RT 28 Inboard forward engine access

[PicoGoss]

I need to access the front of my Volvo Penta D3-200 engine in my 2017 RT 28. I’ve watched a YouTube video of impeller replacement on a RT 25C. There was a small panel that could be slid to port into the mid cabin. My setup looks similar, but I have a “L” shaped starboard assemble that seems to prevent such a slide. Is there an equivalent trick to accessing the engine front.

I need to this access because I have water gushing forward from somewhere near the center of the forward face of the engine. It does not appear to be the impeller pump as I originally thought. Once I get access, what are the likely possibilities for this water source?

 

[Red Raven]

I assume you are talking about an R27 inboard (post title says RT28).

I am not at our boat so this is all from memory. You need to remove the side wall in the aft of the mid cabin “cave” this is the wall with the outlets and light. The screws are buried in the mouse fur. I think there are also screws to remove in a bracket holding up the shelf. Once that is out you can remove the white Starboard assembly. There are screws at the back of the cave and under the step. If you have a Webasto heater you may also have to remove the black Webasto fuel pump. This should give you the access you need to the engine.

Before reassembling in the reverse order I recommend some modifications to make it easier in the future. Add quick disconnect connectors on the Webasto pump wires so you can remove the unit completely without being limited by the wire length. Cut the white starboard assembly in two where it meets the cave wall such that it can be removed through the step opening without taking apart the cave wall in the future. I used a 45 degree cut to allow the two pieces to mate up easily when you reinstall.

With these modifications I can have access to the front of the engine in minutes with removing anything in the cave.

I hope this helps.

Curt