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Volvo Penta D4 Engine

The Volvo Penta D4 is a 3.7 L 4-cylinder turbo, aftercooler, compressor engine rated at 3500 rpm, producing up to 191 kW. It powers generator sets from Volvo Penta, including the IPS 350.

Also known as: Volvo Penta D4

Part of the Volvo Penta D4 engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.

3.7 L
Displacement
4
Cylinders
3500 rpm
Rated speed
191 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Displacement3.7 L
Cylinders4
AspirationTurbo, aftercooler, compressor
Rated speed3500 rpm
Gross power191 kW

Common problems

2
  • War, uprising, terrorist actions or other force majeure events 13
  • Natural phenomena, such as lightning strike, flood 12

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Volvo Penta D4.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—
Fuel filter—
Oil filter—400 hr
Battery—
Belt—
Coolant—
Oil—
Spark plug—

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

31
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oil and oil filters (new/reconditioned engine)Change20 hrFirst service — Oil and oil filters must be changed after 20–50 hours
First service inspectionInspect20 hrFirst service — Carried out by an authorised Volvo Penta workshop
Engine oilChange100 hr12 moAt least once a year; included in extended protection
Engine oil filterChange100 hr12 moChange during each oil change
Air filterChange200 hr12 moAt least once a year
All hoses and pipesCheck200 hr12 moCheck condition and re-tighten unions/clamps
Compressor oil levelCheck200 hr12 moAt least once a year
Crankcase ventilation filterChange200 hr12 moAt least once a year
Drive beltsCheck200 hr12 moCheck belt tension
Drive-unit corrosion protection between housing and clamping ringCheck200 hr12 moAt least once a year
EVC systemInspect200 hr12 moInspection with diagnostic tool
Fuel filter/fuel pre-filterChange200 hr12 moAt least once a year
PaintworkClean200 hr12 moClean and touch up as required
Prensaestopas de gomaLubricate200 hr12 moEngráselo cada 200 horas o una vez al año; los cojinetes del prensaestopas deben estar bien lubricados a cualquier velocidad
Sacrificial anodes, charge air cooler and heat exchangerCheck200 hr12 moAt least once a year
Sea water pump impellerCheck200 hr12 moAt least once a year
Drive-unit antifouling coatingOther400 hr12 moRepair as required
Drive-unit corrosion protection (anode)Check400 hr12 moAt least once a year
Drive-unit oil and oil filterChange400 hr12 moAt least once a year
Propulsion unit oil and filterChange400 hr
Drive-unit function and wearInspect600 hr60 moPropeller shaft straightness; steering
TurboInspect600 hr60 moInspection/cleaning as required
Compressor oilChange1200 hr60 moAt least every 5 years
Drive beltChange1200 hr60 moAt least every 5 years
Drive belt, compressorChange1200 hr60 moAt least every 5 years
Exhaust hose and cooling water hosesInspect1200 hr60 moCheck hoses/pipes, unions and hose clamps
Heat exchangerInspect1200 hr60 moInspection/Cleaning
IntercoolerInspect1200 hr60 moInspection/Cleaning
AnodeChange12 moPart of the yearly service
CoolantChange24 moEvery second year
Propulsion unit and installationInspect12 moVisual inspection, part of the yearly service

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

20
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceBattery electrolyte level above plates5–10mm
OtherCoolant mixture40% Volvo Penta Coolant / 60% waterprotects to -28°C; 60% glycol -54°C
OtherDrive-unit alignment crank tool turn back from end position75turns
OtherEngine oil filter tightening after seal contact1/2 to 3/4turn
OtherFuel filter tightening after seal contact1/2turn
OtherFuel water separator tightening after bottoming1/4 to 1/2turn
OtherMaximum cranking time if engine does not start20seconds
OtherMaximum starter motor activation time30seconds
PressureEngine oil pressure, hot engine, full speed4.5barhot engine
PressureEngine oil pressure, hot engine, idling1.25barhot engine
PressureOil pressure gauge normal indication3-5barnormal operation; somewhat lower when idling
SpeedFull throttle range D43400–3600rpm
SpeedFull throttle range D63400–3600rpm
SpeedIdling speed D4700rpm
SpeedIdling speed D6600rpm
TemperatureCoolant temperature normal operation75–95°C
TemperatureThermostats open/fully open82/92°C
TorqueDrive belt tensioning roller70Nm
TorquePropeller locking ring socket cap screws24-28Nm
TorqueTensioning roller securing bolts50Nm

