210 with Volvo DP 300 or 320 hp

[cobalter]

In my case they had a slot open up on an existing order about the time I ordered couple of weeks so it's going into production maybe this week. So my question was actual build time, not the entire process. Thanks though.

[jhnmdahl]

Here's a propeller application chart showing selected propellers, top speeds, etc., for various Cobalt 210 configurations (click "view image" in your browser if it's too small to read) from Cobalt. Some of the numbers seem a little suspect (the V8-225 single prop gets on plane faster than the duo prop?), but it's what they have provided:

[cobalter]

Thanks for that info. I imagine the Merc Bravo 3 320 hp shown here is comparable to the Volvo 5.7 GXi 320 which I'm getting. Boat will probably arrive next week and I'll see what my boat comes with for the props. I'm in no hurry to change but can consider the differences vs cost while getting the engine broke in.

One other question you might know. I downloaded the engine break-in procedure for the 5.7 from a Volvo manual and it was dated 2006. I know there have been some minor changes at least electronically in the meantime. And I know my Cobalt rep will go over all this when we have our orientation on the water with the boat. But just wondering if there might be some changes in terms of the break-in procedure 9 years later that you might be aware of?

The 06 procedure I downloaded was exactly the same as what we did when we had a 226 with 5.7 300 hp back in 2003 to 2005. It is broken down into various hours of break-in up to 20 hrs when at that time the dealer wanted to see the boat for some checks, etc. I cannot find a more recent Volvo manual than the 2006 one so far. Wondering if one is out there and if break-in remains the same.

[jhnmdahl]

They have changed it up a bit over the years, and not all information from Volvo is consistent. You'll get an envelope with the engine, which includes the latest and greatest break-in recommendations as well.

My summary notes are:

First 5-10 minutes - do not exceed 1500 rpm, vary speed
First 2 hours – vary speed, run at low planing speed (300 rpm or so), bring up to ¾ speed 2-3 min and give cooling off periods
First 2-10 hours – ¾ throttle or less, vary speed, give cooling off periods at idle
First 10-20 hours – 5-10 min full rpm ok, give cooling off periods

Engine is provided with dino oil for first 20 hours, then can change to Mobil 1 15w/50 (Volvo says 5W-30 or heavier, SM or GF-4) and new filter
Gas – 87 octane is ok, but EFI engines can advance timing and benefit from 89.

[cobalter]

Ok that is similar to older one. Did they say to bring in to dealer at 20 hrs. for an engine check?

First Service Inspection (Dealer 20-Hour Check)

To ensure your continued boating enjoyment, we recommend that you return your Volvo Penta product to your Volvo Penta dealer for a 20-hour check. This 20-hour check will prevent a minor problem from getting worse and helps ensure a trouble-free boating season. When servicing your engine, your Volvo Penta dealer will use the following guidelines to inspect your product:

Start the engine and check that:

No leakage of fuel, oil, water, or exhaust gases occurs.
Engine oil pressure and temperature are within specification.
All cables and controls operate correctly.
All gauges, instruments, and alarms operate cor-
rectly.
Steering system operates correctly.
Engine ignition timing and idle RPM are within specifications.
Power trim system operates correctly. Stop the engine and:
Change engine oil and oil filter.
Change fuel/water separator filter.
Clean seawater strainer (if equipped).
• Check fluid levels and fluid condition in stern- drive or inboard transmission, power steering pump, and trim pump.

• Check propeller(s) and propeller fasteners. • Check condition of battery and battery cable

connections.

• Lubricate all grease fittings and linkages follow- ing service recommendations.

• Check tightness of all water, fuel, exhaust clamps, fittings, drive bellows, and drains.

Restart the engine and recheck that:

• No leakage of fuel, oil, water, or exhaust gases occurs.

• Engine oil pressure and temperature are within specifications.

This is a perfect time to discuss with your Volvo Penta dealer any questions about your engine that may have arisen during the first 20 hours of operation and establish a routine preventive maintenance schedule.

NOTE! Always insist that your dealer use genuine Volvo Penta parts when replacing engine components. Operating After Break-in Period

After the break-in period, the engine can be operated at any RPM from idle to full throttle. Cruising at 3600 RPM or less, however, saves fuel, reduces noise, and prolongs engine life.

[jhnmdahl]

The break-in manual recommends bringing it in at 50 hours for the first check, and the owner's manual is consistent with this. It also states that that mineral oil should be used for the first three years or 150 hours (same manual covers V8 225, 270, 300, and 320). Of course I loaded up on Mobil 1 15w-50 before reading this...

[cobalter]

Clearly some changes to the old regimen. Interesting about the Dino oil for 150 hrs. Glad I don't have to return to dealer at 20 hrs.

[Nicad]

Just wondering after reading this if the tune on my 2001 5.7 280 HP is leaving power on the table as my local marina is selling 91 octane. This is the only local gas that is ethanol free.
I am assuming my factory tune is set up for 87 octane.

[Big Block Power]

I really didn't notice much between the two. We have both grades here ethanol free. I have 87 in it now and had 91 just before it.

[liquid]

I never really consider this. I think it's all 91 on my lake.

Makes me wonder if anyone runs E10 in their boats... anyone fill their boats at the gas station on the trailer?

[Big Block Power]

Yea I'm sure there are plenty that do that but I wouldn't want to. I know the southern Midwest may not even offer gas without e10. I can get 87,89,91 with no alcohol and I notice no difference what's so ever.

[Alaskabound]

I fill up at a gas station close to where I store boat, about 4 miles from lake. They have what they call 100% gasoline which contains no ethanol. My last boat, a 2001 Chaparral with 6.2 320 hp, would vapor lock with ethanol gas so as long as I can get good gas, I will.

Dub

[Big Block Power]

Yep 100% true. Some of us are lucky that we can get it easily. Some can only get that on the water and pay way too much for it.