[K1W1]

Hi,

Has anyone here had or heard about any repeated problems with the Volvo D Series and it's EVC (Electronic Vessel Control) System.

I am particularly interested to know about any "black box" faults where the engine would run but not go into gear.

I am looking at using 5 x D 6 in 3 Tenders and have heard some horror stories about this but don't see much on the web so I am hoping it is an isolated incident involving 4 engines ( 2 boats) and not a range wide issue.

[corinthian99]

I've had a couple of those on tenders, intermittent faults. Didn't get a straight answer out of the dealers as to cause - they were dealt with under warranty.

[AMG]

Originally Posted by K1W1

I am particularly interested to know about any "black box" faults where the engine would run but not go into gear.

I have never had this, except when there are more than one panel and another is activated (key symbol). It can of course also be an accidental touch on the N-button. Then the green light is flashing. As soon as it is constant green, the gear should be able to work.

In the beginning they had some weak contacts in the system, causing intermittent "dead" symptoms, but today we don´t see this happen.

Somebody also warned us to have too high temperature around the EVC-boxes, engine room must never be over 70°C, ideal is 25°. Every 10 centigrades up reduces 1 percent of the total effect.

Also, the EVC-connections must be in dry places, they are low power and more sensitive than old fashion stuff.

[FISHTIGUA]

There has been a recall on some EVC-C PCUs and HCUs as they had inferior caseing construction. Check with your dealer if your Serial Number falls within the recall. This is quite a new recall and not many engines have it.

To be honest, we look after hundreds of D4 and D6 and very few Black Boxes have gone wrong, 6 boxes in 4 years isn't bad these days. Just try not to drown them, they don't like it!

The biggest problems with the early engines were as follows:-

1, The water strainer lid weeped and lets water into the bilges, now changed. Make sure your dealer has done this.

2. The end-caps on the heat-exchanger were made of plastic. When salt builds up inside the O-ring, it pisses onto the starter. They are now made of brass, again see your dealer.

3. The hoses on the crankcase breather sometimes weaken, just check them.

Other than that, the motors are strong and run very well. The maintenance is dead easy, the supercharger belt tentioner needs a special tool, so buy one to keep aboard with the spare belts.

So yes, I recommend them.......................with IPS.

The DPH outdrive has had a hard birth. Its the steering hoses, rams and trim hoses that have been a nightmare in saltwater.

K1W1, if they are tenders and getting hauled out of the water all the time they should be okay, its the sitting in the water for months on end that eats them.

Any other problems, you can PM me anytime with a Volvo question.

Fish

[Capt J]

I have run two different volvo boats, one with d-12's and one with d-6's I believe. Both were 2005ish boats. Both had numerous false engine codes popping up such as low voltage (while both motors were running) voltage was fine, water in fuel (none), as well as other codes I've forgotten. The one boat a 50' Cruisers with d12's popped up various weird codes everytime you put the boat on plane such as water in fuel, coolant level low (it was full completely). BUT I only ran them for a few days and never had a control loss issue. But they definately have some computer issues and false codes and it's very annoying because it makes a noise and you lose your screen with all of the gauges until you acknowledge it.

[FISHTIGUA]

Originally Posted by Capt J

I have run two different volvo boats, one with d-12's and one with d-6's I believe. Both were 2005ish boats. Both had numerous false engine codes popping up such as low voltage (while both motors were running) voltage was fine, water in fuel (none), as well as other codes I've forgotten. The one boat a 50' Cruisers with d12's popped up various weird codes everytime you put the boat on plane such as water in fuel, coolant level low (it was full completely). BUT I only ran them for a few days and never had a control loss issue. But they definately have some computer issues and false codes and it's very annoying because it makes a noise and you lose your screen with all of the gauges until you acknowledge it.

Yes J, we've had quite a few like this.

We send an engineer down to the boat, plug the VODIA download tool into the EVC and set the controls. Takes about 15 minutes, end of problem.

90% of these problems we get are down to poor set-up at commission. Ham-fisted Goons at the factory can leave a legacy of problems and doubt about the systems. A major PITA.