The D3 is a dependable reliable engine. Prop it correctly, operate it correctly ( over all average fuel burn 4 gph) maintain the engine per factory recommendations, oil changes every 100 hrs or EVERY 12 MONTHS, antifreeze change EVERY TWO YEARS, Air filter EVERY 12 months, Crankcase filter 100 hrs or EVERY 12 MONTHS, Fuel filters EVERY 12 MONTHS, remove and inspect the alternator and sea water belt EVERY 12 MONTHS ( part of this inspection is the inspection of the belt tensioner. confirm it will move freely if not replace or repair. This is a component that can reduce the longevity of the engine) Replace the sea water pump EVERY 2 YEARS or 200 HRS ( this is a component that can reduce the longevity of the engine. Many times the pump is still functioning but the volume of water movement is reduced. This can cause the engine to operate at higher than design temperatures but not cause a fault warning) Belt replacement EVERY 5 years or 600 hours ( honestly the belts are not that expensive I personally changed my belts every 2 years. I removed them every year and sprayed both belt tensioners with CRC penetrating oil to keep them free moving) TIMING BELT EVERY 8YEARS OR 1400 hours. This is a big one. If the environment in your bilge shows rust on the motor mounts, rust on the fuel pump, signs of corrosion to engine components or if the bilge has ever had sea water for a continuous period of time, poorly ventilated I would not go 8 years without inspection of the timing belt and timing belt adjuster. This is a service inspection that is important. If the adjuster or belt fail there is a very good probability that the engine will be destroyed. KEEP THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CLEAN WELL VENTILATED AND DRY!!! Inspection of TURBO EVERY 2 YEARS, Clean and inspect all Grounds and bolt on electrical connections EVERY 12 MONTHS.
If the engine is operated correctly and not run hard the internals in this engine will provide designed longevity. The bottom end of this engine is well built. The upper end of the engine design is in my opinion light duty. It is an open deck design ( cylinder walls are not supported by the block at the upper end ) This is common in light duty automotive engines (Gas powered) The design allows for more coolant around the cylinders. Operating the engine at high stress levels or higher operating temperatures can reduce the longevity of this style block. This is not a common design for a diesel engine.
The 150 HP D3 I believe is an engine that will " OUTLIVE" The 200 HP or 220 HP if operated in the 50 % load. That being said if the 200 or 220 are operated at 75 HP 35% load the same longevity will be experienced. The D3 is a good engine used in the right application ( light duty fast planing hulls or semi displacement hulls used to cruise at hull speed. This is my opinion from owning operating a 220 hp for 5 years.
aintmissb":l7zxktsd said:
Brian, as the owner of a D4 300, I am curious now about how your comments on longevity would change with that engine - which I understand from you was designed as a marine engine from the ground up?
Thanks very much, Roger, Kingston, ON, Canada
D4 and D6 Volvo Penta engines are a different design compared to its smaller D3. The D4/D6 engines are much more robust, better oiling system, larger cooling capacity, Much higher torque capabilities, Cast iron block..... The D4 and D6 are still high speed High horsepower engines that develop than 80 hp per liter (300 hp) 71 hp (260 hp) so over propping is still the engines worse enemy. That said if properly propped and maintained I would not hesitate to operate a D4 or D6 at 80% load for extended times and try to keep the overall GPH average 7.5 to 8. FlyMeAway would be 100% right with his post if he was referring to the D4 and D6.
In my opinion the longevity of all D3, D4, D6 should be above average. I do believe the D4 and D6 will greatly exceed the longevity of the D3 if operated in the same conditions. That being said, maintained correctly they should all give many years on trouble free hours on the water.
