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Volvo Penta TD720GE Engine

The Volvo Penta TD720GE is a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine. It powers generator sets from Volvo Penta.

Also known as: Volvo Penta TD720GE

6
Cylinders

Engine specifications

Cylinders6
Aspirationturbocharged

Service intervals

19
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
BatteryCheck50 hrChecking the electrolyte level
Release bearingLubricate50 hrApplies to disconnection clutch with more than 15-20 clutch operations per day; otherwise every 400 hours
Coolant (corrosion protection fluid)Other500 hrTop up with 0.5 liter (0.53 US qt) anti-corrosion agent if cooling system filled with anti-corrosion mixture
Drive beltsAdjust500 hrEvery 500 hours, inspection/adjustment
Fuel tank (sludge trap)Drain500 hrEvery 500 hours
Air hosesInspect1000 hrLeakage check
Fuel filterChange1000 hrEvery 1000 hours
Valve clearanceAdjust1500 hrFirst service — Inspection/adjustment
Air filterClean2000 hrTAD engines; clean more frequently in extremely dirty conditions
Air filter for air compressorChange2000 hrEvery 2000 hours or every 12 months
Coolant (corrosion protection fluid)Change2000 hr12 moEvery 2000 hours or every 12 months
Engine with equipmentInspect2400 hrGeneral check
TurbochargerCheck2400 hrEvery 2400 hours
InjectorsCheck3000 hrEvery 3000 hours
Coolant (glycol mixture)Change5000 hr24 moEvery 5000 hours or at least every 24 months
Coolant filterChange6 moEvery 6 months; filter should not be changed when coolant is changed
Engine oil and oil filterChange12 moEvery 50-600 hours or at least every 12 months; interval varies with oil grade and sulfur content of fuel
InjectorsOtherFirst service — Re-tighten 50 Nm (36.88 lbf ft) after the first 100-200 hours
Valve clearanceCheckFirst service — After the first 100-200 hours

