ATP

Considering a 2003 Carver with Volvo TAMD 63's, after coolers/heat exchangers supposedly have not been serviced (1000hrs salt water). I can't find Volvos recommended service intervals, but regardless of that this seems excessive. Is this going to be VERY expensive and thats why its forsale now?

Gali

Not a good sign, but not necessarily end of the world either. Have a volvo specialist service the engine. If the aftercoolers are failing there will be signs, such as higher temps, etc.

mystery

Volvo service intervals should be in the manual. Contact Volvo or a dealer and ask if you can't find on their website or by googling.

1,000 hour services are not cheap on most diesels. Some are $10k+ per engine. I dont think Volvos are that bad but they are mid-to-high cost of maintenance. If you just want to replace, ask Marinepartsexpress for a parts estimate. They might also be able to help with the maintenance schedule.

Personally, I'd make the current owner bring maintenance current.

Is the boat original owner? Are there any maintenance records?

ATP

Yes, Original owner. Haven't been provided with maintenance records from broker.

ATP

Broker said 1000 hour service not done.

mystery

I wont even waste time negotiating without seeing all available maintenance records.

mystery

Have you asked Broker if the owner is willing to have it done if its past due?

bigjimmie

I personally would avoid that offer. Might end up with more paint than work.

ATP

Broker says owner has every record since he bought it new. But, obviously at 1025 hours the owner doesn't want to spend the money hence sell.

Gali

Agreed, you just deduct the cost of the service from your offer. Unless its priced accordingly. You definitnely don't want the owner "saying" they did it and not actually doing it or not doing it the right way.

Selling before a large service isn't necessarily a bad sign. Many owners don't want to put the money in so they move on. If you look around how many outboards or outboard boats are being sold with around 1200-1500 hours. They know time is running up before a repower so they are getting out from under it now. Doesn't mean the deal cant be right, but you just have to factor in the costs accordingly.

mystery

So at this point, what I would do, is assuming you are happy with all your other due diligence, is say you are interested in making an offer but would like a copy of all available maintenance records.

kapdan

I had the same engines in a 34’ Pursuit Express. I did the HX and Aftercooler service myself. O-rings and gaskets were available 4 years ago. I think I spent around $500 for parts, decals, sandblasting, and paint.I still have the fuel injector removal tool if you are doing any work yourself.

kapdan

ATP

quote from the broker "the records are really not possible to make copies they are in a binder"

prowlersfish

Photos or go by and look

sailfish272

Tell the broker to open said binder, take out the records, make a copy, put records back in. Problem solved.

Seeing maintenance records is a normal ask.

unobtanium

Broker working extra hard not to make any money


Great engines, very reliable, mechanical injection, easy to work on, wet sleeved so easy rebuilds when time comes. I have seen them 10k hours from lobster boat still running strong with no blowby. Lack of 1000hr service not a deal breaker, after cooler design is better than most other Volvo models, consumables are available, not a difficult DIY to remove, muriatic acid dip, neutralize with water, dry and reseal. Just make sure 370 hp is enough to push that boat to a respectable cruise, and that motors hit rated WOT RPM when warmed up.

mystery

LOLOL

There are tons of apps that allow you scan docs using your phone, even Google Drive has a scan function that creates a PDF

Original owner of my boat kept everything in a binder too. I got the records before making an offer.

I would be stern with the broker, then consider going around to owner, say you really want to make an offer but need the service records

diveboss

I would just use that as a negotiating factor for buying the boat. 1000 hours is pretty low for a boat that old, but is definitely time for service.
I would have certified Volvo mechanic Sùrvey the engines regardless of any service records. Those are great engines, and as Kaplan said, the aftercooler and exchangers are reasonably easy to remove if you are mechanically inclined. Barnacle bust them, then reassemble.
definitely not a deal breaker.

mystery

Does barnacle bust actually do anything? I took a few shells, put into a cup with BB, and they were still there 8 hours later.

Ironworker

I've got a couple of TAMD 60B's. If you call Volvo you'll find that parts are insanely expensive. I priced a Fuel Stop solenoid and it was $1,000. Bought an aftermarket one online for $67.