Wellcraft 18sx 1993 2.3L volvo motor

[Faerbairn]

I have heard that the Volvo 2.3L motor has given many a lot of headaches. I am more familiar with the OMC & Cobra engines. I am looking for some feedback & opinions on the Volvo motor. Dows anyone know what HP they put out?

The reason is: I am considering buying a boat with the Volve 2.3L motor.

Thanks for your help.

 

[captmello]

Re: Wellcraft 18sx 1993 2.3L volvo motor

I don't think the 2.3 is a bad motor. It all depends on the maintenance that has been performed over the years. Volvo used that engine, and engines very similar for many years. That engine's model name is 230. It was rated around 120 hp. Fyi, that engine is fresh water cooled and used a heat exchanger to cool the motor.

If you can, take it for a test drive, and see how it performs. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Faerbairn]

Re: Wellcraft 18sx 1993 2.3L volvo motor

Thank you for the information.

I have heard the motor doesn't getting the boat going very fast (About 28). Can I change the carb or anything else to get more HP out of it?

Also, they said the temp is usually around 250 degrees. That seems hot. They say it has always been that way. They replaced the water pump. Do you think the heat exchanger needs to be descaled? The boat has sat in the lake for years.

Thanks again

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft 18sx 1993 2.3L volvo motor

18 ft is a lot of boat to push around for a little 120 hp motor. 250? is also way to hot for those engines to operate at. 185 to190 is normal.
"They" say they changed the water pump, which one? there is a raw water pump, and engine circulation pump. Many change the wrong one and don't even know about the other.
Sure the heat exchanger may be plugged, or the manifold needs replaced or ???????? It going to take some troubleshooting to find out, no simple one answer fits all here.
And no, changing carbs will not make it faster. That takes a bigger motor.

I would strongly suggest you find another boat to look at. This one has too many problems to start with, and too small for that boat and what you want.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Wellcraft 18sx 1993 2.3L volvo motor

Volvo makes a very good outfit.At 19 years old I'd pass.The 250deg would worry me a LOT!!!
Performance 28mph might be a bit slow.People get these Volvos and start changing props to get better performance.They buy after-market props and they just don't work as well.Volvos need Volvo parts which are expensive.
Get a good mechanic to go over the boat before U buy.J