Volvo MD6A

n6ric · Mar 28, 2010

I'm new to the Vega Group and first off I want to say thanks to all of those that have posted files and pictures here as it is helping me come up to speed on the Vega rather quickly. I just purchased a 1975 Vega that has set on its trailer for the last ten years. It needs a lot of TLC to get it cleaned and back in shape. The biggest challenge will be the engine. The MD6A only has a little over 700 hours on it, but will need to be pulled and rebuilt. What I don't know though is it worth rebuilding? Are there still parts readily available to do the job properly and then maintain it? I found a workshop manual for the engine, but don't know if that would be enough to guide me through the rebuild. Any insight would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ric

stevebirch2002 · Mar 28, 2010

Hi Ric

Rebuilding teh Volvo MD6A or 7A is really not an economic or viable idea. On top of that you will still havethe Combi gearbox!!

Think carefully of either having a new inboard diesel or perhaps an outboard.

There are workshop manuals available but you will be looking at paying 2 arms and a leg!

Cheers

Steve B

j.hunter9999 · Mar 28, 2010

Ric - I agree with Steve (which is always a safe bet). Our MD6A is still plugging along, but it does seem like finding the right parts is becoming a bit more troublesome and costly. You might find someone getting rid of an old engine...I think there was one on here about a month or two ago. Then you'd have some additional parts, but they would be worn.

On the other hand, that little diesel does seem to plug along despite its age. You might consider a Yanmar or a Beta, both of which seem to be good replacements for the Volvo. I've seen some interesting ideas for outboards as well, including one mounted through the aft lazarette (via some additional cutting and glass work).

If you decide to do the rebuild, some people may have some ideas for locations to find parts. If you're in the US, pickings are slim. So, be prepared to pay international shipping.

Best of luck!

Jack

pjacobs55 · Mar 28, 2010

Not knowing what condition it's in, I'd be VERY tempted to dig into the old thing a bit just to see what shape it's in. Who knows ... you might be able to revive it. Therer's certainly nothing to lose by looking.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

eliassonguitars · Mar 29, 2010

I agree with Peter.

Unless someone has told you that the engine is bad or burned out, it could be worth having a look at it. 700 hours is not a lot for these engines, and it has been without use for a long time. Maybe a cleanup will get it to work. If it does, you´ve won a lot. A rebuild is very expensive

dougpol1 · Mar 29, 2010

Seems like if the engine only has 700 hours it shouldnt need anything
but maybe a little cleaning up and tuning. Can You turn it over with
the crank? If you can move it a little I would think you pretty much
have a new engine. I really don't matter how long it's been setting.
Except you might need new main seals. A new set of industrial seal would
work fine as long as they are the right size. You could take the
cylinder head off and see if the cylinders have rust in them ,if not
they ought to be fine. I'd change the oil first. The combi system
was better than a transmission so if it is not worn out it should be
fine. Any machine shop can make most any part for it and though not
cheap it's a lot cheaper than a new transmission. A used transmission
could be put on it Tranies are really simple and can be rebuilt if you
get a Manuel for it. I would mess with thing a little just because
it's old doesn't mean its no good.
There is also this: Most of the parts in those engine were used in
all kinds of other engines and likely they are still being used on
something. I bet most diesel mechanics know which works where. For
example I had a 3 cylinder Izuzu diesel and the cylinders needed to be
re-bored for over sized pistons which I did. After the fact I found out
they could have re-bored the block for General motors sleeves and I
could then have put GM pistons connecting rods all for less then the
Japeneze parts. Dosen't matter what kind of parts you put in as long as
they are the right bore and stroke. I rebuilt my engine for less than a
couple thousand dollars. As good as a new one and one heck of a lot
cheaper. Doug
Steve Birch wrote:

n3935j · Mar 29, 2010

Sounds at least like a compression check is in order. I brought my old MD6A back from death, it had been written off long before I bought my Vega, but I decided to give it a shot. Volvo parts are expensive - but if you can do the work yourself and you don't have to do the lower end or replace pistons it's an option. Mine needed a valve job (local auto machine shop), gaskets, fuel injector service ($200, and luckily the injector pump was good because that's a $1000 deal breaker) , exhaust riser, (another couple hundred bucks) and the parts for complete fuel and water pump rebuilds. I spent about $900, and it did take a long time and there was blood and skin involved- plus several set backs - but on that rainy night while working under cargo lights with sweaty grim determination to get it done and she finally fired up - price less!

Patrick

________________________________
From: eliassonguitars eliassonguitars@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, March 29, 2010 9:40:39 AM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Volvo MD6A

I agree with Peter.

Unless someone has told you that the engine is bad or burned out, it could be worth having a look at it. 700 hours is not a lot for these engines, and it has been without use for a long time. Maybe a cleanup will get it to work. If it does, you´ve won a lot. A rebuild is very expensive

trevy_kins · Mar 29, 2010

Peter, I rebuilt my MD6B last year -- $1000 CAN for rings, seals and
gaskets (ordered through a local diesel repair shop - and $1000 to hire
an old-time diesel mech to do the job in his garage). I had re and re
myself which was surprisingly smooth. I also had the injector pump and
injectors rebuilt the year before which cost another $800. Some of the
new gaskets were so old that many had to be thrown out as they had
shrunk over the years. Buy some gasket paper and be prepared to make
some up. Motor seems to work fine now. Starts first time every time.
But this year I am going to try to renovate the dreaded combi . . . . .
argghhhhhh. The fun never ends. Trev (V2915)

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Peter
Sent: March 28, 2010 11:49 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Volvo MD6A

Not knowing what condition it's in, I'd be VERY tempted to dig into the
old thing a bit just to see what shape it's in. Who knows ... you might
be able to revive it. Therer's certainly nothing to lose by looking.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

groundhogyh · Mar 30, 2010

Ric,for paarts try marine parts express.
very good.roy