73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

[tcsigler]

Hello, My friend and I recently purchased a 1973 Glastron V-187 With a 6 cyl, 170hp Volvo / Penta motor. The boat itself is in remarkable condition for being 30 plus years old. It looks as though it has been very well maintained, from the vinyl to the motor. I really have two questions for you about this machine. The first one is that the engine was not spitting water out when ran with ear muffs. When we put it in the water, however, the temp gauge stayed right in the middle, somewhere between 140 and 165. Also, it seems to have been running hotter when at idle as opposed to running it at 3000 rpm. Is this normal?? My second question is, the motor starts with out a glitch when it is warmed up. If it is cold, it takes 5 to 10 minnutes to get it started. Is there any way to fix it so that the motor will always crank right up??<br /> <br />Thank you for time<br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Chris

 

[Bondo]

Re: 73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

Hi Chris,<br /><br />Welcome to iboats forums.........<br /><br />By your discreption,<br />I'd Guess that your Raw Waterpump Impeller is on it's Way Out........<br />Even though it's about Shot, at higher rpms, it moves more water......<br />So, No, It's Not Normal........<br /><br />Your Cold Start Issue, Sounds like the Choke is Out of Adjustment........<br />Should be a Simple Fix..........

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: 73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

Bondo is right on and if you truly have a 280 “T” the drive is worth more then the boat.

 

[tcsigler]

Re: 73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

My friend and I picked up the boat and trailer for $400. Long story short, it was inherited and the homeowners ***. would not let them keep the boat. So, the guy that sold it to us did not know exactly what it was. I did some research through the Volvo / Penta website and concluded that it was the 170 / 280 T. According to the Title it is the 1973 170hp model and it has the built in tilt and trim. I am not sure of any other way to determine what it is. Anyways, the boat as a whole is in really good condition, the vinyl is not cracked or faded, has all the original decals, the motor seems to have been very well maintained and is super clean. Also, the blower, bilge pump, tilt / trim and every thing else electrical on it is in working order. It does seem to take on more water than the other vessel that we had though. Anyways, This is my second boat and my first I/O, so I appreciate all of yalls information. <br /><br />Thanks!!<br /><br />Chris

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: 73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

Hi Chris, I'm thinking you have a rare beast there, from your description it sounds like a true bargain (a very 'eBay-able item). The 270T is 'rocking horse s*1t, parts are very hard to procure. If the motor is what I think it is - also rare. Twin overhead cam made specifically for marine (never released by volvo into the auto market). Amateur rallycar drivers literally scour the world for these engines.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Don S]

Re: 73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

One reason it may be hard to start is that none of the 3 carbs have chokes on them. The only way to get it going is to pump the throttle till it goes. Those engines are also touchy about a tuneup, if it needs a tuneup, they are even harder to start.<br />Your overheat could be a corroded hose connection on the drive just under the ujoint bellows. The connection corrodes inside the hose and at higher rpms sucks air, not water and the temp goes up. Those engines also run normal at 190°.

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: 73 Volvo Penta 170 / 280 T

The start procedure when cold is simple.<br />Press the shift lockout button on the side of the throttle lever and pump the throttle wide open a couple of times. <br />Pull the throttle back to idle and then crack it open to set a fast idle of about 1200 rpm.<br />Crank the engine and it should fire cleanly and run.<br />Wait until temp gauge starts to rise a little before you pull back to idle and shift into gear.<br />The 3 carbs need to be checked that the accell jets are working and also that the throttle valves are all set the same (synchronised)<br />The engine are very basic and strong.<br />The B30 engine was used in all the 160 series of Volvo autos through the 70's.<br />Have a look at the side of the block just above the distributor. There should be a brass plate there with the engine / drive details on it.<br />This link<br /> Volvo specs. <br />will give you the engine specs. Have fun,<br />Regards<br />Peter