4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

[CapriRestorer]

Hi, I bought a used Bayliner about 5 months ago that has a 4 cylinder Volvo Penta (model AQ125A). For the longest time( I am not counting the 10 or so years it sat before I bought it), the engine would not do anything. Recently, I discovered a loose wire hanging by the throttle control lever, so I wondered if that was some sort of safety mechanism for the engine. I found that it plugged into the throttle control, so I plugged it in and turned on the ignition. The engine started to crank, but as it started to turn, I noticed a problem. First of all, it sounded like it wasn't getting enough battery power, but the boat's voltmeter showed that the battery was at full charge. As the engine (or the power) started "dying", it began to make an awful clicking noise (possibly a bad starter??) Eventully it wouldn't crank at all, it just made that clicking noise. If I let it sit for awile, then it would start cranking again. Another thing I found wrong was that the valves were not moving (and neither was the belt that was supposed to turn them). Are these problems hard or costly to fix??

 

[Ride The Lightning]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

Hi,

could be that the magnetic switch nearby the starter is defect. Does the bevel disengage? Are you sure that the crankshaft turns when actuating the starter?

Regards,
Lars

 

[Don S]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

Don't go by the instrument panel volt meter. Get a digital meter and hook it to the battery and try to crank it. You will probably find the battery is dead, especially if it's been with the boat for 10 years.
Take it and have it fully charged and load tested, while it may show 13V, when you put a load on it, it could drop off sharply.
Also make sure all the connections for the battery cables are CLEAN and TIGHT, not just wingnut tight, use a regular nut and a wrench.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

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[Robj]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

Get the timing belt fixed and then try it again. If the valves aren't opening and closing properly that would make the engine more difficult to turn over. After you fixed it, you should do a compression test to determine the condition of the cylinders. I used an automotive belt and tensioner when I replaced mine.

Have a great day.

Rob.

 

[CapriRestorer]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

I pulled the battery off today and hooked it up to my battery charger. I found that the battery was next to dead!! I will charge it up overnight and try to crank it tomorrow. I wouldn't have thought that the battery would be dead, because I bought it new about 4 months ago and barely used it. Should I try to start the engine if everything seems to work (I have a dry starter, but I am not sure if it would be good for the engine since it sat for ten years)??

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

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[CapriRestorer]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

I charged the battery up about two days ago and hooked it up to the engine. The engine cranked like it should, and the timing belt started to move the valves!! The engine will still not start (I am not sure why), but I know the valves (and timing belt) are fine. I do know for a fact that this engine will need a major carb job. I can't even crank it for five seconds before the gas starts to spill out through one of the gaskets. Then again should I get the engine looked at before I start it??

To Whywhyzed - I guess I should have posted this thread a little sooner. When I first tried to crank it, the battery was next to dead. I guess the charge was just to weak for the timing belt to turn the camshaft.

To Ride The Lightning - I have no idea whats turning and whats not. I do know that the valves and the main pulley are turning. Is there any way to figure out if the crankshaft (and the pistons) are working??

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

if the crank pulley is turning so is the crankshaft and therefore the pistons are moving up and down. start with a compression test before you do anything else. if that passes, my money is on not, fix your carbs and check your pulley timing while the carbs are being repaired, ignition service and you may be in bussiness. start with the compression test....

 

[Robj]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

To Whywhyzed - I guess I should have posted this thread a little sooner. When I first tried to crank it, the battery was next to dead. I guess the charge was just to weak for the timing belt to turn the camshaft.

When you buy a battery, it does have some charge, but not a full charge. They will also lose charge over time even if they are not used.

Not possible. If the engine is turning over, so must the cam, providing the belt is intact. I guess the correct answer is you are not sure what it was doing. Maybe it is time for a service manual and to do a little reading. I still think you belt is suspect. Line up your timing marks to make sure everything is in time.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Ride The Lightning]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

Ok, just to have a survey what the situation is like:

1. Your Battery had been charged and should be in a good state now.
2. The timing belt and the valves are fine.
3. When turning the ignition key the starter works but the enginge does not run.

Is that correct?

Then you have to do as follows:
- have a look at the ignition plugs: are they wet of fuel?
- do you have something like a Quick-Stop? Is that switch a the right position?
- check the ignition point!

Regards,
Lars

 

[CapriRestorer]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

Today I started to try to run it again. I had my father come over and see if the valves were moving. He saw that the timing belt was turning, but not the valves. I think Whywhyzed and Robj were right about the triming belt not engaging the camshaft. It almost seems like the valves are locked up (I am pretty sure that is not good!!) I will definately get all of the tests done to it before I actually try to start it. I dont want to mess it up even more because a key component was not getting properly lubricated. The previous owners basically butchered some of the key components on the engine (stuff like the tilt/ trim motor, nothing that would refrain it from starting). I think this engine needs a new start (hopefully the proper one).

To Ride The Lightning - Everything you asked about the situation was correct (besides the valves being fine). I did notice a loose fuel line going from the carb to the bottom part of the engine. The fuel line looked like it hasn't been used in a Long Time!!

 

[Robj]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

It is easy to inspect the timing belt, just pull the front cover off. If you decide to inspect it, you may as well replace it because it is a wear item that does need to be replaced. Pull the cover off and report back, we can help guide you. Too bad you weren't closer I'd go help you out for a few beers! But will try my best online.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: 4-Cylinder Volvo Penta Problems

Today I started to try to run it again. I had my father come over and see if the valves were moving. He saw that the timing belt was turning, but not the valves. I think Whywhyzed and Robj were right about the triming belt not engaging the camshaft. It almost seems like the valves are locked up (I am pretty sure that is not good!!) I will definately get all of the tests done to it before I actually try to start it. I dont want to mess it up even more because a key component was not getting properly lubricated. The previous owners basically butchered some of the key components on the engine (stuff like the tilt/ trim motor, nothing that would refrain it from starting). I think this engine needs a new start (hopefully the proper one).

To Ride The Lightning - Everything you asked about the situation was correct (besides the valves being fine). I did notice a loose fuel line going from the carb to the bottom part of the engine. The fuel line looked like it hasn't been used in a Long Time!!

the cam pulley is behind the heat exchanger. you can see it turn if you look closely. if your crank is turning but your cam isnt its likely a stripped belt. is it still a cogged belt or is it smooth? a fresh start is a good plan.