Water test questions

[willyswagon]

Hey all, newbie here. Took a 2014 26 SD for a water test, and found the engine to be making popping sound above 5000 rpm. Dealership( not a volvo dealer) stated that it was most likely hitting the rev limiter. When I looked up the Volvo V8 380 it states in the manual that WOT is between 5600-6000 rpm. Boat is propped with F4 blades, can only get 45mph, but I note that the cobalt site says it should have F5s and reviews put it at 52 mph.

What speed are others getting, and at what rpm does your V8 380s hit the limiter?
I love the boat, but don't want to be buying a problem engine.

Also the bimini fits terribly. The dealer contacted the previous owner and he said the tower was replaced last spring due to the paint peeling. He said he didn't have the bimini up since. By looking at the brackets, they are in different locations than on boats on the internet. That I can work with, but I'm wondering if paint peeling is a known problem?

Thanks

[Tuscany]

Go with your gut..

[AsLan7]

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Hey willyswagon, welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!

Not sure what you mean by popping noise. Maybe if it were carbureted engine that could make more sense. As a fuel injected motor, it certainly should never make a popping sound. When our engine hits the rev limiter, the alarm will be heard for a second when it over revs. That’s on a Merc though. I would think VolvoPenta would be similar.

Did you feel a loss of power? Boat should hit 50-53 with that motor.


We need pics of the Bimini to diagnose. A marine inspection is a wise investment before purchasing. They can head off a lot of unseen problems.

Again, welcome aboard mate. Hope you’ll be joining us soon with a new to you Cobalt!

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[Big Block Power]

Yes sounds like the rev limiter. Also is that the 6.0 380?
I didn't look up the max rpm.
Diff then the 6.2 380 I think. Sounds like it's repropped maybe. Where do you boat and where did the boat spend its life.

[ajcampen]

I have the white Sampson tower. My paint didn’t peel, however where a Bimini strap attached it scratched. That area bundled up a bit. I bought a can of touch up paint and plan sand that small area and re-spray paint. Call Sampson and you can buy the paint from there. I bought from mfg and with shipping charge it was $25

[liquid]

Go with your gut..

This. If you've taken it out for a water test and found two things odd/weird/concerning in the first hour being on the boat well then...

Don't just live with anything. Plenty of boats in the sea.

[willyswagon]

I was able to give it a proper inspection. I had it for 2 days, but weather only allowed a 2 1/2 hr water test. The 6 litre V8 pulls hard, and will set you into your seat at any speed. There was no water in the separator when I took it for the test, but I forgot to check it after the run.

They are sending their mechanic out with it to see if they can get it to do it for them.

The boat spent 3 yrs in covered storage in Fla. It was brought to Canada last spring. The tower was replaced last spring by dealer in Fla before it came North. They are going to ask the OO if he changed the prop size.

As far as area of boating, PEI Canada.
Beautiful day on the water today. Have 70 NM in so far. Should be ashore by 1800 hrs

[cmattj]

I'm sure since your dealer is letting you demo this Cobalt for the year ( kidding.. maybe) they will stride to make it right.

Have the ecm scanned for codes and true hours. Have them get the ecm part number and date to insure it wasn't swapped. Scann can reveal and determine rpm limit values or history misfire codes. Most engine covers will even show rpm range.



I'm with Tuscany and BB as rev limiter and props changed due to unknowns. She's slow for the set up.

Powder coat peeling?? Salt air and not wiped down.. that year did use engine coolant in exhaust manifolds is the nice news. But I'd be looking for corrosion on wiring and pitting or pock marks on stainless to determine overall care.

Meanwhile welcome going forward and hopefully your gut tells you the rest!

[willyswagon]

I could literally water test it as long as i wanted. My life long friends own the dealership. I work for the full time with the CG, and deliver boats and trailers for them on occassion( when not working at my distillery). It is the first 6 litre V8 380 that they have taken in, so the high RPM compared to the Mercs is what had us all wondering. We had some volvo engines in our fast recue craft at work, so the Volvo doesn't scare me away like it does for others. I'm leaning towards misfire do to condensation, as the fuel tank was not pressed up for winter storage.

I'm thinking that you may be correct on the no wiping down after use, as the cover snaps are toast, and the trim rings on the gauges and radio remotes are screwed. All stuff I can repair on my own cause the price is right.

So are we in agreement that the boat should be 50-53mph on GPS, and turning 5600-6000 Rpm @ WOT?

Thanks again

[cmattj]

All stuff I can repair on my own cause the price is right.

So are we in agreement that the boat should be 50-53mph on GPS, and turning 5600-6000 Rpm @ WOT?

Thanks again

Ok thats good that your seeing the upside on the Price vs small detail stuff.. Very nice pal.

Your speed 45mph at 5000rpm with 10% slip , then increasing to 5800rpm puts you 52 ish mph. so that seems realistic. Be nice if it could pull a F5 but that may be where a 430hp version comes in to play. but I agree that once it runs correctly she may improve.

Remember we need pics if you finally land on her or even she just becomes a loaner for life we still want pics too. Hoping its Red...

Welcome Willy !

[willyswagon]

Thanks for the input. If all proves out with the mechanic runs on Monday, I'll be picking it up next week.
Pics to follow.

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma Willy! I hope it all works out and you get your boat.
Pics or it never happened

[Big Block Power]

So did they get the engine to run at proper rpm?

[willyswagon]

So did they get the engine to run at proper rpm?

We are still working on it. As I said earlier, I bought it from a buddy. I picked up a couple of boat trailers for them, and when I pulled into the yard, another guy was pulling in with it. It was traded on a Sea Ray 310. I jumped right up, hooked up the batteries, saw 115 hrs, a volvo engine(which they don't work on), and the cosmetic issues. I said I'll take it and water test it for you. Told him what the issues are and we came up with a number.
I go back on shift tomorrow, so I'll get back to the boat in a week or so. They have ordered in a new fuel filter, and the scan tool for Volvo.

I'm not worried about it, cause they are very reliable.

[Big Block Power]

No problem. I eas just curious if they got it squared away. Congrats on the purchase. Can't wait to see if it's black. Pictures or it didn't happen.