Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

[rgood44]

Just bought a used boat - Larson sei 180 with a 4.3 Volvo Penta

Took it out for the first time today here is what happened

1) Oil pressure is low - runs at about 20 psi or so at full throttle

2) Engine alarm goes on at idle. Pressure is basically zero Goes off as soon as I go above idle

3) Temp is very low. Maybe 110 degrees

Otherwise the boar runs great. Starts great, runs great, everything seems to be fine.

Do not know what to do. I am going to take it to a dealer but I want to know what is going on before I do that. I am pretty good mechanically but I have not exp. with boats.

I am new the the forum. So sorry in advance if stuff has been answered already.

 

[rgood44]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

Just bought a used boat - Larson sei 180 with a 4.3 Volvo Penta

Took it out for the first time today here is what happened

1) Oil pressure is low - runs at about 20 psi or so at full throttle

2) Engine alarm goes on at idle. Pressure is basically zero Goes off as soon as I go above idle

3) Temp is very low. Maybe 110 degrees

Otherwise the boar runs great. Starts great, runs great, everything seems to be fine.

Do not know what to do. I am going to take it to a dealer but I want to know what is going on before I do that. I am pretty good mechanically but I have not exp. with boats.

I am new the the forum. So sorry in advance if stuff has been answered already.

Also, there my be gas in the oil.

Could all of this be caused by thermostat problem?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

What is the Volvo model number of your engine? Does it have a mechanical fuel pump? How much gas is in the oil?

If a mechanical fuel pump fails it can put gas directly into the crankcase when running. The gas dilutes the oil and thins it out. That may be why you loose oil pressure.
The first thing you want to do is get the diluted oil out of the engine, and new oil in. Including filter. DO NOT run it before replacing the oil and filter.
No, the fuel problem is not related to the thermostat problem.

 

[rgood44]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

What is the Volvo model number of your engine? Does it have a mechanical fuel pump? How much gas is in the oil?

If a mechanical fuel pump fails it can put gas directly into the crankcase when running. The gas dilutes the oil and thins it out. That may be why you loose oil pressure.
The first thing you want to do is get the diluted oil out of the engine, and new oil in. Including filter. DO NOT run it before replacing the oil and filter.
No, the fuel problem is not related to the thermostat problem.

It is the 4.3 Gl. I beleive it is an electric fuel pump. I do not know how much gas is in the oil. I am going change the oil and the stcuk thermostat and see what happens. Thanks for your help!

 

[King P.V.]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

Use a non-synthetic, heavy weight oil, such as a 10w40 or even Mercury's 25-40. . Heavy oil, higher oil pressure.... maybe.

 

[rgood44]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

UPDATE: Drained the oil - very diluted with gas. What could cause this? Also, the boat was run in this condition. I am now afraid the motor was damaged by the previous owner by running it with gas in the oil.

Questions:

1) I have heard that a cold running motor can cause gas to go into the oil? True?

2) What tests should I have the shop run? Compression? What else?

The boat runs and starts great. I am hoping that if I replace the themostat and oil, filter, etc. this will all go away (probably wishful thinking!) Any help would be great.

 

[imperial200]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

bad fuel pump if its mechanical? should not have really damaged the motor maybe took a few years off the life but it should be ok i would change the oil sooner than normal the next few times

 

[rgood44]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

bad fuel pump if its mechanical? should not have really damaged the motor maybe took a few years off the life but it should be ok i would change the oil sooner than normal the next few times

thanks. That makes me feel a little better. It is an electric fuel pump. Any other ideas.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Volvo 4.3 - Some issues

I'd be cutting an oil filter before heading out to sea. see what's in the pleats. If the bearings were harmed, lead tin overlay material will be in the filter.
If that's the case, you want to tear the engine down before the crank is destroyed or a rod goes through the block.
If the filter is clean, you'll have peace of mind.

You are changing the filter anyways, spend $30 on a filter cutter.

Use the weight of oil recommended in you owner's manual.