What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

[DamianG]

Hi All

Looking to buy my first boat shortly. It has a 175hp volvo penta.

It has a blown engine (dropped valve), so I'll need to replace that. The problem I have is that the boat is a couple of hours drive away and i'm yet to see it. I have asked for more specifics about the engine and have received the following.

The engine is a V6 withthe following labels
MADE IN USA
175A
CU 28400
Leg is a Volvo Penta 280.

I'm guessing it is a 4.3 chevy.

SOME PHOTOS

I'm good mechanically but have never had much (IE: nothing) to do with boats. Am considering either replacing the engine, or doing a conversion. Would prefer to do a replacement as I am looking forward to getting on the water.

Thanks for any help, and if I need to get more info, let me know and I'll endevour to get it.

cheers
Damian

 

[mkast]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

If you're looking to get on the water, buy a boat that doesn't need repair.
It will cost way more than you think.

 

[DamianG]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

If you're looking to get on the water, buy a boat that doesn't need repair.
It will cost way more than you think.

thanks Mkast

I appreciate the wisdom. But.......

1. I'll really low ball them or walk away
2. I like to tinker
3. I will have a good knowledge of the boat when finished
4. I expect it to take a few months, so don't have unrealistic expectations.
And finally, I also really like the thought of having a new engine in the boat as I want to take it fishing offshore so the peace of mind will be worth it.

I'll work out a budget then double it to allow for all the "extra" bits that need doing.

If anyone can help identify the engine it would be appreciated.

cheers
Damian

 

[Bondo]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

1. I'll really low ball them or walk away
2. I like to tinker
3. I will have a good knowledge of the boat when finished

Ayuh,... No doubt,.. But,....
That's an older Volvo without Hyd. trim,+ is Much less desirable than many of the slightly new Volvos,+ Mercriusers...
Many of Us are doing what you want to do,... Starting with the Right platform is the 1st step,...

Btw,... The motor looks like a 4.3l Chevy with a 2bbl. carb..
Probably a Points Distributer to boot,... Nothing Special there either...

 

[captmello]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

Thats the first old V6 volvo i've seen on this site.

Its a 3.8!! according to this link.

http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/global/en-gb/marine_leisure_engines/parts_service/publication_search/publication_search.htm

type in aq175a in the "engine type" box and hit enter. Have a look at some of the info. According to the broshure, It used a 1:1.61 gear ratio (normally V8 ratio) outdrive. Interesting.

I wouldn't touch it. Its an oddball. Keep looking.

 

[DamianG]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

BOND-O
What slighly newer volvo drives would you recommend. And what mercruisers should I be looking for. As I said earlier I'm a real noob at boats and appreicate all advice. Anything I look at is probably going to be from around this era due to my price range.

Power trim was an option on the 280 and is able to be retro fitted apparently. (Read that on iboats some where recently). I have seen a couple of 280 power trim setups for sale, and was figuring I could invest in this later if required.

From looking through the forums here the last few days, it seems the 280 is a basic but pretty stout and reliable leg.


CAPTMELLO
That was some great info. Thanks for the links. Would you know if that 3.8 was a chevy still. If it is bolt in compatible with a 4.3 I may consider that as it does need a complete new engine. Having dropped a valve I imagine the current motor is junk. I'm thinking it may be buick because they used a 3.8 V6.

The seller is getting very motivated to sell so I could get this VERY cheap. I have considered selling off the leg and bits off the engine and just geting a complete engine/leg and retro fitting. A good friend of mine owns a fibreglassing business so I can get the materials very reasonably priced to fix/modify the transom.

Will probalby move on from this one, but all info gathered in relation to this will be good for when I look at the next one.

cheers
Damian

 

[captmello]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

Retro fitting to power trim is not an option on a 280. You'd need to change too many parts.

There are lots of old boats out there. Find one in working order. Older volvos are good but parts aren't cheap.

Good Luck.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

That was some great info. Thanks for the links. Would you know if that 3.8 was a chevy still. If it is bolt in compatible with a 4.3 I may consider that as it does need a complete new engine. Having dropped a valve I imagine the current motor is junk. I'm thinking it may be buick because they used a 3.8 V6

It's a chevy engine. The buick 231 had the distributer in the front of the block at an angle.

I agree with the others. Its probably best to find a running boat.

 

[DamianG]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

Thanks All

I agree it would be better (cheaper) to spend more initially on a better base. The options and configurations available is confusing for someone new to boats, so.....

What are some of the better options to be looking for in a leg/engine combo.

I'm thinking a boat with a 4.3 or 5.7 chev means plenty of parts availability and options for upgrades later.

cheers
Damian

 

[dubs283]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

best bet is a mercruiser, lots and lots of info available and parts too. pretty user friendly as well.

happy shopping

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

The 175 is a 3.8L 229 Chevrolet.
That's a great engine/drive combo if you ask me.
229 is a great marine engine, but then I might be biased having had two boats with them (1 OMC, 1 Mercruiser). I loved the engine in both.
If you can get it cheap enough, you can buy a used or reman 229 for a 1980-1984 Chevrolet Malibu/Monte Carlo/ElCamino etc. and use an Edelbrock EDL2112 cam (it is identical to the marine grind)

Of course project boats are never the bargain they seem like as others are saying.

 

[volvocruiser]

Re: What engine in 1984 Volvo Penta 175HP

I have that same motor in my 20 ft deck boat, with the volvo outdrive although mine has the hydr. tilt. 1984 I bought it used 8 years ago, motot and outdrive have been trouble free always runs, very dependable... best boat I have ever owned... the one and only that doesn;t feel like a big sucking hole in the water...grabbing at your wallet...