars. Sure, at sea we don't need superfluous computers and high tech when it can be done simply. Here, however, the regulations set the framework. Our engine from the series "C" has over 16oo hours without failure. but we once had a defective boost pressure sensor like you, but could not identify the error codes in the EVC display. To do this, a first Volvo technician had to come with a special Vodia tester (only at Volvo), then the fault was clear after 5 seconds. Stupid only that not at each corner a Volvo service waits. I don't know if it is a smart idea to get such a tester, and all the sensors that are installed in the engine, as well as a spare? The sensor was not in stock at the importer in Greece and had to be ordered in Sweden. It took more than 2 weeks. Since then, our machine runs perfectly. It is important that the intercooler and heat exchanger is completely cleaned regularly. We did this last year, both were 80% clogged with scale and debris. After an acid bath and new seals, everything is now like new again. We do not need to talk about regular oil changes and impeller replacement. Volvo has told me that the machine has remained basically the same over the years, there were only adjustments to the auxiliary units. We still have a good feeling with our machine like many other 54's. so no worries. Best wishes and stay safe! Ulrich „Soleil Bleu“ / A54#088 <>
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With a D3-110 you have an engine block that has a bigger installed base than lots of other marine engines. Virtually all larger Volvo cars with diesel engines in the approx 2005-2018 were equipped with this block.
What make this engine problematic is the tolerance for poor maintenance. It has very little. This is valid for all common rail diesels. In return you get amazing power and torque from a relatively light engine with little vibration and good fuel economy. And yes, you also get better emissions but that is of little use for the individual user of the engine. Still relevant though. So as said by others you should take exceptional good care of the engine to keep it happy. Make sure you use proper diesel additives to prevent diesel fuel problems. Use the correct filters (also for the racor), change oil regularly. Check the engine at regular intervals when running for long periods, especially the raw water pump. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature and familiarize yourself with the temperatures of the coolant relative to the engine load. This will give you a hint if the cooling system is clogging up. Make sure the waist-gate of the turbo works well and is not seized up. You can feel if the turbo spins freely by removing the air-filter when the engine is off. Listen to the engine when it is running and learn to known the normal engine sound. When it changes find out why. Do not wait until things take a turn for the worse. I’ve heard Volvo Penta is taking the engine out of production because Volvo cars is no longer using it in any of their passenger cars. A direct replacement is not yet announced. Regards, Arno Luijten SV Luna, A54-121
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Dear Paul, I’m happy with my original D3-110i-C which has now 3200 hours and still very reliable - so far. Best regards Ruedi WASABI A54. #55 Von: "main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io" <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> on behalf of "Paul Harries via groups.io" <Pharries@...> Antworten an: "main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io" <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> Datum: Mittwoch, 21. April 2021 um 16:10 An: "main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io" <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> Betreff: [AmelYachtOwners] Volvo D3 Anyone had to replace engine, if so with what and at what cost. The problem with the internet is that problems tend to be magnified and reliability is under reported. I just want to place my anxiety in context. Thx Paul
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Scott SV Tengah
Original D3-110C here with around 2600hours and I'm generally pretty happy with it. It's a very efficient engine so there are not only environmental benefits but the fuel consumption is phenomenally low for such a big boat.
