I have a Volvo Penta MD11C in a boat that pretty much fell in my lap. I am looking for help in putting together a plan that I can follow to:
- Evaluate the engine to determine what, if any, issues the engine has.
- Perform maintenance that needs to be done before Spring launch
- Come up with a maintenance schedule to follow in the future
To the best of my knowledge the boat has been on the hard for the past two years, except for a brief launch to test the engine for a possible sale. My understanding is that the sale fell through for reasons other than the engine. The boat is a 1980 model and the engine is original. The engine is raw water cooled and has always been in fresh water (Great Lakes).
This is the first diesel engine I have ever owned and I really don't know much about them. I have previously taken a tempermental Atomic 4 gas engine and made it run very well with the help of the folks and forum members over at Moyer Marine. I am hopeful that I can do the same with this engine, with some guidance and information here.
What should be my first steps in evaluating the engine? What can I do over Winter and what has to wait until Spring?
I figure before spring launch I should, at a minimum, replace the water pump impeller and change the engine oil/filter and fuel filter(s?). What other basic maintenance should I expect to do? Should the two-year-old fuel be pumped out and disposed of or is this less of an issue than with old gas fuel? Should the tank be cleaned?
Thanks,
Tim
- Evaluate the engine to determine what, if any, issues the engine has.
- Perform maintenance that needs to be done before Spring launch
- Come up with a maintenance schedule to follow in the future
To the best of my knowledge the boat has been on the hard for the past two years, except for a brief launch to test the engine for a possible sale. My understanding is that the sale fell through for reasons other than the engine. The boat is a 1980 model and the engine is original. The engine is raw water cooled and has always been in fresh water (Great Lakes).
This is the first diesel engine I have ever owned and I really don't know much about them. I have previously taken a tempermental Atomic 4 gas engine and made it run very well with the help of the folks and forum members over at Moyer Marine. I am hopeful that I can do the same with this engine, with some guidance and information here.
What should be my first steps in evaluating the engine? What can I do over Winter and what has to wait until Spring?
I figure before spring launch I should, at a minimum, replace the water pump impeller and change the engine oil/filter and fuel filter(s?). What other basic maintenance should I expect to do? Should the two-year-old fuel be pumped out and disposed of or is this less of an issue than with old gas fuel? Should the tank be cleaned?
Thanks,
Tim
