Volvo penta hints

[Stlouisboating]

I have always had boats with Merc outdrives, but recently purchased a boat with a Volvo Penta outdrive. I'm wondering if current owners have information or impressions on this engine. One thing I've found I don't appreciate is the lack of a lower unit reservoir I can check. The Merc I previously had, had a clear reservoir that provided an easy way to check the level. This was especially useful when it ran low and I needed work done.
I'm just looking for current owners impressions or thoughts to help make this experience pleasant. (If you want to know, its a 8.1, 375HP)

 

[rucaradio]

Re: Volvo penta hints

I was a bit sketchy about VP powertrains myself until I got to know mine.. I've got a 21 year old AQ131D with the 275 outdrive. I've torn into both the motor and the leg, and these things are BULLETPROOF! Superior engineering and, really, super easy to work on. Read up on this forum and do a search for VOLVO PENTA, and you'll find the majority opinion is VP makes an EXCELLENT product.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Volvo penta hints

Both the drive you have with your 8.1 and the previous poster's 275 are great drives and better than merc IMHO. Never had to worry about the oil level in my Volvo drive. I check it everytime I go out and have never had to add any.

 

[blazer7]

Re: Volvo penta hints

Love mine!!! and for what it's worth, I took my lower unit off to be serviced and had a hard time finding anyone in this area to work on it. I talked to one of the Merc guys and they told me that, they don't break enough to warrant opening a shop. And like the previous post... I was told VP's are like tanks. And when I took the lower unit in for work, I was told it looked brand new (it was 7 years old)

 

[TulsaTime]

Re: Volvo penta hints

No question about quality! I have an '86 bayliner, Cruiser/bowrider w/ AQ131A w/ the 275 outdrive. 23 years old and runs great. Granted, I've done quite a bit of preventive maintenance, but nothing major. Like a Tank and Bullet Proof! (that's idiot proof too!)