Volvo Penta warns of engine damage from Gulf oil

Posted on 07 June 2010

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As the effects from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion continue to spread, engine manufacturer Volvo Penta of the Americas issued a statement regarding customer unease over potential damage the oil can cause to their boat engines.

"This disaster has and will affect an overwhelming number of Americans, their businesses, their recreation and our natural resources," said Clint Moore, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. "We hope that containment and cleanup efforts are successful and swift in order to protect our nation's waterways. And we encourage Volvo Penta owners to be proactive in protecting their boats during this difficult time."

"Many boaters are concerned about the impact of the oil on their engines while sitting at the dock or during operation in waters where oil may be present. Like many other aspects of this disaster, there is uncertainty regarding the long-term effect of mooring or operation of a boat in oil-infested waters," the company said in the release. "Most manufacturers, including Volvo Penta, have not performed formal testing of engines under these unique and extreme conditions. Because of this uncertainty, all boat owners need to exercise special diligence to protect their boat investment."

"Volvo Penta's experience shows that ingestion of even small amounts of oil into the cooling system of the engine may cause damage to the engine and/or many of its subsystems. Sterndrive components or other running gear may also be damaged by submersion in oil contaminated water," the release continued. "In order to avoid expensive repair bills and long-term damage, owners are encouraged to contact their Volvo Penta dealer for service recommendations if a boat has been operated or exposed to oil contaminated water. Volvo Penta has issued specific service and repair recommendations for its authorized dealers to address this unique issue."

Comments

7 Tuesday, 22 June 2010 21:42

BoatChemist

NOBODY wants to see what has happened in the Gulf.

The beaches and the wildlife have taken a serious hit.

But if somebody fires up a Stern Drive without knowing the consequences and starts a massive fire in a Marina, then what? A fire does not discriminate, it burns Powerboats and Sailboats and anything in its path.

Then people will demand Volvo Penta and Mercruiser in front of another collection of know nothing politicians. It is time for the CEO’s, Lawyers and Politicians to “Take a Seat” and let Engineers do what they do best, SOLVE PROBLEMS.

But somebody better start listening to Engineering FACTS before the Gulf of Mexico turns into a Johnny Cash Song = Burning Ring of Fire.

 

6 Friday, 18 June 2010 00:55

Actually, I've had more than a few readers ask about what to do with regard to their boats in this situation. My response has been pa, because, like VP said: "Who Knows." I've been advising this: Unless you have a keel-cooled inboard with dry stack exhaust, stay out of oil slicks.

So, I for one, am glad to see a major player in the industry comment about the use of thier product in this scenario, despite the lack of test data to provide better insight. And, because the question has been posed to me by "the public," believe others will be thankful for the information.

Kevin Falvey

Senior Technical Editor

BOATING

5 Wednesday, 09 June 2010 13:34

Glad to see they are poractive and getting the word out. Better to let everyone know BEFORE than after damage has been done to avoid heartburn.

4 Tuesday, 08 June 2010 11:49

"Never let a crisis go to waste" - Rahm Emanuel.

What an opportunity to deny warranty complaints!

Dear Customer,

We regret to inform you that your warranty claim has been denied due to the fact your boat is located within the Gulf of Mexico.

So sorry,

Volvo Penta of America

3 Tuesday, 08 June 2010 11:23

Really?  This is the headline?  We are on the brink of an environmental disaster and the top story is a warning about boat engine damage due to the oil spill?  Somehow that doesn't sit quite right with me... please align your priorities correctly...

2 Monday, 07 June 2010 19:56

VPA posturing for a share of the class action suit for damage done to its biz? Now that's what i call a proactive legal dept.  And you know what? They are right.

1 Monday, 07 June 2010 17:22

Oy vey!

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