Advice on old Volvo penta!

[beermak]

Hi there, just bought a month ago a 1980 25ft cruise with a vp aq290a with a 280 outdrive. For those who dont know is a 5,7 350 gm v8 equipped with a 4bb rochester. The engine ran 1350hs since new. When i recentlly got it, there was an issue with the pitch, therefore it was changed and at WOT runs over 4400, before it got close to 4k.
Aparentlly it had a minor repair arround 3 yrs ago, but neither the previous owner or I have a clue of this. Right way it was serviced, ignition, water impeller, carb, oil and filters. The engine runs very smooth and the mechanic said it was in very good shape. No leaks, almost none oil consumption, temperature correct..

Let's say im going to plane for arround 10-15 mins.. this will kill it? It will plane as from 3200rpm. How much fuel can i expect tu burn at a plane speed and cruising arrounbd 1500-1800rpm. How many service hours i can expect from this engine?

Im in argentina so lill facts to consider, theres no freezing temperature, its freshwater, a gallon is roughlly 6 dls and a complete replacement engine will be arround 35k usd.

thanks in advance!

 

[captmello]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

Welcome!

The GM 350 should be the best engine you could wish for...unless you need more speed for your cruiser, then you'd need a big block.

Cruising and planing at 3200 rpm shouldn't hurt the motor at all, but make sure that when you open the throttle fully, the engine runs up to about 5000 rpm. If you can't reach that rpm at wide open throttle, you may be lugging the engine at 3200 rpm. This is critical for engine health.

Keep up with the maintenance, and that drivetrain should last a long time. You can always do a compression test to help you judge the health of the motor. And don't forget the outdrive. It needs attention as well.

Good luck with it!

 

[beermak]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

Thanks for ur advice!

ive been out on sunday and had a couple of problems, basically it took forever to start cold and hot (either way) and stalled then docking...

i tested the top rpm and it was 4400, didnt wait much more than 15 secs it aimed to climb but not very significant its possible gain. Planing will ocurr arround 3100, basically its arround 3300 and then i could cut a lill gas and keep it going. I guess with some good trim tabs u can play more i guess.

right now is exactlly 1260hs on the clock, how much can i expect from this old v8 to fullfill before a 30k bill arrives when repowering? Considering most of the time im only able to cruise between 1500 1800 and very few moments on over 3000.

Any idea of the fuel ill be burning?

thank u very much for all ur words!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

Thanks for ur advice!

ive been out on sunday and had a couple of problems, basically it took forever to start cold and hot (either way) and stalled then docking...

i tested the top rpm and it was 4400, didnt wait much more than 15 secs it aimed to climb but not very significant its possible gain. Planing will ocurr arround 3100, basically its arround 3300 and then i could cut a lill gas and keep it going. I guess with some good trim tabs u can play more i guess.

right now is exactlly 1260hs on the clock, how much can i expect from this old v8 to fullfill before a 30k bill arrives when repowering? Considering most of the time im only able to cruise between 1500 1800 and very few moments on over 3000.

Any idea of the fuel ill be burning?

thank u very much for all ur words!

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Sounds like ya oughta start with a full diagnostic Tune Up, 'n Service,...
Inspect the contents of the fuel filters, 'n maybe check out the carb...

Throw in a Compression Test, 'n you'll know the general health of the motor,...

A SBC should Easily pull at 3200 rpms for 3000 hours or more, with proper Maintenance, of course...
5000 hours is not unheard of,...

Most boat motors are Killed by their owners,.... Few ever wear out...

 

[beermak]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

Most things were servicee and changed, tomorrow they are checking timming and carb. Will tell after, hope 4 the best

Lets cross fingers for a solution, i really want to take him out (assuming a v8 is a macho)

 

[beermak]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

ud say it might go arround 3k hs? WOW

of course with the perfect care and maintance!

Great news

 

[Don S]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

Here's something to think about.
That engine is over 20 years old. You have no clue what all has happened to it in the past 20 years.

Hour meters were almost never an oem item. Usually an owner installed one at some later date (maybe 15 years later) just so he could use it for his use in maintenance and/or fuel usage calculations.

Best thing you could do for it is change all oils, filters, and gear lubes, replace the ujoint bellows and impe. A full tuneup, with a compression test, keep a record of everything you do to it and hope for the best. Keep up with the maintenance, winterize properly and it will last for many years/

 

[beermak]

Re: Advice on old Volvo penta!

excelent don thanks a lot!

im planning to take extreme care in maintence, fyi we dont need to winterize here, we can run it all year arround. It gets to 30's f in the worst night of winnter for a while. Meaning u can boat all season!

Im aware that propper use and constant is the best thing for an engine. Its seen with cars al the time...