Why did RT swap from Yanmar to Volvo? RT-27

S

sebagolittle

New member
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May 25, 2018
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4
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Kencraft bayrider 2260FS
Vessel Name
Evie Marie
I am assuming the swap from Yanmar to Volvo was due to pricing, marketing, size etc of yanmar engines?? I am seriously looking at a RT-27 with the yanmar 180hp. I haven't heard too many nightmare stories but hoped I wasn't missing something. As far as I can tell the yanmar is a reliable engine.
 
While the Yanmar engines are generally considered reliable, the 4BY series of engines has been discontinued by Janmar and parts are of limited availability, I believe.

It is difficult to get service in South Florida in the Palm Beach and Ft Lauderdale areas.

If I were purchasing one now I would ask the two closest servicing dealers how they feel about that engine.


Stuart Bell
Ranger 25: Shearwater
(561) 352-1796
 
I think the switch was a culmination of pricing and a rub between the parties regarding one of the service bulletins. In any case parts are readily available from j-way for reasonable pricing and shipping. here is the link https://www.j-wayent.com/ . They can ship to you in NC.
As far as the engine being discontinued; I had a discussion with Mack Boring, the major distributor in the northeast and heading south, and they said parts will still be available. There is also supposed to be a Toyota/Yanmar diesel coming out that will be a replacement for the 4by2.
As far as service goes, all service people are a crap shoot regardless of brand. Hopefully you can find a good and knowledgeable service provider in your area or tow the boat to one that is. That is what is good about being able to tow the boat.
All said, I wouldn't let your engine brand discourage purchase.
 
Parts may be available in some areas and not in others. I am five weeks into an engine overheat problem, most of the time spent waiting for parts that turned out not to be defective.

Yanmar restricts the sale of parts by a distributor or dealer to a limited number of states. Unlike other engines I have adopted, if you call around and find a part in California for example they will not ship it to you in Florida according to the terms of the contract they have with Yanmar. You must go to an authorized Yanmar service center, order the part and let them discover on their own that the part is available from California. He service folks contact the distributor in Tampa have them ship the part from California to you, sometimes have it shipped to Tampa and then re-shipped to you.

It is frustratingly difficult to keep the engine I have running, however when it runs it is smooth, fairly quiet, and light on fuel.




Stuart Bell
Ranger 25: Shearwater
(561) 352-1796
 
Every make has it's own issues. If you follow the posts on this site there are corrosion issues with the Volvo's that are popping up. I have over 1000 hours on my Yanmar and she purrs like a kitten with only routine maintenance. When I've needed parts they have been available. I have spoken to my Yanmar dealer about the BY series and was assured Yanmar will supply parts for many years to come. I've spoken with different diesel techs about the Yanmar vs Volvo and have been told I am lucky to have the Yanmar in their opinion.
 
knotflying":buacfsdf said:
...All said, I wouldn't let your engine brand discourage purchase.
Click to expand...
Ditto that if you are reasonably handy. All of the manufacturers of these small pleasure boat diesel engines have their issues. I have the Cummins/Mercruiser widely reported to be an orphan. It's not. It may not be easy but parts/service can be had. But if you will routinely rely on a service rep then it's a good idea to have an engine brand that is supported in your area.
 
My Janmar is coming up on a month with an overheating problem. After several thousand dollars the local Janmr service center just seems to of given up. No one has any idea where the water is leaking from. But it is showing up in the bilge pretty regularly. I can’t find it and I can’t reach around the engine to feel for it.

I don’t think the engine is better or worse than any other engine. I just seem to of had a run of bad luck coupled with the absence of anyone in the area that can service the engine.
 
I think they all have their issues when it comes to parts and service. I waited 5 weeks for an end cap for heat exchanger on D1-30 Volvo. Ordered the o-ring for exhaust elbow to heat exchanger at same time. Still waiting,,,,,2 additional months. Glad the old one was reusable. Never did get a response on the heat exchanger corrosion issue.
 
CaptStu, My 4BY 180 was overheating and losing antifreeze. Four gallons of green stuff, I found the leak under the heater hose as it crossed the oil dipstick, where it had chaffed a small hole, and when at speed pressure pushed the water out. Tried tape, no luck, got a bronze nipple and hose clamps, works well and holds water. Not sure if you 150 has the same configuration.
 
AliceJ, my engine has the same config. I’ll cap the hoses and see if the leak stops. Thanks


Stuart Bell
Ranger 25: Shearwater
(561) 352-1796
 
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