engine

[mark@j]

Volvo penta md17c 23hp it is the original engine 1978 centaur, can anyone tell me how good they, and how do you service them in such a confined space. I am not confident in doing it myself, and is slow to start, but have found the cold start button on the back of engine. Would be grateful for any info regarding this engine. thanks

[aquaplane]

Heyup Mark,

You say that you have found the cold start button, are you sure it's latching in? I need quite a lot of throttle on, and the button doesn't always stay in first time I press it, to get the button to latch in. It's something to check.

Servicing, isn't easy but it's not too hard either. The stuff you have to do most is easiest. Lots of people have managed to DIY for years so it is doable.

[Jolly Roger]

Mark

If you are not too sure about servicing your engine, it might be worthwile to do the RYA diesel engine one day course.
http://www.rya.org.uk/coursestraining/c ... iesel.aspx

Alternatively you could buy a book like this excellent one and read how to do it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marine-Diesel-E ... 992&sr=1-4

Servicing your engine is certainly something you can do yourself and either of the above will help build your confidence.

[mark@j]

thanks for your advise I will check the throttle button next time to make sure it has latched in.

[mark@j]

Ok thanks for your advise and will look out for the book.

[smudger]

Hi,i think you will find it is an md11c twin cyl,the md 17c is a 36hp three cyl !

[mark@j]

hi the engine is an md17c 23hp as I have the original manual for it. the centaur of that vintage came with both size engines. Mark

[aquaplane]

Count the cylinders, mine has 2, it's 23Hp and it's an MD11C.

The manual covers both engines as the 3 cylinder one is just a stretched 2 cylinder engine.

Yours can't be 23Hp and an MD17C.

[mark@j]

Ok will check when we go to the boat at the weekend, have you had any problems with the engine, having just bought the boat I know nothing about the engine and its reliability. Would be grateful for any feedback.

[aquaplane]

Mainly cooling problems, try a search or I'll see if I can find some links.

My alternator was a bit hit and miss too but I traced that to a dodgy connection and it's behaved since.

edit, half way down page one : http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/woafor ... f=2&t=2851

[mark@j]

Hi checked the engine and you were right it is a md11c thanks for that,

[Uncle Albert]

My Centaur has its original MD11C within which, 2 years ago, I replaced the pistons, rings and Cylinder liner. You can see the reason why on the WOA thread here http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/woafor ... f=2&t=2244

Titled Volvo Penta MD11C Lots of Water in the Oil How?

Once you get used to being in an uncomfortable physical position(s) everything seems to be quite accessible

It helps to have a friend who is slim and flexible to get into engine hatch to work the right way up, as I seem to have to do things with head down and feet on the stern locker lid.

Seriously though the engine is so simple to take apart and put back together. It is a shame that some of the major spares such as exhaust elbows are not reproduced as these engines will keep going till they corrode away. Perhaps there is and enterprising foundry or apprentice training program that could consider doing a run of a 100 or so and make a handsome profit over the coming years. They must be out of patent now surely?

I hope that mine now rebuilt will have another 30 years in it yet.

Unc

[smudger]

Hi, if you need any spares I have seen an md11c being broken for parts .{don't see many about anymore}

[Uncle Albert]

Nothing needed at present thanks........................... but its just a matter of time....................... but how long,

[smudger]

HI,update on exhaust elbows! http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/inbo ... 0zLX2cc.97