Volvo Penta Identification Help

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Understanding Volvo Penta Engine Model Codes - A Brief Explanation:

Most engine model designations are on an engine data plate, on the front or the top of the engine. Some older engines have the data plate on the adapter plate between the engine and the gearbox . Here are some examples of engine model codes and their meanings:

Identification of Diesel Volvo Penta Engines: Older Engines
Before the number
D = Diesel
M = Marine
A = Aftercooler
T = Turbocharged
H = Horizontal
K = Compressor
AQ = Engine equipped for a Sterndrive

Number: Used to show displacement, horsepower or number of cylinders|

After the number: The letters after the number are used for version control, to designate useage or tell the type of transmission mated to the engine. Before dash (-) These note different use ratings, such as pleasure, leisure, etc… In some cases in the column headers you will see the version letters separated by a “/” (example TAMD41P/L/M/H –A, this means all of these versions of TAMD41 are covered by that column). - or – They are sequential, A, B, C, etc…

Identification of Diesel Volvo Penta Engines: Current Engines
D6 = Diesel , 6 Cylinder
A = sterndrive
D = IPS
I = Inboard
After dash These are sequential, A, B, C, etc…
Example: D6-435D-C = diesel, 6 cylinder, 435HP, IPS, C version

 

Identification of Gasoline Volvo Penta Engines: Older Model: Example AQ271B - Normally the engine is painted RED

AQ = Sterndrive
BB or MB = Inboard
271 = Displacement or Horsepower
B = Version Generation - A / B / C etc..


Identification of Gasoline Volvo Penta Engines: Middle Model: Example 434A - Normally the engine is painted RED

4.3L = The first two digits of the number represent the displacement
4 = The third digit was used for version control 
B = The remaining letter is Version Generation 


Identification of Gasoline Volvo Penta Engines: Normally the engine is painted Charcoal These engines went out of production in 2000. 
These engines were built during the joint venture with OMC. They were usually named by long character strings that contain two numbers followed by a series of letters.


Example:
4.3 = 4.3L = Displacement
G = GM = Indicates who made the base engine. G=GM, F=Ford
L = Limited output, carbureted (no i) /// After that, one or two letters that note the fuel system and/or output. L=Limited, S=Superior, X=Exceptional, i or I =Fuel injected (no I means carburated).
P = Power steering /// P=Power steering, M=Manual steering, X=Exact steering, I=Inboard
BY = built 1997-1998
C = service code for version control. /// The next two letters are the most important for finding parts. These are random letter pairs that indicate the years of production for the engine. All parts information for these engines is based on these letter codes, including the charts that follow later in the book.

 

Build Codes to Reference: MD = 1993-1994 BY = 1997-1998 HU = 1994-1995  WT = 1998-1999 NC = 1995-1996 EF = 1999-2000 LK = 1996-1997 


Identification of Gasoline Volvo Penta Engines: Current Model: Example 4.3GXi-DF - Normally the engine is painted RED
Using the coding system for Displacement, Base Egnine, Fuel and Power Steering from above model.

4.3 = Displacement.
G =  GM
Xi = X=Exceptional, i or I=Fuel injected​​​​​​
-
D = Version Generation
F = Freshwater Cooled (no F = Not Freshwater Cooled)
**Exceptions to the Rule**
For 3.0L only, there is an M or P for the steering
For Inboard engines only, there is an I after the lower case i.
New engines have been added that use the Ocean Series sterndrives, these engines have an OS for this letter. (INSTEAD OF G OR F)