1983 Volvo penta 170hp

[ggundersen3]

Looking at a 1983 19' bayliner bowrider with a volvo penta 170hp 4 cylinder I/O. A few questions here
1- is that the 3.7L?
2-Is that going to be breaker ignition or solid state? If not solid state , is there a conversion kit available?
3- I've had mercruiser alpha one and omc cobra drives in the past, how much different will the '83 volvo penta be to maintain/operate?
4- will this 3.7L do the job pulling up a skier?
5- what else should I be aware of?

 

[captmello]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

No it wouldn't be a 3.7l. The only 170hp 4 cyl motor volvo had was the AQ171. It was a DOHC, twin carb high output 4 banger. Nothing wrong with it except they are a bit rare and parts are going to be expensive and a bit hard to come by. It did not have a points style distributor.

Its performance will be based on the size boat which you don't mention in your post.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

The ignition came stock with points.
The 3.7 I believe is a V-6??
The 170 came as a straight 6cyl.
Not sure how many 170's came in a 19 Bayliner.
Most were the AQ125a
How many carbs?
Pics?
It's over 30 and probably needs a manifold and maybe a heat exchanger.
Volvos are the best sterndrive.
But VERY expensive to replace parts.
I'd suggest a survey paying close attention to the engine.

 

[aerobat]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

but the aq171 was not present in 1983. so either its not 4 cylinder , not 170 hp or not a 1983.

like stated correctly above the only 4cyl 170 hp was the rare aq171.

 

[ggundersen3]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

From the research Ive done it's a mercruiser 470 engine (3.7L 170HP) with a volvo penta outdrive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

From the research Ive done it's a mercruiser 470 engine (3.7L 170HP) with a volvo penta outdrive.

Nope,.... Merc. 'n Volvo never did that,....

 

[ggundersen3]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

Heres a pic of the drive. I dont have one of the engine yet.

 

[aerobat]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

that looks like a 270 drive to me, exited what engine you have. it might be somebody married a 470 mercruiser engine with the volvo drive on his own.

 

[ggundersen3]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

Here is a photo of the engine. It apparently is the rather rare 170HP 4cyl with the closed cooling system. The boat overall was in too rough of shape for me regardless of price. I'm not buying it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

I think the 4cyl.171 and the170 had 2 carbs.
One AQ175/170hp had a V-6
That looks like the AQ125A

 

[captmello]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

That looks like the AQ125A

+1, the seller doesn't know what he/she is talking about.

 

[raven1978]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

+1, the seller doesn't know what he/she is talking about.

+1 i have that exact same motor, it is an AQ125

 

[Alan Lloys]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

+1 more on the AQ125A engine. The "A" and "B" versions look basically identical but the "B" version was only available in 1985-86. I have one of each engines at home.
The nominal rating is 117 hp for that engine combination and it is a 2.1L 4 cylinder engine.

I agree that the seller must not know about the engines.
On the good side these engines are very durable when treated properly. They will not make the boat a speed boat and I think you would struggle pulling a skier out of the hole with it.
I have the 19' Bayliner cuddy (Capri 1950) with the "B" engine. It will go about 32 mph at WOT and cruise at 28 mph just fine. But it is not fast at getting up on plane - plus I usually ease into it. It is a 30 year old engine after all.
Note that spare parts can be somewhat difficult to find for these engines but you can usually find used parts for them.

 

[aerobat]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

spot an - an aq 125 with a 270 drive. so not 170hp

 

[Alan Lloys]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

Looking at a 1983 19' bayliner bowrider with a volvo penta 170hp 4 cylinder I/O. A few questions here
1- is that the 3.7L?
2-Is that going to be breaker ignition or solid state? If not solid state , is there a conversion kit available?
3- I've had mercruiser alpha one and omc cobra drives in the past, how much different will the '83 volvo penta be to maintain/operate?
4- will this 3.7L do the job pulling up a skier?
5- what else should I be aware of?

To get back to you original question I think we can answer them now.
1) it is a 4 cylinder AQ125A engine which is 2.1L
2) This has the old style ignition with condenser and distributor. You can upgrade with a solid state retrofit kit like Pertronix or Hot-Spark. I used Pertronix on mine and it works excellent.
3) I have only had the two AQ125 engines so I don't have experience with the Mercruiser or OMC engines. I feel that the Volvo is very easy to maintain. It has closed cooling loop with a heat exchanger so you are not running sea water through the block. If you use proper antifreeze in the closed loop like on a car it is very easy to winterize and drain.
I rebuilt the carb and put on the electronic ignition and have not touched it since apart from oil and filter changes.
4) As mentioned it will likely be a bit on the weak side for a skier. Should be fine for tubing although I have not tried it with mine yet.
5) Be aware to not trust sellers - many don't know what they are talking about :lol:

 

[justinteoc]

Re: 1983 Volvo penta 170hp

hope you have deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep Pockets