Volvo D-3 150 Timing Belt

I have a 2015 R25SC with about 750 hours. The maintenance book says change the timing belt every 1400 hours of 5 years. I'm just over half on hours, should the belt be changed??

Ralph

The manual says 8 years or 1400 hours. IMO marine age is worse than hours when using recommendations. Bolt on components fail from age as much as they do from wear ( hours). 8 years in a marine environment is tuff on parts. I have seen more low hour D3’s fail because of belt and tensioner marine age. It’s not usually the belt that fails it is the tensioner. My advice is you should replace the belt. 11 years your on borrowed time.

Yep, listen to Brian. A good friend just had his fail last year primarily due to age. Don’t wait for the engine hours. Rubber and plastics decay with time. If it fails you are in a world of hurt as that engine is no longer made and a rebuild exchange is very pricey. Just do it!

I would value your thoughts and experience. I have a 2016 R-27 with a VP D-3 200 which I am planning to change the timing belt and tensioner before this season begins. The question I have is it recommended to replace the water pump assembly while you have it exposed? Or is it an inspection only?
Obviously, I will replace the water pump impeller and water pump and alternator belts as it goes back together.

Thanks,
Bob

Hi Bob,

Not sure if this question is meant for me or Brian. In any case this is my experience.

The water pump can be easily replaced anytime the water pump belt is removed or replaced. They both are separate systems except the water pump belt has to be removed for either job but that is not very difficult. If it were me I would not attempt the two processes on the same day if I were doing it myself without pulling the engine. The timing belt is a MUCH more difficult process. If you are pulling the engine anyway, then sure replace the water pump at the same time if it has wear or just a lot of hours.

Just my two cents,

Curt

There are 2 water pumps on the D3. The external raw water pump, (easily accessible on the front of the engine), and an internal water pump operated by the timing belt for the coolant that circulates inside the engine….FYI