MD2030 Which Volvo Filter? 3581621 or 3840525

Peas · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011

I have seen on volvo parts lists, that the proper filter is 3840525.
The filter that was on my boat when I bought it (second hand) is 3581621.
I've also seen on web searches that 3581621 is the proper filter.

The gasket size seems similar (although not exact) but the biggest difference is 3581621 is about twice as long as 3840525 is.

Which one do I use??

Hartley18 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011

Peas, welcome to Sailnet. An introduction would be nice.

To answer your question: As you say, the proper oil filter for your engine is the Volvo 3840525. That is the one you should be using.

The other one is probably an aftermarket replacement for the original. An oil filter is hardly a sophisticated piece of kit, but, if it's time to replace it, I'd think you'd be crazy to use anything but the correct unit. Volvo engines are temperamental enough already..

Peas · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011

Thanks for the quick reply.
I went back to the local Penta service centre and they advised that the 3840525 was the original spec and the 3581621 is the new spec, which is a larger capacity filter. Not sure if that is the case, of if it was just what he thought would be a reasonable response as to why my engine had a Volvo 3581621 filter on it.

In any case, I have an engine with fresh oil now and a 1 year old filter. I used the motor for maybe 40 hours...what are thoughts on if that filter will hold for another season, or if I should do another oil change in the spring, when we relaunch our boats?

Hartley18 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011

Peas, that could be true, but since (a) best practice, and the Operating Manual, say to replace the filter when you replace your oil and (b) most sailboat people don't run their engines for anywhere near the 100hour factory-spec interval between changes, having a bigger filter is a waste of money. IMO.

If you have the bigger filter already, I suggest you change both in the spring - for the correct one this time.

airtime · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011

I'm not sure when the engineers re-spec'd but the MD2030 I installed new about 10 years ago came with the 3581621. 3581621 is a Volvo part number - not aftermarket so it is the correct filter for the engine now.

I agree with Heartly18 and change the filter annually. I do the filter change at the start of the season with new oil and an oil only change prior to haulout. On the rare seasons where I do get 100 hours on the engine, I do filter and oil at that time in addition to the launch / haulout changes.

Fair Winds

Al

subpack · #6 (**permalink**) 4 Weeks Ago

Part numbers for oil and fuel filters MD2030.
Oil filter is 3581621
fuel filter is 3840525
cross reference for fuel filter is Wix 33386

subpack · #7 (**permalink**) 4 Weeks Ago

I will post cross reference for oil filter when I get it.
Ken

subpack · #8 (**permalink**) 4 Weeks Ago

Hi.
Filterfor oil is 3581621 and fuel is 3840525
You can get cross reference here.
VOLVO FUEL AND OIL FILTER CROSS REFERENCE - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
Hope that helps.
Oil filter should be changed at least once a year and fuel filter as well. if engine makes black smoke, it is sometimes because of blockage of fuel filter.
Ken J-mech (Diesel Mech)