Volkswagen Lightweight Marine Engines

[tronico]

Hi all, just wondering does anyone out there have any experience in using the Volkswagen marine engines mainly the TDI 350-8 and TDI 265-6?

Pros/Cons?

I looked at these engines because of there low wight.
In this project the wight and environmental friendliness is the key.

But off course they have to perform as well.

The engines will be used for a waterjetdrive system.

Any experience?

[powerabout]

They seem to have just become a base engine supplier to Mercrusier Cummins
http://www.cmdmarine.com/Product2/VW_index.html

[CDK]

Now that they are part of CMD I hope they've stopped painting their engines white so they will look better after a few years of service.
And they should be less expensive of course.

[powerabout]

and
wire them up like an american would
use NPT pipe threads instead of straight BSP crap
have someone that can speak English write the manuals
supply installation accesories that the rest of the world actaully use
design them to be used in warm seawater instead of cold fresh water

and everything else that Europeans do wrong to perfectly good engines

[pistnbroke]

wire them up like an american would
use NPT pipe threads instead of straight BSP crap
have someone that can speak English write the manuals
supply installation accesories that the rest of the world actaully use
design them to be used in warm seawater instead of cold fresh water

BRILLIANT

[powerabout]

I forgot
dont use push on terminals like (Volvo BMW etc) that eventually fall off

[phiphitdi]

Hello everybody

VW marine engines are quite good engines derivated from VW/Audi car engines ,their only problem is the reliability of their turbocharger,their VTG turbocharger are often clog by soot ,and the Engine Control Unit put the engine in limp mode
I have a VW SDI 60 hp in my Arvor 190 boat and it works fine

[gdufus]

perfectly good engines, keep an eye on the fresh / salt water issue, and as far as I know these things are taken from european cars principles, so they have timing belts, that definatelly need to be taken care of in time. Issues also in cars already with some breaking bolts that hold the spanner-roll, which is even more likely in a marine saltwater environment, so replace from the get-go if the grade of material doesn't sufice. also take spare bolts on board, and timer belts, in case of visual inspection flaws, you're able to change the thing on the spot

[BMcF]

Have had very good results over very many years with an Audi/Pathfinder 5-cyl naturally-aspirated diesel (1983 vintage?..about 75 HP..don't honestly recall off the top of my head). Smooth and lightweight..and reliable. The cam belt does need paid attention to and replaced at realistic intervals.

[CDK]

Although timing belts in general are not the most reliable way to turn a camshaft, the VW engine has an excellent reputation. If the belt fails you do not need a spare one because the pistons have hit the valves, nearly always causing major damage.

But belt failure in VW engines is very rare, even when the engine is neglected and the advice to replace the belt after 80.000 km or 4 years is ignored. I've seen VW engines where after more than 400.000 km the belt was so worn that it jumped over one or two teeth but still didn't break.
Quite a difference with the GM Ecotec II engines. When they were introduced in 2000 the service interval was set at 80.000 km, later lowered to 60.000 but in my Frontera SUV the belt snapped at 52.000 km already and wrecked the engine.

[powerabout]

Did you get w/tee CDK?

but how does a MARINE engine go when it doesnt get used for a few months and the crankshaft pulley down close to the bilge is all corroded and that cycle goes on for a while before the belt change due date

[powerabout]

Originally Posted by phiphitdi

Hello everybody

VW marine engines are quite good engines derivated from VW/Audi car engines ,their only problem is the reliability of their turbocharger,their VTG turbocharger are often clog by soot ,and the Engine Control Unit put the engine in limp mode
I have a VW SDI 60 hp in my Arvor 190 boat and it works fine

All marine diesels are going to be configured like that soon

[CDK]

Originally Posted by powerabout

Did you get w/tee CDK?

but how does a MARINE engine go when it doesnt get used for a few months and the crankshaft pulley down close to the bilge is all corroded and that cycle goes on for a while before the belt change due date

Good point Powerabout!

I lifted the floor to look at my engines because recently I had a cracked hose that splashed seawater all over the place and had been doing so for quite some time before the electronics failed and the throttle stopped responding.
Both engines look like sh*t and badly need to be cleaned, but as far as I can see the timing belt pulleys are OK. They are quite well protected with a plastic cover.

[BMcF]

Originally Posted by CDK

Both engines look like sh*t and badly need to be cleaned, but as far as I can see the timing belt pulleys are OK. They are quite well protected with a plastic cover.

As with thousands of Volvo 4-bangers have the same belt arrangement. Trying to get a really nasty looking one cleaned up as we speak; want it to look "pretty" before it goes back in to a vintage Carlson/Glastron.