Volvo Penta D6 370 Problems/Issues


B

bellono

New member
Is anyone else having issues with their Volvo Penta D6 370 engines that were installed in 2008??

We have done all of the required maintenance since we purchased our 400SS brand new in 2008. We have had many issues, and noticed a vibration from the start of our usage/hours.

Presently, we have had a problem with an oil pan leak (2008-port engine) and a trim line that blew (2009-starboard engine). Unfortunately, every time engine work needs to be completed, the engine needs to come out. This year, we blew another trim line (port engine). In the process of evaluating the engine, our Volvo Authorized mechanic told us the the starboard engine must come out because the out drive needs to be rebuilt - which has been causing vibration! We have also had problems with shift actuators, electronic shifting, and a couple of other things

We opted for the upgrade/up-charge when ordering our 400SS with the Volvo engines because we were told they are good and will run forever. We are very disappointed and VERY SORRY we did not go with the Mercury engines.

Understanding that we do have over 700 hours on the boat, this boat is immaculate. This is a fresh water boat, indoor heated winter stored and we keep it on a lift during the summertime.

There is no support from Volvo.....they told us this is to be expected?!

It would be nice to hear both sides- if anyone is having problems and/or if they are not.

I look forward to hearing back from fellow Volvo owners
 
Hearing about your engine problems gives me a pain in the pit of my stomach. I have Volvo Penta D6-370's in my boat with a little over 700 hours. I must admit that I have had no problems with the engines. They run as well today as they did when I purchased the boat. Since I have IPS and do not have outdrives I do not have trim lines. Also, IPS can be rebuilt without removing the engines from the boat.

I boat in salt water and store the boat outdoors in the Northeast. I follow the Volvo Penta service requirements religiously, using only Volvo Penta products and the engines are serviced by a Volvo Penta trained and certified technician.

I am truly sorry about your experience with your engines.
 
Reading your post leads me to ask a few questions,

You mention the vibration was noticed from new, did you pursue the vibration issue with Formula? And what was their response? When the engine was previously removed, Was the work and re- allignment done by an authorized facility?
It is certainly disappointing to hear that your less than satisfied with the power train, While most address problems under warranty with an optimistic outlook, It is important to document any and all work done on your boat by any vendor, As one never knows what the outcome may be.
Please enlighten us on the timeline and how it was handled. (I know that may be painful to re-live) Thanks
 
I first want to say that Formula and the Reps we deal with are Good and Try their Best to assist us.

Secondly... the update on the outdrives are: Starboard outdrive needs to be replaced and the Port outdrive needs to be rebuilt. EXPENSIVE-$30,000.00 to fix and get back on the water

To go to the beginning, a week after we had the boat our Navigation/Compass was not working properly (the screen was spinning 360 continuously). Losing our bearing or paying attention to the screen, we took out bent all for props with NO damage to the outdrives. We had the props digitally balanced, but it never felt right. We also replaced our arch with the hardtop which required us to change the pitch on all four props. The new ones were purchased through our Volvo authorized dealer. Still feeling the vibration, we took the new props to a company in OH to have them digitally scanned and balanced. (Volvo does not and will not release the pitch degrees on their props)

We have always followed Volvo maintenance requirements and recommendations. We use only Volvo oil and/or the required filters. Since we installed an oil pump changer, I change the engine oil myself. All other maintenance and repairs have been done by a Volvo Authorized Dealer. I have records of all repairs, maintenance and warranty work (measuring 3" thick)

After researching, it seems the Volvo outdrives have had issues, and I'm not sure if I just got a "Lemon" or if others are having issues. When the boat is winter stored (indoor-heated), I have been using a silicone spray for rubber to keep the seals from cracking both in the fall and just before the boat is launched in the Spring.

I had also heard the IPS system is much better, and only wish it was available when we ordered the boat.

Thanks for the comments. It's nice to hear the good and the bad. It would be good to see if this is an occasional problem or if others are having issues that Volvo is just trying to wash their hands from. We LOVE our Formula and had intentions of keeping it for years, with the intent to do the loop and end up in the Bahamas for a while. We are just second guessing now.
 
I have the D^ 370's also in my 2012 40PC. No problems yet with 75 hrs or so. I would however recommend logging on to the Volvo Penta owners forum. Steve Geotz is someone that can answer your questions and help guide you.
 
Buddy -

Steve Goetz is the moderator for the Volvo Penta IPS Forum. I don't think that forum deals with Volvo Penta outdrives.
 
Thank You for all of the info....

We will at least try and call the Volvo Rep - worse thing he can say is "That is not my department"

Mitchell: As we took delivery of the boat in Cleveland and drove it straight to Detroit, everything was VERY NEW and we were overwhelmed by all of the bells and whistles. The next time we took it out, is when we hit the props, so we could not entirely say Yeah or Nay.... However, we did have our mechanic do full maintenance on the drives in the fall and there was not not any damage to the drives from the damage to the props. That has been confirmed and verified....

Thanks Again for any and all continued comments....
 
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