Combi question ??

Nov 8, 2003
166
Hi to all,

If I rebuild the combi, how many hours can I reasonably expect to
get good service? How often does the combi need to be rebuilt?

I've had the injectors rebuilt and the motor is working fine on
this '76 volvo, but the combi finaly went south. Do I spend the
money and time to rebuild the combi or do I bite the bullet and
invest in a new engine?

Robert
 
Oct 30, 2019
77
I just went through that debate, opted to have the combi re-built,
paid around $2,000 including parts and labor (also had new injectors
installed a couple small odds and ends). I launched the boat and the
engine was siezed. When they got it turning is had lost compression
in the number two cylinder.

It could be a fluke. It could also have been boat yard negligence.
In any case I had to haul out again and purchased a new beta and am
installing it myself. It has been easy enough, only I'm having to
learn a bit more about the electrical system than I expected.

If I had it to do over I would have repowered right away, but if you
are really confident in the volvo the combi rebuild is a cheap
option. I paid to have it done because it seemed a little over my
head. That was a mistake. I tore the combi down as part of the new
engine install and it is easy enough for a do-it yourselfer. I would
say that anything you have to do to the old volvo that costs over
$1500, is reason enough to think seriously about spending the $6,000
for a replacement.
 
Feb 6, 2011
253
My opinion is if you have the cash to spare why not upgrade. These engines/combis aren't getting any younger. Only reason I see not to, is if you enjoy tinkering with the old system or are a Vega purist and want to keep the boat original (both are good reasons, I just happen to be neither).

However, if you don't have the cash (like I don't), then the combi overhaul is not that bad. I'm not very mechanically inclined. However, I bought the combi kit from VAGB and did it myself. Steve Burch was very patient with my billion and one email questions during the process.

If you don't want to replace a perfectly good engine, but don't like/trust the combi, why not consider bolting a standard transmission to the Volvo. I don't know how easy it might be or what the cost involved. Anyone out there done this? I think I might have read about a transmission swap in either the AVA or VAGB document packages.

Chris
V2933 Renee
Solomons, MD, USA
 
Nov 8, 2003
166
Thank you.

Both of you make good points. I think I will try to rebuild the
combi.
Steve, if you're listening, how much for a kit?

Second question if you don't mind, I'm installing a propane stove
and am being given a used outboard motor (gasoline). If I install a
bilge blower, where do I run the exhaust?

Robert.
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Robert

You can expect a Combi to last for years if you sail in a clean non-muddy area and the engine is well aligned. If the water is very dirty then this acts as an abrasive and can wear the control tube in less than four years. Alignment is important.

Kind RegardsSteve Birch
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Chris

Thanks for the praise! I always like to help if I can. The Volvo MS2 gerabox can be attached and adapted for a Vega. You will need another shaft and prop and some will need an adaptor plate. This job was done on one of the UK Vegas called Swedish Miss and costed about £700 ($1100) about four years ago. Worked well and not had a problem since. The engine is still thirty years old!

See ya


Steve Birch
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Robert

The Combi rebuild kit is £38 plus postage (£5). Payment can be in UK Sterling or US Dollars cheque or cash. If cheque make payable to:

DIANA WEBB and send to me at:

Steve Birch, 8 Cockshot Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 2TT, UK

Kind Regards and Good Luck


Steve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703
 
Nov 8, 2003
166
Thanks Steve,

Is there a zip code in your address, and should it be written like
this?

Steve Birch
8 Cockshot Road
Malvern
Worcs WR14 2TT, UK (ZIP) ?

Robert
 
Oct 30, 2019
77
Hi Steve,
Welcome Back. If you scroll back through the posts you find lots of
my electrical questions.

Basically, I think I see how to hook up the starting battery, but
since the new motor has only an alternator and not the dynastart that
the volvo had, i don't know what to do with the house circuit.

Do you have any ideas on using the alternator to charge both
batteries, without major re-wiring? Also, is the old regulator needed
at all? Also...there some wires from the old control panel, I think
they were for controlling the running lights that won't be there once
the new Beta control panel is installed. What do you do with them.

My immediate goal is to get the engine running, and have my auto bilgr
pump operational, and if I have major re-wiring to do I'd l;ike to do
that after I'm back in the water.

Do you have any pictures of what you use to align the engine?
I thought I had this perfectly done with just the one bolt in the
flexible coupling. (I had aligned the shaft with the shaft on the
engine without the coupling installed, then installed the coupling
with one bolt for the finer alignment) then when I installed all of
the bolts into the flexible coupling it almost seemed that the extra
weight on the prop shaft caused it to be out of alignment vertically.
I had to lift up on the coupling to aligh the holes. That doesn't
seem right.

One more question, I installed the Volvo Stern gland. It seemed a
little too big, although I was able to tighten it down with two hose
clamps. Is that how it is supposed to be? No chance that I got the
wrong size?
 
Nov 8, 2003
166
Hi Steve,

To be sure I'm thinking of the correct term, the combi I am needing
a kit for is the aft part of the motor where the throttle/gear cable
attaches and the shaft exits. If I'm correct and this is the kit
you refer to, please tell me how much that will be in US $.

Thanks
Robert