Volvo Penta 3.0 Rev Limiter?

Joined
Apr 5, 2012
Messages
5
I have a volvo penta 3.0 gs on a 1996 chris craft, and after a minute or so of full-throttle the boat would lower the RRMs form around 5000 to 4000. A mechanic came to look at it and said there was a speed limiter on the engine, which he said should slow the engine down to 4000 RPMs after a minute of full-throttle. I thought this was weird considering that on one occasion the boat slowed down to around 1000 RPM, and when a friend test drove the boat two weeks earlier he said he operated at full throttle for well over ten minutes without problem. I think there's something else going on with the engine. Also when I start it it shakes a good bit, and when accelerating hard it rattles for a second. Any thoughts?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 Rev Limiter?

Volvo has never used a rev limiter on a 3.0L. Not sure what your mechanic was looking at, but it wasn't a rev limiter.

Sounds more like a fuel delivery problem. Do you have a water separating fuel filter? They don't come with them from the factory but you really need on. Have you changed the fuel filters in the fuel pump and the carb? When was the last full tune up.
Another possibility is debris in the tank that occasionally plugs up the pickup tube which cuts off most of the fuel to the pump and carb.
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2012
Messages
5
Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 Rev Limiter?

I don't think it has a fuel water separator. I believe the mechanic told me there was an oil change and tune up a few weeks ago. I think you're probably right about some kind of fuel delivery problem, and the marina who sold the boat is trying not to have to admit there's a problem with the boat. It came with a warranty, and i hope they'll at least check fuel lines, filters and the carb.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 Rev Limiter?

I don't think it has a fuel water separator. I believe the mechanic told me there was an oil change and tune up a few weeks ago. I think you're probably right about some kind of fuel delivery problem, and the marina who sold the boat is trying not to have to admit there's a problem with the boat. It came with a warranty, and i hope they'll at least check fuel lines, filters and the carb.

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... If yer Handy at all, ya oughta add 1 yerself,....
 
Top