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
CoolantRefrigerante Volvo PentaAditivos especiales para protección del aluminio; indicado para motores diesel y de gasolina; propiedades anticongelantes
CoolantVolvo Penta Coolant, Ready Mixed or concentrated mixed 40% coolant/60% waterASTM D4985 water qualityD4 13 liter (3.4 US gals); D6 16.5 liter (4.4 US gals); 40/60 protects to -28°C; 60% glycol -54°C
Engine oilAceite completamente sintético (motor de gasolina)Uso durante todo el año; desarrollado especialmente para motores de alto rendimiento
Engine oilAceite multigrado de uso todo el añoVDS-3Probado según la máxima especificación de Volvo en cuanto a pureza y protección contra el desgaste
Engine oilSAE 15W/40VDS-2 and ACEA E7; or VDS-2 and Global DHD-1; or VDS-2 and API CH-4; or VDS-2 and API CI-4D4 oil volume incl. filter 12.5 (3.3 US gals); D6 20 liter (4.4 US gals); oil change interval 100–200 h/12 months depending on oil grade and fuel sulfur content
FuelEN 590; ASTM D 975 No. 1-D and 2-D; JIS KK 2204Sulfur content complying with legal requirements in each country
Gear oilSAE 75W-90 y SAE 75W-140Aceite sintético para transmisión y sistemas de propulsión
Gear oilSAE 80W-90Aceite para transmisión; excelente protección anticorrosiva y resistencia a altas temperaturas
Gear oilVP 1141634 (API GL5 SAE 75W/90) Synthetic14.0 literDrive-unit oil volume 14 liters (3.7 US gals); 0.5 liters between min. and max.; oil filter 0.2 liter
GreaseWater-resistant grease, part no. 828250For propeller shaft splines and thread
Hydraulic oilAceite hidráulico Volvo PentaProtege del desgaste y la corrosión a altas y bajas temperaturas; particularmente adecuado para uso marino
OtherAceite ATFProtege del desgaste a altas y bajas temperaturas
OtherVP, part no. 1141641-90.1 literCompressor oil volume 0.1 liter (0.2 US pint)

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
Calibrating joystick function adjustment

⚠ Calibrate in open water and safe conditions; avoid strong winds or sea-current.

  1. Enable docking function.
  2. Push both joystick buttons and hold for 5 seconds or more until calibration mode; LEDs flash.
  3. Move joystick sideways to an end position; correct boat movement by turning/moving joystick.
  4. When boat moves directly sideways, push docking button to store calibration.
  5. Release joystick; system returns to normal docking function.
Adjusting/changing drive belts maintenance
  1. Undo bolts on tensioning roller bracket.
  2. Remove and change belt if necessary.
  3. Tension belt to 70 Nm on tensioning roller square fitting.
  4. Secure tensioning roller with bolts torqued to 50 Nm.
  5. When warm, undo bolts and repeat belt tensioning procedure.
Bleeding fuel system maintenance

⚠ Never detach the pressure pipes.

Tools: transparent hose, hand pump

  1. Attach transparent hose to air vent valve and lead to receptacle.
  2. Open air vent valve and pump fuel with hand pump until fuel is free of air bubbles.
  3. Close and tighten air vent valve.
  4. Pump another 10 strokes with hand pump.
  5. Remove hose and refit protective cap on air vent valve.
Changing drive-unit oil and filter maintenance

⚠ Never over-fill the drive-unit.

  1. Open oil filler cap slowly so overpressure disappears.
  2. Unscrew draining plug and allow oil to run out.
  3. Change the filter.
  4. Refit drain plug and a new gasket.
  5. Measure correct oil quantity and fill through oil filling hole.
  6. Never over-fill the drive-unit.
Changing engine oil maintenance

⚠ Hot oil and hot surfaces can cause burns.

