Volvo D1 reliability

[Danzimal]

Hey all...

I'm seriously thinking about entering the R21 world 🙂
I found a 2015 which looks real nice and expected a Yanmar, but it has Volvo instead.
I had read about the D1 environmental recall and the various issues with the MDI module.
My gut tells me I should avoid the D1.
Any opinions and recommendations?

TIA

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[Danzimal]

Well, I have discovered that the owner has had the MDI controller module already replaced.
I'll be moving ahead with a viewing and survey.
I'm excited that I may be a new Tug owner 😀

 

[Newf]

Well, I have discovered that the owner has had the MDI controller module already replaced.
I'll be moving ahead with a viewing and survey.
I'm excited that I may be a new Tug owner 😀

I have a 2014 model that has the D1-30 as well. The MDI box is a known issue. Not sure if VP has it figured out with their latest modifications or not. I still have the original one on mine and I'm just a couple of hours shy of 3000 hrs so I count myself as one of the lucky ones. Many owners wire in an emergency start that bypass the MDI box so it would be a good thing to consider when and if you buy.

The R21EC is a great little boat. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[MassTug]

Hey. I also have a 2014 ranger tug 21. I have the Volvo penta D130 engine end at 600 hours suffered the dreaded MDI box failure. This is a well-known issue that apparently Volvo has done nothing to fix after the initial contact. There are some people out there who say they’ve had some relief by contacting Volvo penta. I ended up just splurging and having to buy the original Volvo part from a dealer for approximately $600. There are some boxes for sale online from other vendors. Be very careful because there are people out there who are selling the boxes that are recalled. There is an excellent website somewhere about the whole Volvo penta MDI failure that lists all the numbers of boxes that were made before Volvo corrected the issue. Just like the other poster said, I carry a three dollar switch with me and I’ve learned how to jumpstart the engine should the box fail again. In terms of the quality of the engine I can’t say enough about it. I have over 800 hours now on the engine and it is running like a charm. Routine oil changes, changing the impeller, and the belt but pretty much nothing else has gone wrong. It’s a powerful little 30 hp engine that just goes so well. If you have questions about the Ranger 21 be sure to reach out to the community here. Jonathan .