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceBig-end bearing diameter72.5 +0.02mminitial torque 30 Nm when measuring only
ClearanceBig-end bearing shell inside diameter68.03 +0.04mm
ClearanceBushing in upper connecting rod end, pressed in42.04 +0.01mm
ClearanceCamshaft bearing inside diameter65.00 +0.054mm
ClearanceCamshaft bearing wear limit65.08mm
ClearanceConnecting rod straightness, max deviation0.05mmover a distance of 100 mm
ClearanceConnecting rod torsion, max deviation0.05mmover a distance of 100 mm
ClearanceControl rod (fuel rack) travel17.0 - 17.5mmmeasured without injection pumps fitted
ClearanceControl rod (fuel rack) travel, minimum16.8mmwith injection pumps installed
ClearanceCrankshaft big-end bearing journal diameter68.00 -0.02mm
ClearanceCrankshaft big-end journal oval / conicity wear limit0.01mm
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing journal diameter85.00 -0.02mm
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing journal oval / conicity wear limit0.01mm
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing journal undersize 0.25 mm84.75 -0.02mm
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing journal undersize 0.50 mm84.50 -0.02mm
ClearanceCrankshaft max deviation (520)0.07mmdial gauge
ClearanceCrankshaft max deviation (720/721/722)0.10mmdial gauge
ClearanceCrankshaft thrust bearing journal width38.00 +0.06mm
ClearanceCylinder liner inside diameter108 +0.02mmmeasured at three levels, longitudinal and transverse
ClearanceCylinder liner wear limit108.1mm
ClearanceDepth of valve in cylinder head (disc to head face), max1.5mminlet/exhaust
ClearanceDrive belt deflection10mm (3/16 in)between the pulleys
ClearanceGudgeon pin diameter42 -0.006mm
ClearanceLiner collar minimum height9 -0.02mm
ClearanceMain bearing inner diameter85,03 +0.036mm
ClearanceMax. depth, liner collar seat to sealing surface8.92 +0.03mm
ClearancePermitted crankshaft axial clearance0.10 - 0.30mm
ClearancePiston ring axial play, 2nd ring, wear limit0.17mm
ClearancePiston ring axial play, 3rd ring, wear limit0.10mm
ClearancePiston ring gap, 1st ring, wear limit0.8mm
ClearancePiston ring gap, 2nd ring, wear limit2.5mm
ClearancePiston ring gap, 3rd ring, wear limit1.15mm
ClearancePlay for bushing in upper connecting rod end, wear limit42.12mm
ClearanceRadial play for big-end bearings, wear limit0.12mm
ClearanceValve edge thickness, wear limit, exhaust1.8mm
ClearanceValve edge thickness, wear limit, inlet2.1mm
ClearanceValve head diameter, exhaust42.0 ±0.1mm
ClearanceValve head diameter, inlet48.0 ±0.1mm
ClearanceValve seat width, wear limit, exhaust2.2mm
ClearanceValve seat width, wear limit, inlet2.8mm
ClearanceValve spring unloaded length64.70 ±1.3mmunloaded
ClearanceValve stem clearance, exhaust, wear limit0.13mmmeasured with a new valve
ClearanceValve stem clearance, inlet, wear limit0.10mmmeasured with a new valve
ClearanceValve stem diameter, exhaust8.96 -0.015mmstandard
ClearanceValve stem diameter, inlet8.98 -0.015mmstandard
GapBelt tension deflection10mmpressed down midway between the pulleys
GapCylinder head gasket selection (piston height 0.54–<0.63 mm)2 holescylinder head gasket marking
GapCylinder head gasket selection (piston height 0.64–0.75 mm)3 holescylinder head gasket marking
GapCylinder liner collar seat / head gasket selection (piston height 0.28–<0.53 mm)1 holecylinder head gasket marking
GapSealant bead diameter (governor)Ø 1.5 +0.5mm
OtherCompression ratio TAD520VE / TD720VE / TAD720VE/TAD721VE/TAD722VE (stage 1)18.4:1
OtherCompression ratio TAD530/531/532GE and TAD730/731/732/733GE18.0:1
OtherCompression ratio TAD720VE/TAD721VE/TAD722VE (stage 2)19.0:1
OtherCompression ratio TAD721GE/TAD722GE18.1:1
OtherCompression ratio TD520GE/TAD520GE/TD520VE17.5:1
OtherCompression ratio TD720GE/TAD720GE17.1:1
OtherFitting size for injection pump (Ek) from EP code 397 example146.9mmTable 3
OtherInjection pump basic measurement L0143mmTable 1
PressureAutomatic stop at pressure less than150kPa (22 psi)
PressureAutomatic stop at pressure less than200kPa (29 psi)

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
CoolantVolvo Penta anti-corrosion agentWater to ASTM D4985; mixture ratio 1:30For no risk of frost; top up with 0.5 liter (0.53 US qt) every 500 hours if operation exceeds 500 hours per annum. Anti-corrosion mixture offers no frost protection
CoolantVolvo Penta glycol (antifreeze) mixed 45/55 with clean waterWater quality: ASTM D4985 pure waterAnti-corrosion agent used only in markets with no risk of freezing, mixed with water; must not be mixed with glycol or other anti-corrosion fluids.
CoolantVolvo Penta coolant (glycol mixture)50% Volvo Penta anti-freeze (glycol) and 50% water to ASTM D4985above -40°C4.7 liter (1.24 US gal)Engine volume, TD420VE/TAD420VE. Prevents frost bursting down to about -40°C (-40°F); use mixture ratio all year round
Engine oilSAE 15W 4010.0 litreOil volume including filter, TD520GE/TAD520GE.
Engine oilVDS, VDS-2, VDS-3; ACEA E3, E2Fully synthetic oil must be used for TAD722VE; mineral based (fully or semi-synthetic) may be used in other engines. Select viscosity from viscosity/ambient temperature table. Oil change interval varies with oil grade and sulfur content: 500/250/125 hours or 12 months
FuelEN 590 (with nationally adapted environmental and cold requirements); ASTM D 975 No 1-D and 2-D; JIS KK 2204Sulfur content complying with legal requirements in each country; if sulfur content exceeds 0.5% by weight, oil change intervals must be changed

