Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

[calvinator]

Hi all - been lurking for a long time and have learned a lot. I'm in the market for a mid 90's 20'-23' runabout for the family. I was dead set on the Merc 5.7 (or greater) and read most threads on the forum. Looking at a lot of boats.

Well, I found a real solid boat, 1995 21' Wellcraft Eclipse. Has everything I want feature and condition wise. Price is right too.

But has a Volvo Penta 5.8FL motor and outdrive. I'm up to speed in the Merc world, but I can't gauge if the V.P. is a motor one would want in their boat. Is this motor going the way of the OMC motors (hard to find parts/expensive), or is it on par with the Merc for service/parts?

What is important to me is I buy a boat with a highly serviceable motor/outdrive. I can do some typical work, but for the most part I would be using a boat engine mechanic when needed. Just don't want to get a motor/outdrive that only 5 people on the planet know about.

Thanks all!

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

Yeah vote from me.

I've got the 5.0 (Ford 302) and that boat has the 351 Ford, but everything else is pretty much the same. It is a really durable set up. Ford is no longer in the marine motor business, but parts for that rig are still readily available.

It isn't as popular as Mercruiser, so check around for boat mechs in your area that work on Volvos. You shouldn't have any trouble finding someone that does.

As far as routine, yearly maintenance, it's easy on that drive.

I'd recommend getting a survey done on the boat just double check everything.

Good luck

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

You get a 'yea' from me as well. I own a Merc version of the same engine (although mine's carbureted) and I have nothing but good things to say about the Ford powerplant. Everything from the flywheel forward is readily available parts-wise, and while I don't know your specific model of Volvo outdrive, most of the modern stuff is pretty good.

If the rest of the boat is in good condition and has no obvious mechanical deficiencies, go for it!

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

The Ford engines were only used by Volvo in 94 thru 96 during the early part of the OMC/Volvo joint venture. Ford is no longer in the marine industry.
Being as it's a FL (Carbed) and not fuel injected, you have a lot better chance of service. Few dealers were equipped for EFI repairs on the Fords.
Parts are still available, for how long, I have no idea.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

if its a saltwater use rig I would give it a nay.
ford dropped the marine market about 1995.
manifolds for that engine are pretty much VP only.
the drive is vastly superior to about anything merc made.
but well maintained the 5.8 had no issues and other than manifolds most anything is still avalible.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

Plenty of aftermarket Ford small-block manifolds available that could be adapted;not an issue. Great engine, internal parts will be around forever, (i'm sure china is tooling up as we speak, just like they did with Chev's). If you like the boat, go for it!

 

[calvinator]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

Thanks all for info. I checked out the boat today. Water test was great, that engine really moved the boat. Great condition, original owner, and only 300 hrs. Guy was 90 yrs old and was done with boating. I had my 9yr old son with me who was grinning from ear to ear in the boat and that was noticed by the 'ol guy. Kind of felt the 'ol guy was doing some "marine right of passage" b/c he knew my family would have fun in the boat. He said make him a fair offer, I did, and the boat is mine.

It needs some clean-up love, but that's it for now. Great to be back in the boating game. It is a 1995 Wellcraft Eclipse 210, cuddy, V.P. 5.8L.

Not my boat, but it looks the same.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

good buy!

the only downside i have to the ford volvos is changing the spark plugs - they stink!

otherwise a good all around engine/drive package

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

Congrats onthe purchase. I'm sure you won't find the 351w lacking for power for watersports.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

good buy!

the only downside i have to the ford volvos is changing the spark plugs - they stink!

otherwise a good all around engine/drive package

I agree, plug changes are a total PITA, but doable.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

good buy!

the only downside i have to the ford volvos is changing the spark plugs - they stink!

otherwise a good all around engine/drive package

Used to have to pull my manifolds to change mine until I found a very specific socket. Craftsman makes a spark plug socket with a knuckle attached. It's just the right size. The tip came from a local VP tech. I had tried other brands with no love. Since then I can change them in about 15 minutes. Hope that helps. I bought 4 and have them squirreled away everywhere

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.8FL yeah or nay ?

Angled combination wrenches work pretty good. Stil a PITA to get to them. I considered removing the manifolds.