Cap Sante Marine in Anacortes is one of 2 authorized Volvo dealers in Anacortes. I had called in advance and then gone there to find out what work would be done, and asked if it there was a specific list to be followed, recalling I had seen page 56 in the manual for the D4. I had been concerned because on the phone I was asked if I had an out drive, so wanted to be sure that I would be paying for an experienced mechanic and for what is required.
(I do not forget that in San Diego last November I was billed for 6 hours of labor to replace the impeller on my 25SC Yanmar, even though I asked when setting up the appt. if the assigned mechanic had replaced them on other Ranger Tugs.)
I have now found the form given to me by the mechanic who serviced Cascadia with the Volvo D4 engine for the 50 hr. service on July 24, 2013. The engine had 53.6 hours on it. As I reported previously, I used a Volvo gift certificate for $150.00 for the first service only and all parts, including oil, were required to be the Volvo label. There was also a minimum cost that was required for the certificate to be eligible. I had received the certificate in the mail from Fluid Motion after taking possession of the boat.
This is what was done:
Check engine and engine compartment
Check engine oil
Check engine coolant
Check for leakages
Check drive belts
Clean sea water filter
Check battery fluid (I have the AGM)
Check reverse gear oil
Change engine oil
Replace oil filter
Adjust drive alignment (mine was off by a very tiny bit, 1/16th, as I recall)
The boat was serviced at their dock, and zincs were not checked. The last 3 items are the ones specifically on the 50 hr. list. The first four are on a daily check list and the second four are on the 14 day checklist.
Volvo also has an oil sample program and so I later received a report indicating a concern regarding the composition of the oil, which apparently had excess particles in it. As it was explained to me, I take it that this is common in the first 50 hour check, and due to tiny slivers or pieces that sluff in the beginning of engine use. The baseline from this first test will be used for future oil sample tests.
I was billed for $284.51 after the deduction of the $150.00 certificate from Volvo, making the total cost $434.51
Since I am retired, I had time to ask questions in advance. Hopefully, as I learn more, I will have more knowledge about the engine and what it needs, and understand more. I do need to learn more including the condition of my zincs, but was very concerned about being shocked with a huge bill after having had several such experiences with my first Tug.
Interestingly, and frustrating to me, less than 2 weeks later, while in Desolation Sound, one morning when I turned on the chartplotter prior to starrting up, a danger warning on the screen indicated the coolant was dangerously low. Why that happened at @ 80 hours despite being checked so recently puzzles me. I would expect that to have shown up by the 50 hour checkup if it was something that often happens as the engine gets broken in.
Wayne and Linda Sparks of Knot Fly'N stopped and came into Roscoe Bay on a dropping tide to help, which was terrific. I was confused, to put it kindly, and Wayne was most helpful.