I had a persistent problem with the "emergency stop switch" that is mounted on the starboard side of the engine. It's a non-sealed unit that is in the airflow path of the intake fan. I'm not the only one who has this problem. It's a small, but quite consequential problem. Easy to remedy, however. When I was first looking, there was an HR48 that had major problems with their Volvo and it came down to fuel problems. We met another HR with the D3-110C in Panama that had to drop out of World ARC because of fuel related problems. I believe they're still stuck there a year later. Traumatized by those accounts, I now religiously filter, using a Baja Filter, every single drop that goes into my tank. Then I add biocide as a tank lasts us a year on average. For current D3 owners: The MAP / boost pressure sensor that is in the after cooler is easy to find. The first thing you shouldn't do is ask your Volvo Penta dealer, unless you like overpaying for that green paint. As some mentioned, this is the same engine in many Volvo cars, therefore the sensor is the same Bosch sensor, verified by the actual part number on the actual part. I paid $25 USD for mine vs. the $180 that the VP dealer wanted. You can pick it up at any auto parts store. It's made by Bosch, so I wouldn't even go to a Volvo car dealer as I'm sure they mark it up, too. I have used our replacement for a few hundred hours now with no problems. At that price, get a few of them. https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/31355463-MFG14.aspx Further, you can read many of the error codes using a procedure outlined by the Electrical section of the Shop Manual, posted elsewhere on this forum. No need for VODIA. That's how we, at anchor, determined the problem was the boost pressure sensor. -- Scott 2007 A54 #69 SV Tengah http://www.svtengah.com
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For current D3 owners: The MAP / boost pressure sensor that is in the after cooler is easy to find. The first thing you shouldn't do is ask your Volvo Penta dealer, unless you like overpaying for that green paint. As some mentioned, this is the same engine in many Volvo cars, therefore the sensor is the same Bosch sensor, verified by the actual part number on the actual part. I paid $25 USD for mine vs. the $180 that the VP dealer wanted. You can pick it up at any auto parts store. It's made by Bosch, so I wouldn't even go to a Volvo car dealer as I'm sure they mark it up, too. I have used our replacement for a few hundred hours now with no problems. At that price, get a few of them.https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/31355463-MFG14.aspxFurther, you can read many of the error codes using a procedure outlined by the Electrical section of the Shop Manual, posted elsewhere on this forum. No need for VODIA. That's how we, at anchor, determined the problem was the boost pressure sensor.Hi Scott, Thanks for that link, I’m going to order a few. Cheers, Arno Luijten SV Luna, A54-121
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Dominique Sery <dominiquesery@...>
Be careful,
There are different parts for Volvo D3-110i-A and Volvo D3-110i-B and later The price is also different. Dominique Irko-A54#16
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Good point Dominique.
I looked at the Volvo Penta parts diagrams for the part numbers and found the following: For D3-110i-A, the part number is
The price is $211usd Here's the exact same Bosch part, without the "Penta" packaging and it costs $56 USD. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-boost-pressure-sensor-map-sensor-0261230090 For D3-110i-B and D3-110i-C, the part number is 31355463 http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-spare-parts.aspx?Catalog=7744550&Category=26&View=9364 The price is also $211usd. Exact same Bosch part, missing the Penta on the box. It costs $25 :) https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/31355463-MFG14.aspx -- Scott 2007 A54 #69 SV Tengah http://www.svtengah.com
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Mohammad Shirloo
HI Scott;
Thanks for the info. I have ordered 4 of them which gets you free shipping for orders over $100.
The link you sent for the Volvo part lists the part (item #19) as 175 Euros. Still a big difference. Where is the 1300 Euro price tag you are referring to?
Happy Sailing;
Mohammad and Aty B&B Kokomo AMEL 54 #099
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Scott SV Tengah via groups.io
Good point Dominique.
http://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-spare-parts.aspx?Catalog=7744550&Category=26&View=6722
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Paul Harries
Many years ago I was a Lotus sports car nut. We had the same problem, part prices from lotus 20x price of same part from elsewhere.
Have you considered setting up as a group a single repository detailing volvo part and identical but alternatively sourced alternative? Not only do you save lots of money in a crisis but availability is superior.
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Scott SV Tengah
Ah just realized the pricing is in Danish Kroner (I'm in DK right now) so the Volvo Penta part is $211USD vs. $25 for the Bosch OEM part. That's the more typical 8x markup we're used to paying for the "Penta" box. :)
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I am not sure that is the correct part number for Amel-specific isolated ground. It is a different number than I received from Amel Martinique. Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School +1 832-380-4970 | brouse@... 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com Yacht School Calendar: www.preparetocastoff.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html
On Sat, Apr 24, 2021, 11:08 AM Scott SV Tengah <Scott.nguyen@...> wrote:
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