Ask the experts
ENGINES
One problem leads to another…
Q My yacht Greenhearthas a 1998 Volvo Penta MD2030 engine with around 2,000-2,500 hours on it.
It’s always quick to start and there’s never been any real problem although I’ve noticed that the hand lever on the fuel pump is very soft and does very little.
Back in 2016 I began to get intermittent warning sirens at which time the temperature light came on – though there did seem to be enough cooling water coming through the exhaust. A professional check with a spot thermometer found it to be OK and a Volvo agent check in Sweden then suggested a panel fault.
In 2019 in the Kiel Kanal, lulled by the continuous siren, I didn’t notice a real problem until the engine stopped! Amid much steam there was a sheared alternator mounting bolt and hence no