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Fault codes

24
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
2.0.0No faultsThere are no active faultsInfo
PID 100, Code 2.2.4Oil pressure sensorFaulty sensor, connector or cableWarningCheck the sensor cable. Check sensor function, change as necessary
PID 100, Code 2.3.1Warning, oil pressureOil pressure below specified limit value (depends on engine speed)WarningCheck the oil level and oil pump. Check the sensor cable. Check sensor function. Check the limit value for oil pressure warning
PID 102, Code 2.2.3Charge pressure sensorFaulty sensor, connector or cableWarningCheck the sensor cable for breaks and short circuits. Check sensor function, change as necessary
PID 110, Code 2.2.5Temperature sensor, coolantFaulty sensor, connector or cableWarningCheck the sensor cable. Check sensor function, change as necessary
PID 110, Code 2.3.2Warning, coolant temperatureExcessive coolant temperatureWarningCheck the coolant. Check the sensor cable. Check sensor function, change as necessary
PID 111, Code 2.3.5Warning, coolant levelCoolant level too lowWarningCheck the coolant level. Check the sensor cable. Check sensor function (if installed), change as necessary. Engine supplied without coolant level sensor
PID 158, Code 2.8.2Reference voltage 1Reference voltage for actuator exceeds permissible limit valuesWarningCheck the voltage supplied. Turn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains
PID 158, Code 2.9.1Control unit, voltage supplyVoltage supplied to actuator exceeds permissible limit valuesWarningTurn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains
PID 174, Code 2.2.7Fuel temperature sensorFaulty sensor, connector or cableWarningCheck the sensor cable for breaks and short circuits. Check sensor function. Change the sensor as necessary
PID 174, Code 2.3.7Warning, fuel temperatureExcessive fuel temperatureWarningCheck the fuel. Check the sensor cable. Check sensor function, change as necessary
PID 190, Code 2.1.1Engine speed sensor, camshaftFaulty sensor, connector, cables or incorrect distance to cam wheel. High frequency interferenceShutdownCheck sensor installed with correct distance to camshaft. Check cables for breaks and short circuits. Check connector for poor contact. Check sensor function, change as necessary
PID 190, Code 2.1.4OverspeedEngine speed is or has been higher than the permissible limitWarningCheck the control rod for the injection pumps. Check the actuator, replace if necessary. Check actuator cables. Check number of teeth on camshaft wheel
PID 190, Code 2.3.6Overspeed in limp home modeLimp home mode activated and engine speed higher than permissible limit valueShutdownCheck control rod for injection pumps. Check actuator, replace if necessary. Check actuator cables. Check number of teeth on camshaft wheel
PID 48, Code 2.9.2Atmospheric pressureAir pressure is outside permissible valuesWarningTurn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains
PID 91, Code 2.2.1Accelerator pedal sensorFaulty sensor, connector or cableWarningCheck the sensor cable for breaks and short circuits. Check sensor function. Change the sensor as necessary
SID 23, Code 2.5.1Control rod position sensor, differenceInjection pump/actuator stuck or not connected; difference between control rod current value and nominal value exceeds 10%WarningCheck the control rod for the injection pumps. Check actuator, control rod and injection pumps, change as necessary. Check actuator cables
SID 23, Code 2.5.2Injection pump, auto calibrationAutomatic actuator equalization not possible; faulty calibrationShutdownCheck the actuator, change as necessary. Check actuator cables. Turn ignition off and on, check if fault code remains
SID 231, Code 2.7.1Communication fault, CAN busCAN controller for CAN bus is faultyWarningCheck the cables. Check the control unit
SID 24, Code 2.5.1Control rod position sensorActuator not connected; faulty value from control rod position sensor in actuatorShutdownCheck the actuator, change as necessary. Check actuator cables for breaks and short circuits
SID 240, Code 2.10.1Stack overflowInternal calculation faultShutdownTurn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains
SID 240, Code 2.8.1Cyclical program testMemory faultShutdownTurn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains
SID 252, Code 2.8.1Parameter programmingMemory faultShutdownTurn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains
SID 253, Code 2.10.1Parameter faultNo data or incorrect data (fault only occurs during parameter setting or reset)ShutdownCheck parameter settings. Turn the ignition off and on, and check if the fault code remains

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Control rod (fuel rack) travel, measuring adjustment

⚠ Only tighten the stop screw gently by hand.

