Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396

[DanM]

I have those same motors and am quite pleased with them. The only service issues other than maintenance has been the water pumps started leaking so I rebuilt both of them and those pesky fuel pumps. In short, they were painted on the inside and the paint started flaking off, clogging the pump. It presents itself as a clogged fuel filter. It is not a VP only issue but it seems to have occurred more often on VP's. Here is the thread on this topic: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2805&p=16578&hilit=DanM#p16578

Don't anticipate any help from VP with questions. Every technical question is answered with "contact your local Volvo Penta authorized service center"

WOT for our 396 is 27.5 knots on a fully fueled, loaded for a trip, flat seas, fresh water run. Best cruise for us is between 16 and 21 knots.

Best wished and congratulations on your new 396 adventure. It's been a wonderful choice for us.

[dscalarm]

Hi downstate. I have a 2003 with 8.1 Volvos. They start up and run flawlessly. I do regular maintenance, and only run up and down the Mohawk River now due to business obligations. The only problem I had was with a fuel pump that apparently had some interior paint flaws that were due to ethanol. I found a guy in Michigan that helped me and I replaced the fuel pump and he rebuilds them so I have a spare in case the other side fails. Needless to say, I don't allow anything but non-ethanol fuel in my tanks now! This is my third Carver and it is my Favorite!

[RussC243]

Hi all, Thanks for the help. I contracted a 2003 444. Survey should tale place in a few weeks. It has Volvos... but diesel TAMD63's . I wasn't planning on diesels with a 396 but my wife decided she wanted the cockpit so I guess 44 feet warrants a diesel.
Russ