Proper Volvo break-in procedure

[QC]

I have a friend who is buying a new boat with a Volvo 5.7L 320 bhp Duo-prop. I beleive it is a GXiDP, but wouldn't swear to it. Anyway, my dog has more mechanical apptitude than he does and I usually guide him with this kind of stuff. We will probably boat this weekend and would like to remind him on proper break-in stuff as his typical mode of operation is on or off . . . I have tried, trust me.<br /><br />I know the Merc 20 hour stuff, but would love to hear the Volvo recommendations. Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

It's all detailed in the owners manual that comes with the it. That would be the best thing to go by.

 

[KM2]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

The volvo owners manual will give clear break in instructions and any quality dealer will go over it when the boat is picked up. <br /><br />Offer to bring a cooler of beverages and snacks and go for a long cruise to break it in. I had fun doing mine. <br /><br />Some of the guys here can post the exact instructions.

 

[QC]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

Roger all of that, but as I am usually guiding him by the radio from my boat, a couple of quick teasers would be helpful.<br /><br />I am a manual reader from way back, but again this is his boat not mine i.e. his manual too. He likes to read the pretty lights and push all of the buttons . . .

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

Copy the break-in from his owners manual, then you can remind him...<br /><br />Here are some other guidelines...<br /><br />For the first ten hours...<br /><br />Plane the boat off quickly(not at WOT) then back off the throttle.<br /><br />Vary the throttle by more than 500 rpms, every ten minutes.<br /><br />for the first three hours do not use more than 3/4 throttle ( say 3500-4000 rpms )Short bursts (again, not WOT) of higher are ok for a few seconds...<br /><br />Do not sit at idle for more than 15 minutes. Even in an idle zone, he needs to vary the throttle. Try to hit 1200 rpms if he can.<br /><br />IMPORTANT: That may well be one of the finest engines ever built, by anybody. Proper break-in and care will keep it that way for years!<br /><br />Lack of care, etc... will render it one of the most expensive pieces of junk known to man...

 

[QC]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

Roger Rabidfish. I was looking for the Volvo recs as I will commit to memory and although I may get a chance to look at his manual I may not . . .<br /><br />I knew the old OMC stringer procedure and I have the Merc manual in my hand, but I wanted to have the Volvo plan so I could keep reminding him. He realizes he needs help, but he will not read his manual. My wife already thinks I spend too much time on his stuff, so I was looking for shortcuts.

 

[QC]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

P.S. How does the 320 Volvo really differ from the Merc Mag 350? Is what GM supplies to both basically the same?

 

[vipzach]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

Quietcat, my best advice would be to tell your friend that for his benefit he really needs to sit down for an hour and read his manuel. I know it is a whole hour, but if he wants to enjoy that new boat for as long as possible he needs to do it. Take it to the bathroom and and enjoy a long sit and read it!

 

[QC]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

Roger vip-dude. You're probably right. I'll see if I can be convincing. My other concern is he'll blow through the marina at 1200 RPM waving his manual at everybody . . .

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Proper Volvo break-in procedure

The GXi and the 350MAG share basically the same hard parts.<br /><br />Mercruiser uses a Motorola control and Volvo uses a modified version of the Delphi unit(GM)<br /><br />The associated parts can be dramatically different but they perform the same basic functions.