Tools: Measuring fixture 999 8684, Rule depth gauge 998 5471, Pressure tool 999 8682

  1. Turn the engine through 180° and attach measuring fixture 999 8684 on the leading edge of the engine.
  2. Measure from the measuring fixture to the control rod stop position with rule depth gauge 998 5471.
  3. Measure from the measuring fixture to the control rod start position.
  4. The difference between start and stop positions is the control rod travel.
  5. Turn the measuring fixture and push the control rod to the stop position by hand using the stop screw.
Drive belts. Inspection/adjustment adjustment

⚠ TD420VE, TAD420VE and TAD620VE fan belts have automatic tensioner and need no adjustment

  1. Inspect and adjust after operation when belts are hot
  2. Loosen the screws (A) before tensioning the alternator belts
  3. Adjust so belts can be pressed down about 10 mm between pulleys
  4. Change worn belts which operate in pairs together
  5. Check condition of drive belts, change as necessary
Injectors, checking/adjusting adjustment

⚠ Fuel pressure jet can penetrate deep into skin tissue and cause blood poisoning.

⚠ Use only clean test oil meeting ISO 4113 or clean diesel.

Tools: Nozzle tester, Injector microscope, Ultrasonic cleaner

  1. Connect the injector to the nozzle tester.
  2. Check the opening pressure; control value in Technical data.
  3. Check leak-down: pressure may at most drop to 5 MPa / 5 sec.
  4. Hold 2 MPa below opening pressure for 10 s; no drips permitted.
  5. Take off the cap nut and remove all parts.
  6. Wash details in an ultrasonic cleaner or washing petrol/Vanolen.
  7. Inspect injector details using an injector microscope.
  8. Dip parts in oil before assembly.
  9. Set pressure by selecting an appropriate shim; thicker shim increases opening pressure.
  10. Tighten the cap nut to 40 ±5 Nm and recheck in the nozzle tester.
  11. Check seal and perform chatter characteristic / spray pattern test.
Valve clearance, checking/adjusting adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge, Rotating tool 999 8676, Cranking tool 999 8681

  1. Set valve clearance with the engine cold or cooled at least half an hour (oil temp < 80 °C).
  2. Rotate the crankshaft until the valves of cylinder 1 overlap.
  3. Set the valve clearance for each cylinder with a feeler gauge per the black markings.
  4. Inlet 0.35 ±0.05 mm; exhaust 0.55 ±0.05 mm.
  5. Tighten the locknut to 20 ±2 Nm and recheck with the feeler gauge.
  6. Rotate the crankshaft another 360° and repeat for the remaining cylinders.
  7. Fit a new rocker cover gasket.
Compression test diagnostic

⚠ Make sure that the fuel control rod is in the no fuel position (stop position).

Tools: Adapter 999 8694, Compression gauge 998 8539

  1. The injectors must be removed and the valve clearance checked.
  2. Fit adapter 999 8694, using the existing injector yoke.
  3. Tighten the screw to 19 ±2 Nm.
  4. Connect the compression tester 998 8539.
  5. Turn the engine over with the starter motor.
  6. Make sure the fuel control rod is in the no-fuel (stop) position.
  7. Compare cylinders; dismantle the cylinder if the pressure difference exceeds 15%.
Fuel supply pressure, checking diagnostic

⚠ The injectors are sensitive and may easily be damaged by contamination.

