VP D4 320

[Bryan Allen R 31 CB]

Does the Volvo Penta D4 reduce load or power output based on loading (weight) of the boat? I had a full boat this weekend 6 adults, 170 gallons of diesel, full fresh water 80 gallons, black tank empty but WOT would only get up to 3000 RPM. No warning codes, all fluids at correct levels just felt "de rated".

Also, could not get "Engine Load %" reading on Garmin.

 

[S. Todd]

Ranger Tugs, like many boats, are very weight sensitive. Assuming you have had a different experience in the past with similar loads, the first two things to verify would be: 1) Condition of the bottom. Marine growth there can give you the results you experienced.
2) Condition of the primary fuel filter. (Although my experience is if it gets clogged your engine will demand fuel and then just shut way down to a lower RPM when it is starved for fuel because of the clogged filter.)