Click for Perko Click for Nordhavn Click for MotorCheck Click for Glendinning Click for Burger

Volvo Penta D12-800

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Scott M, Mar 18, 2016.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Scott M

    Scott M Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2016
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    I have a pair of 2008 D12-800. I get regular intermittent oils leaks at the screws around the oil pans of both engines. Is this normal? These are not major leaks...few drips here and few drips there. very rarely in the same place twice.

    Any feedback or guidance would be appreciated.
  2. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,388
    Location:
    My Office
    There is a lot of turbulence in an oil pan when an engine is running.

    Are your oil levels always close to full or overfull?

    Do you get any movement out of the bolts that appear to be leaking when you try to tighten them up or do the leaks just stop by themselves for no apparent reason?
  3. Scott M

    Scott M Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2016
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    Oil levels always near full...never over. The leaks tend to stop on their own.
  4. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,388
    Location:
    My Office
    That really is weird, are they noticeable after you have refuelled ( heavily loaded) or run at a speed where your crankcase pressure may have been near its max?
  5. Scott M

    Scott M Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2016
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    Not that I have noticed. I have the impression that it is happening more at cold...when they have not been run. It seems to decrease when they have been run for extended times. I will track that more closely this season. Would you expect more under load because of the higher crank case pressure?
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2016
  6. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,388
    Location:
    My Office
    It is one way I could think the back pressure might be high and the crankcase at an elevated level as a result. Have you ever tried to nip the oil pan bolts up?
  7. Scott M

    Scott M Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2016
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    Yes, was planning on doing that this spring before launch. Need to add a torque wrench to my tool box.
  8. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,388
    Location:
    My Office
    I do not think I have ever seen an oil pan bolts tightened by a torque wrench. Please post back after you have checked them and let us know how you get on so anyone else with the same problem who searches can find the result.
  9. T.K.

    T.K. Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2007
    Messages:
    1,013
    Location:
    Cairo - Egypt
    According to Volvo Penta, oil levels should never be at maximum. They should be between the min and max notches.

    Are your crankcase breather filters clean? When have you last replaced them?
  10. Scott M

    Scott M Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2016
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    Always between min and max. Need to check crankcase breather filters and confirm if changed when serviced...good suggestion.
  11. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Yes, I would check and/or change these.
  12. FIQ

    FIQ Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2016
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    Olympia, Wa
    Maybe you have a leak higher up on the engine
    The oil might be tracking around the gap between the pan and the block then finding a sharp point, a screw head, and falls off.
  13. Scott M

    Scott M Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2016
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    conclusion...changed out crankcase breather filters and tightened up all oil pan bolts. Problem solved...so far!
  14. T.K.

    T.K. Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2007
    Messages:
    1,013
    Location:
    Cairo - Egypt
    Excellent, keep an eye on it but hopefully you now have resolved it permanently.
  15. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,647
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Please keep us updated on your fix.
    The whole world is watching on YF,
    I also.
    thx