Volvo in Australia

Honey B Ranch and Multi Farming Systems in Banana Queensland, Australia, have recently developed a dam and water pumping station on a creek which passes thru their property. Each pump can harvest in the region of 100 megalitres per day. When the dam is full of water it will cover 150 acres and hold 2200 megalitres.


There is enough water each time the creek floods to fill the dam, which is not often, but as the water subsides so quickly the need to harvest the water is therefore critical, so 4 pump sets were installed, all powered by Volvo Penta TAD941VE Power Pac units.

A very sophisticated monitoring system has been installed so all engines can be both locally and remotely started and stopped. The system can automatically self regulate the engines depending on the amount of water flow available and can also then keep the engine hours similar on each unit by starting and stopping each unit independently.

Property owner said that they appreciated the opportunity to construct the dam, so that they can capture the precious water to grow decent crops, including cotton, in the future. With most of Australia water running out to sea, it is imperative that you can dam as much water as possible so the nation can be feed with water.

Gladstone Marine, a local dealer to Volvo Penta Oceania, were heavily involved with the commissioning and now ongoing service and maintenance of the pump sets.

Volvo parts price increase soon

word of warning for those yet to get parts for service/repair during the winter. Volvo Penta intend to increase all prices by an overall 4% from the 1st of January 2010. So get to your dealer now and be prepared for next season.

MD2010-2040 and 2000 series

For owners of the compact range of diesel engines a reminder that if your engine tends to overheat when under load, now is the best time to check the exhaust elbow (bend) for a build up of carbon. When checking for this don't be fooled by the fact you can see right through or can blow through with little effort. A small reduction in flow rate is sufficient to cause overheat condition in the most undesirable of situations. Best way to deal with the problem is to remove the elbow, suspend securely on a suitably bent wire coat hanger. Mix carefully a solution of caustic soda and having kitted yourself with suitable gloves and goggles lower the elbow into the solution for the recommended time and do remember to rinse well after this de-coke. A word of caution safety first must take priority over all other considerations. Final word of caution do not attempt to remove deposits with screwdrivers welding rods and the like as exhaust elbows are a couple of hundred quid and sharp tools tend to punch through the twin wall internal, so making them into scrap.

winterize your engine now

Its most definatly time to winterize if you haven't already prepared your engine for winter. Over the years thinking and ideas on preperation has changed considerably. Gone are the days when you had to completely drain the coolant system, you no longer have to spray in the fogging oil. Mainstream thinking now is that to draw ready mix coolant through the sea water pump until it starts to be expelled out the stern and turning of the engine immediatly is all the prep work required. Make sure you check the strength of the coolant in your expansion tank if your engine is freshwater cooled. Finally make sure your pride and joy is well secured and relax.

Volvo continues to tighten the noose around its own neck!!!!

Volvo's new policy of making dealer center's is slowly losing them the in depth knowledge of the older marine generation. Some new super dealers are unable to supply information on older engines that proliferate our marinas. Even Volvo's staff levels are decreasing to the extent that even the last of the direct dealers are finding it hard to get technical help on engines that predate vodia handheld computers. Even our own large customer base is looking to more conventional companies to supply their engine re-power needs. So word of advice for volvo before you loose your loyal customer base have a rethink!

F1 with Volvo Penta Diesel Power

Pramac the Italian generator manufacturing company supplied electricity to light the recent F1 race in Abu Dhabi. A total of 44 Diesel generators positioned around the track powered lights around the track to provide a total of 12,500 KW.

Pramac also supplied the power for F1 in Singapore

Volvo Penta marine engine Help 4 U

If you have a problem with your engine or any penta related equipment leave me your contact details engine, drive and problem and I will give you what help I can.

Part numbers prices and availability are available, as is workshop manual info, I can also check your engine/drive history if it was recorded for warranty and you send me your serial number.

All FOC.

So let me know your requirements for immediate reply

D4, D6 cooling problem

If your D4,D6 is not cooling properly, it may be due to the outlet at the bottom of the expansion tank not being drilled out sufficiantly. Hole size should be 10.7mm X 50mm deep. If filling the engine with coolant takes longer than 2.5 minutes this may well be the cause and would certainly warrant investigation. If this is found to be the problem it is possible to drill out to the above dimensions but be careful to remove any drill swarf

ms25l Gearbox oil level

Volvo announce an error in the published level for oil in the above gearbox's which are fitted to the D2 series engines. The level had been quoted as 0.75 litres in fact this should be 1.05 litres. Please insure that your gearbox is topped up to the correct level to avoid problems

For those not in the know yet volvo penta are about to release a new model of the ill fated D3 marine engine which in its first guise was plagued with problems. The new model based on the D5 car engine. The problem at the moment is slow production. so watch this space for up to date news