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Volvo TAMD 63

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Boomer, Jan 24, 2023.

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  1. Boomer, Jan 24, 2023
    #1
    Boomer

    Boomer Senior Member

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    Seminole
    Looking at a boat with 2000 Volvo TAMD 63 diesels...I have not heard a lot about them other than parts are expensive...can anyone chime in with comments regarding dependability dealer network, etc....?
  2. Capt Ralph, Jan 26, 2023
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm sorry you have not had any replies. I hope my post helps bump up your question.
    My experience with any Volvo D block is positive.
    Solid cast iron..
    Sadly, I can not tell by model number if your engines in question is mechanical or has a ECM running it.
    From what I have observed, The ECMs suck. Poor reliability and replacements take a while.
    Re-flash only fixes it <10% of the time.
    Further, Supply has been an issue on later products.

    PM me for the contact info on my Volvo shop that will honestly answer your questions and travel to survey your interest.
    Been doing business with this family for near 40 years now.
    Nobody else answers my Volvo questions, gas or diesel..
  3. Boomer, Jan 26, 2023
    #3
    Boomer

    Boomer Senior Member

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    Thanks Capt. Ralph...havent talked to you in a while...how is life on Bertie treating you?
  4. Capt Ralph, Jan 26, 2023
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Been on land now about 2 years. Took a while to sleep on a land/bed.
    Just cleaned up and made da bunk for guest this weekend.
    Ohhh,,Ahhh
    I think there staying in the house, I'm back on board..
    Ole Bert is about 80 feet away. I'm on her several times a week tinkering.
    But after cleaning up today, hard to walk off.

    This coming spring, Long over due on a vacation.
    Frak
    The Abacos, SW Florida, & just recently, da Dry Tortugas are not available as before.
    Probably heading further south to da Exumas.

    You good?
    Boat shopping are you??
  5. Boomer, Jan 26, 2023
    #5
    Boomer

    Boomer Senior Member

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    Life is life...had a tough year in 2022 but moving forward still...sold the ocean yachts, bought a 36 wellcraft express with gassers...not my type of boat...need more climate controlled cabin space...found a 43 jefferson that shows promise...need to sell ours first....how is your hip doing?
  6. Capt Ralph, Jan 26, 2023
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Let me tell you and all about my new hip.
    Freaking great. :D:D
    Amazing how much pain was removed within a few hours.
    I wanted to dance some that night.
    The kids at UF Health Gainesville fixed me rite up.

    Now, after many years of poor posture, still working to get all my strength back up in my hips and back.
    The UF Health kids are drawing straws lately,,, Who wants to fix my back.... HA

    Tell us more about this Jefferson.
  7. Boomer, Jan 26, 2023
    #7
    Boomer

    Boomer Senior Member

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    Possible liveaboard for us after we do the great loop
  8. Capt Ralph, Jan 26, 2023
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Da big Loop?
    On a Gas Express??
    Ya have to make a thread and keep all up.
    I think another couple here planning on the same with a gas Carver.

    But,,, The Jefferson???
    Or your keeping it quiet,,,,o_O
  9. Fishtigua, Jan 26, 2023
    #9
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Sorry, I missed this thread. I normally like to help with the Volvo questions.

    The 63 is a very fine engine but they do have one flaw. The ECM, cables and it's control panel. Ask the owner if he has had any work done on them, always a good indicator of future failure. The flybridge controls rot in the sun, the cables from the fly to the bridge like to corrode. Then the black box it's self, hard to find new or repair. As the motors are quite old, the after-market parts are now quite cheap compared to OEM, that is if the engines don't have a full Volvo service history.

    My advice is to get a trusted Volvo tech to go over the know problems before purchase. It would be worth every penny in the long run.
    Capt Ralph likes this.
  10. ksbguy, Mar 21, 2023
    #10
    ksbguy

    ksbguy Member

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    Late reply but TAMD63 is a mechanical engine, there’s no ECM there. Have owned two 2003 year for over a decade and are flawless. Some things to look at are oil hose to turbo (was changed to a braided hose), belt tensioner uses a bearing (keep en eye, if bearing goes so does the belt). The 63p-a version is a 2800rpm motor so make sure it’s turning at least 2850 full load.
    Captain Moore likes this.
  11. Capt Ralph, Mar 21, 2023
    #11
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    So??
    What's up??
    What ya doing??
    How ya been??
    My new year been off to a slow start. Need your positive vibes to re-start some spring/summer vibes.