r/boating • u/c0d3r2020 • 1d ago
Do anyone know why my Volvo Penta MD2030 engine does not start?
Any help would be very much appreciated!
14
6
u/Karen_Fountainly 1d ago
Low battery voltage.
If not that, the next easy step is to use decompression levers and spin engine while decompressed. It should spin fast. Then engage one cylinder while it is spinning, then another. It should at least try to start on one cylinder.
If not, next step is to bleed.
I bet it's a loose or corroded condition or low battery.
4
u/baldingwookie74 1d ago
Definitely charge the battery or straight up replace it. It also sounds like the injectors may be out of time but you won't know until the battery is taken care of.
6
u/Krazybob613 1d ago
It is cranking way too slowly.
I would begin by installing a new fully charged battery. That might be all that it requires.
3
u/funkyonion 1d ago
I had that same engine, it ran away from the previous owner on the day he decided to sell the boat. The battery may just be low from turning it over so many times. There’s a mechanical fuel pump with a diaphragm that eventually rots out and dumps fuel into the crankcase. Just for giggles, pull that fuel pump and inspect the diaphragm. After being quoted $800 for part only, I replaced the pump with an electric one and solved my problems.
3
u/ob3s 1d ago
first iam a german noob but with some experience... so this is a suggestion. to me it sounds like the starter got problems to crank the thing up. so it could be the starter who got not enough power, thats the battery in the best case. starter broken not good but manageble. worst is motor doesnt turn well but i dont think its that worse... sorry for the bad english...
3
u/threeinthestink_ 1d ago
1) I assume this is your vessel. You need to educate yourself on how basic systems on your boat work. You, and you alone as the captain are responsible for the safety of every passenger on your boat. What’re you gonna do if your fuel line pops off when you’re 20 miles off shore?
2) definitely sounds like a weak battery OR a bad connection so test the battery then work your way back to the starter. Check all battery lugs and make sure they’re tight and free of corrosion. If your starter is receiving good voltage then the starter may be on its way out
5
2
u/ElectricalWavez 1d ago
Seriously?
Come on man...
1
u/c0d3r2020 1d ago
Ehm, what?
7
u/saucepatterns 1d ago
Don't listen to this dumbass. Get help whenever and wherever you want. Nothing wrong with that.
2
-2
u/ElectricalWavez 1d ago
If you can't see what the issue is with this post, then you better hire a mechanic.
1
1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Unfortunately your submission was automatically removed because your account is less than 2 days old. This is not to discourage new users, but to prevent the large amount of spam that this subreddit attracts from new accounts. If you believe this is a legitimate submission, please message the moderators to have them manually review your post, or wait until your reddit account comes of age and try again. Thank you!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
1
2
u/Flux1776 23h ago
Check battery / charge or replace as necessary, check fuel clean, filter not clogged, crack fuel line at an injector while cranking and see if fuel is make to that point. Place a rag there before hand as it will leak some if fuel system is working properly. For starters this is what I’d do .
0
u/Secret_Pop3569 1d ago
The battery is getting low, charge it then try again and spray some ether into the intake, if it fires briefly and quits try it again and if it does the same you have a fuel issue. Find the fuel cutoff solenoid and check if it has power, if so check the filter, if the filter isn't filled to the top with fuel top it off reinstall and try starting again with a spray of ether, if it briefly runs and stops again remove the filter, if it is full the solenoid is not opening, if it is empty either the tank is dry, the fuel pump has gone bad or the fuel line is broke and sucking air or some other issue with it. I hope this helps, if you are not a mechanic go get one.
2
u/theendoftheinternet 1d ago
This comment is good advice aside from the ether. Never use ether in a diesel engine. Diesels don’t have oil rings like gas engines, so the cylinder walls are lubricated by the diesel fuel. Ether will dry out the cylinder walls and will cause the piston to score the walls.
Solution: use WD40 to start your diesel.
4
u/scubatim_fl 1d ago
Excuse me, diesel do have oil ring landings... Ether is fine for a quick start but don't over do it..
1
u/me_too_999 1d ago
I second the WD-40 Safer and more effective than ether.
I even use it on my gas outboard when idle jet is clogged.
1
u/BOSBoatMan 1d ago
NEVER use Ether!
1
u/Karen_Fountainly 1d ago
Use wd 40, not ether
0
u/BOSBoatMan 1d ago
Use wd40 on a dead battery that’s a first I would stick to your day job Comrade
1
u/Karen_Fountainly 10h ago
WD 40 instead of ether to spray into the engine.
It's well known that, in some cases, ether sprayed into an engine air intake causes harm. The preferred procedure is to use WD 40. This follows the previous entry in the thread
21
u/infinitee775 1d ago
Does it normally sound like that when starting? It sounds like it's cranking over slow. How's the starting battery?