Volvo Penta info?

boatman37

Lieutenant
Joined
May 14, 2015
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1,273
Hello all. In the middle of selling our current boat and starting our search for the next one. See a few that have the Volvo Penta powerplant but know nothing about them. Specifically we found a 2002 with a 5.7 GXI. How can you tell which are fuel injected? The letter 'I'? Can't really tell from pics with that big cover over the top. Can these be connected to a computer to download diagnostics info or historical info? What about the outdrives? Anything in particular to watch out for?

Just started getting comfortable tearing into the Mercruiser stuff and now sold it...lol
 

boatman37

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May 14, 2015
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1,273
Thanks. I have heard of the paint issue but seems to be a pretty simple fix?
 

NoExcuses

Seaman
Joined
Jul 3, 2012
Messages
72
It was always a simple but expensive fix but due to the huge demand there is now a relatively inexpensive after-market fuel pump assembly and folks that will clean and rebuild them. But if you want to go new OEM you are looking at big bucks and then you hope it doesn't happen again...I also had to have my injectors cleaned which was kind of a pain.
 

BRICH1260

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 6, 2011
Messages
1,374
I`ve had two VP`s and have had no problems with either of them. Both very reliable. I did rebuild my fuel pump on my current boat for preventative reasons. Not hard to do and makes a good off season project. Have learned to search the web for the best parts prices as my nearest dealer is not convenient. Get you a VP shop manual and learn to do a lot of things yourself. Cheaper and get the sense that it was repaired right.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,850
VP's are man made, just like mercruiser, so all of them will need proper care and maintenance. some years have some issues, most do not.

just google volvo penta model numbering. plenty of info on it.

I personally dont like EFI in a boat as it doesnt get used enough to remain trouble free.
 

Silverbullet555

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 13, 2011
Messages
621
I've had 2 VP engines. The first was a 5.0gxi. Ran well and was great in the 18' boat that it was in. No issues and liked what I had next was an 8.1gi IB mu current boat. I haven't had major issues, but use been chasing some things I don't like.

I would buy another volvo penta, but it isn't my preference any longer. In my area, there are fewer shops, parts are more expensive and there is ZERO aftermarket support for Volvo Penta

I would buy an SX drive VP over an alpha drive, but I would buy a merc Bravo before I would buy another VP . Of course what is available in the boat i want is going to impact that decision.
 

boatman37

Lieutenant
Joined
May 14, 2015
Messages
1,273
Thanks guys. Our boat is gone and still haven't found our next. Ideally I think I would rather stick with the Merc stuff but if we find one that is VP I wouldn't let that be the decision maker.

I watched youtube videos on the fuel pump issues and actually found a guy on there that will do yours for ~$250 and will bench test them when they are done.
 
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