Tools: oil bilge pump

  1. Start engine and run to operating temperature 75–95°C, then stop.
  2. Connect oil bilge pump to drain pipe and pump up oil.
  3. Change oil filter and bypass filter at each oil change.
  4. Fill new oil through filler hole; fill 1.5 liters less than total oil volume.
  5. Start engine; check oil pressure lamp goes out and no leaks at filters.
  6. Stop engine, wait one hour, check oil level and top up if necessary.
Changing fuel filter maintenance

⚠ Fire risk. Ensure engine is cold before working on fuel system.

⚠ Do not fill the new filter with fuel before assembly.

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Close fuel valve/valves.
  2. Clean filter bracket and place vessel under filter.
  3. Remove cables from water trap.
  4. Unscrew filter; use filter wrench if needed.
  5. Clean sealing surfaces; moisten sealing rings with engine oil including inner rubber seal.
  6. Screw new filter on by hand until seal touches, then tighten further 1/2 turn.
  7. Reinstall water trap cables.
  8. Open fuel valve, bleed fuel system, start engine and check for leaks.
Changing oil filter and bypass filter maintenance

⚠ Hot oil and hot surfaces can cause burns.

Tools: filter extractor

  1. Place a suitable vessel under the filters.
  2. Clean the filter bracket.
  3. Unscrew the bypass filter and oil filters with a suitable extractor.
  4. Check mating surfaces are clean and no old seal residue remains.
  5. Moisten new filter seals with engine oil.
  6. Screw filters on by hand until rubber seals touch, then tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
  7. Start engine at low idle; check no leakage; check oil level after stopping.
Checking/changing sacrificial anodes maintenance

⚠ Risk of water entering; close seawater cock before work.

⚠ Use no steel tools as this will impair electrical protection.

Tools: sandpaper

  1. Close seawater cock.
  2. Drain seawater system.
  3. Remove sacrificial anodes in heat exchanger and intercooler.
  4. Check anodes; replace if less than 50% of original size; otherwise clean with sandpaper.
  5. Fit anodes with good contact; close drain nipples; open seawater cock; check for leaks.
Checking/changing seawater pump impeller maintenance

⚠ Risk for water penetration.

⚠ Impeller will be damaged if lubricants other than glycerin are used.

  1. Remove cover from seawater pump and remove impeller.
  2. Replace impeller if cracked or defective; replace flange if pump shaft turns by hand.
  3. Lubricate pump housing and inside of cover with glycerin.
  4. Reinstall impeller using a rotating movement; install seal washers on shaft center.
  5. Install cover with a new O-ring.
Cleaning seawater filter maintenance

⚠ Risk for water penetration.

  1. Screw off cover and remove seal plate.
  2. Lift out and clean the insert.
  3. Reassemble the filter.
Draining fuel filter water separator maintenance
  1. Stop engine and remove starter key.
  2. Remove cable from water separator.
  3. Place receptacle under fuel filter and unscrew water separator enough to let water run out.
  4. Screw in water separator until it bottoms, then a further 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
  5. Fasten cable from water separator.
Propeller assembly maintenance

⚠ Make it impossible to start engine when working on propellers.

Tools: special propeller tool

  1. Apply water-resistant grease part no. 828250 to splines and thread on both propeller shafts.
  2. Install aft propeller, aft nut, locking ring and four socket cap screws; torque 24-28 Nm.
  3. Install forward propeller, tighten nut by hand, install locking ring and four socket cap screws; torque 24-28 Nm.
  4. Tighten screw D until it bottoms.
  5. Push spinner into place by hand.

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

Parts cataloged across the Volvo Penta D4 family

1
Part #DescriptionCategory
EXVOLV001Exhaust emission certificateService part / kit

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Common questions

What is the displacement of the Volvo Penta D4?

The Volvo Penta D4 has a displacement of 3.7 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the Volvo Penta D4 engine?

The Volvo Penta D4 powers 1 generator set(s), including Volvo Penta IPS 350.

What is a common problem with the Volvo Penta D4 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Volvo Penta D4 is: War, uprising, terrorist actions or other force majeure events.