Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

[alexaepi]

I have twin Volvo Penta 8.1 Gxil-D 420HP.

I was on my way to gas station, the boat started and ran fine at 3000 - 4000rpm for about 30 minutes. After filling up with gas, both engines wouldn't start. I cranked the engines, but they wouldn't start. I gave 50% of throttle and engines revved to high rpms, but started. Both engines started the same way. Once we got underway.... the boat wouldn't go over 3000 rpm. My initial guess was that I got contaminated fuel.... pulled fuel filters and saw little black particles in the fuel, but no water. Installed new fuel filters it didn't seem to make any difference. Cleaned all cooling hoses and replaced 4 spark plugs, but none of it made any difference.

As of today, the boat starts up and idles fine.... port engine, however shows a bit more vibration than starboard and seems to run on richer fuel mixture, judging by gas smell at the exhaust. Engines' temperature is stable around 175degrees and oil pressure at 40 psi. My mechanic suggested that the problem is paint chips in the fuel that clogs up the fuel injectors, thus making the engine run in the safe mode. Mechanic's suggestion is to replace fuel cells on both engines. Since fuel cells are pricey units, just wanted to make sure that's the problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

My mechanic suggested that the problem is paint chips in the fuel that clogs up the fuel injectors, thus making the engine run in the safe mode.

Did your mechanic have a clue about how all that paint got past a 10micron fuel filter?
There is nothing in the fuel cell that will put the engine into safe mode, so at this point I would say no to installing the fuel cell.
Do you by chance have the Volvo serial number for your engine handy, makes my looking up information a lot easier.

 

[alexaepi]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

Here is the serial number: 4012133541. If the inside of low and high pressure pumps are painted and that paint peeling off.... what stops it from getting to fuel injectors? Both pumps are downstream of fuel filter. Don't mean to be a smart *** just trying to understand how the system works.... Thanks for your help.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

The paint could cause running problems, but it's not going to put it into protection mode.
One other thing.
What makes you think that paint on the inside of 2 different engines fuel cells, came off at exactly the same time, just after leaving from filling up with fuel, and the same problem with boat engines. What are the odds.

 

[alexaepi]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

I agree with you that it seems too much to be a coincidence.... I don't trust that mechanic too much and that's precisely why I am here... The thing that bugs me the most that port engine (with original exhaust manifolds and riser) vibrates more then starboard (with brand new exhaust)....

Yesterday, I also noticed that a saltwater coil inside of fuel cooler/evaporator is clogged up, so perhaps excessive fuel vapors contributing to engine problems. Also, I pulled 4 plugs from port engine (one with excessive vibration) and noticed that they are all black.... even black coating. Does that mean that there is too much fuel?

 

[alexaepi]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

Don,
Is it safe to operate the boat at low rpm, say not more than 1200? I am not talking about anything crazy... just a cruise at low speeds. We just had big plans for this weekend... I have relative visiting and such, so everybody is really dissapointed that we cancelled for today....

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

I can't find anything on a 8.1GXII-D in particular. Not sure why. But since I haven't worked for a Volvo dealer since 2007, I can't see everything a dealer sees.
I also can't see your engines to compare things to manuals I do have.

As far as taking it out this weekend, who knows, my crystal ball is broken.
The most that could happen is both engine stop running. How could that possibly be a problem.

 

[agapemarine]

Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 GXiL-D - Engines in Protection Mode

I can relate to the paint chips in the fuel cells. they come from the cell internal housing paint (some how manufacturer thought paint and gas could mix), but i have seen it first hand. They clog up the fuel pumps and eventually ruin them. How can you tell if they are going bad? they normally start making a small high pitch skreeching noise that gradually elevates until they break down for good. The main cause: Fuel treatments!!!
I am a mechanic and I have seen these pumps go bad before. Carter's the manufacturer and they are pricy too. They retail around $1200.00 each.
Change fuel cells and your problem will go away.
Ps. cleaning injectors is highly recommeded upon changing pumps