[Bill Di]

hello, and thanks in advance
I recently purchased a sailboat . The previous owner gave me an MD7A volvo penta engine that he says was given to him by the previous owner as the engine that was in the sailboat. The boat also has what is referred to as Sail Drive, which is the transmission Im assuming. I dont see any way this engine can couple with the transmission in the boat, can anyone tell me what engine is used on sail drive units, ?
If it matters the boat is a German Bavaria
the back of the engine I have , has a rubber coupling drive
the transmission in the boat has a male spline coming out,?

Im assuming this is the wrong engine

 

[Capt Len]

Not enough info for a difinative answer. Normally that spline has a drive plate slides on to it. The plate bolts to the flywheel .Small springs on the plate take up the shock .(like clutch plate in an auto. The better kind of drive plate consists of two parts. The plate that bolts to the flywheel has big internal teeth. The gear part that slides on to the splines has external teeth that match .Each tooth has a rubber cap on it that fits tightly no slack between the parts.when together. This is all cast aluminium and the rubber cuts the vibration and chatter especially at idle. Maybe some part got missing along the way.Important is will the tranny bolt to the engine adapter plate.on the bell housing?

 

[desert rat]

Bavaria, model #, length? A sail drive would stick through the bottom of the boat and look and work a lot like the bottom half of an outboard. Is there a prop and prop shaft in the abft of the boat or the remains thereof? This would help to paint us a picture of what you have.

 

[Jaramaz]

Most likely not that engine to your boat:

1) VP MD7A was an engine from 1970-ies and the very first years of 1980-ies. Bav was not in volume production during the 1980-ies, in particular not in the early 1980-ies.

2) MD7A produces as a maximum ~13 hp. This is low for most Bav - depending on size and weight of course. 13 hp would work up to around 30-34 ft on a normal boat, for a Bav in the lower part of the range (they use to have high freeboards, and somewhat heavy. )

3) the rubber thing you briefly describe, which is on the outgoing shaft, is probably some kind of aqua-drive or similar. Usually not needed on a saildrive. In any case you would need some more parts, fitting in the saildrive.


The engine bed may work, measure and check. distance betwwen saildrive and engine is critial, as will as the other two dimensions.

If you in any way consider to use the MD7A, check that it works, and its condition. Start it on land. MD7A is a workhorse, relaible. But this one is probably old, has not been in use for some years?

/J

 

[Minnewaska]

You bought a boat with no motor, other than an uninstalled, probably incompatible, spare? It's likely going to cost you way more than the boat will be worth to get her seaworthy, even if she was free to begin with.

 

[hpeer]

Where you at?

I'm in Philly if I can be of help. Not offering to work on it, but I can take a look maybe.

I've got one in my boat and a spare in the basement, almost put together!

 

[dancyli]

Does anyone know of a Volvo MD7a for sale? Mine in the 1979 Islander needs to be rebuilt. I was advised by a couple of marine machenics that I should be looking for an used engine instead of re building. Please let me know if you know of any replacement engine for sale. Thanks!