Tools: Manometer 999 6398, Nipple 999 6066, Hollow screw 180211, Copper washer 969011, Electrical pressure gauge 999 8496, Hose 999 8493

  1. Clean the nipple and hose thoroughly before connecting them.
  2. Check the fuel pump and replace if necessary.
  3. Measure the supply pressure before (1) and after (2) the fuel filter.
  4. Use manometer 999 6398, nipple 999 6066 with hollow screw 180211 and new copper washers 969011.
Lubricating oil pressure, measuring diagnostic

Tools: Manometer 999 6398, Nipple 999 6066, Spacer 1678297, Electrical pressure gauge 999 8496, Hose 999 8493

  1. Measure the lubricating oil pressure on the starter motor side of the engine.
  2. Use the manometer together with nipple and spacer.
  3. Compare the reading with the minimum oil pressure at operating temperature and idle speed.
Oil cooler, leakage check diagnostic

⚠ The oil cooler may not be repaired.

⚠ The oil cooler should be the same temperature as the surroundings during the check.

Tools: Pressure-testing equipment 999 6662, Clamp for cooler 999 6685, Plug M26x1.5 942352

  1. Place a clamp on the oil cooler and make sure it is properly tightened.
  2. Plug the other connection.
  3. Connect the pressure-testing equipment.
  4. Place the oil cooler in a tub of water.
  5. Set the air pressure to 100 kPa and check for air bubbles.
  6. Increase the pressure to 500 kPa and hold for 1 minute; pressure may not drop.
  7. If pressure drops there is a leak and the oil cooler must be replaced.
Battery. Maintenance - Filling maintenance

⚠ Battery electrolyte is highly corrosive

⚠ Fire and explosion hazard

Tools: Copper brush, Protective goggles and gloves

  1. Keep batteries dry and clean; clean oxidation from poles with a copper brush
  2. Tighten terminals securely and grease with terminal grease or Vaseline
  3. Electrolyte level 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 in) above cell plates
  4. Top up with distilled water as necessary
  5. After filling, charge battery at least 30 minutes by running engine at fast idle
Conservation (laying up) maintenance

⚠ Anti-corrosion mixture does not offer any protection against frost; if risk of frost, system must be drained

Tools: Volvo Penta original paint

  1. Change engine oil and oil filter
  2. Change the fuel filter; also change the primary fuel filter if fitted
  3. Warm the engine up
  4. Check coolant offers sufficient frost protection, top up as necessary
  5. Drain water and contamination from fuel tank; fill fuel tank completely
  6. Clean outside of engine; do not use a power washer
  7. Disconnect, clean and charge the batteries
  8. Spray electrical system components with water-repellent spray
Coolant pump, check/replace maintenance
  1. Model 1: remove the coolant pump from the housing and remove the V-belt pulley.
  2. Check coolant pump and sealing for leaks; replace if necessary.
  3. Fit the V-belt pulley and tighten bolts to 21 Nm.
  4. Fit the coolant pump in the housing with a new gasket.
  5. Model 2: loosen the coolant pump from the housing and remove the V-belt pulley.
  6. Check coolant pump and sealing for leaks; replace if necessary.
  7. Make sure the overflow hole for the spindle seal is not filled up.
  8. Fit the V-belt pulley and tighten bolts to 21 Nm.
  9. Fit the coolant pump in the housing with a new gasket.
Coolant. Checking and filling maintenance

⚠ Do not open the filler cap when the engine is warm, except in emergencies

  1. Check coolant level daily before starting, top up as necessary
  2. Level about 50 mm (2 in) below sealing plane of filler cap or between MIN and MAX
  3. Check all drain points are closed
  4. Fill slowly with engine stationary to allow air out
  5. Open venting taps to allow shut-in air to escape
  6. Fill to correct level; do not start until system vented and filled
  7. Start and warm up until thermostats fully open, about 20 minutes
  8. Check coolant level and top up as necessary

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

27

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

Which generators use the Volvo Penta TD720GE engine?

The Volvo Penta TD720GE powers 1 generator set(s), including Volvo Penta TD720GE.