Volvo D12 Computer Info Wanted

I wouldn't buy a Volvo engine. Parts are ONLY available at Volvo dealerships, are expensive, most are not kept in stock, and will have to be ordered, while the truck sits. Most Volvo dealers don't know very much about the engine. There are zero to very few independents who can work on this engine, and the reliability of this engine is very questionable.

I have seen the same thing when the company I used to drive for had Mercedes engines. It would take two days and a special order just to get a fan belt. Good fuel mileage engines, but very poor reliability.

Here is a hint as to how good the Volvo engine is. Look in the truck paper and you will see that the same Volvo with a Cummins engine is several thousand dollars higher. That should tell you something.

 

Maybe not where you are, but the southeast edition has anywhere from 2 to 5 thousand dollars difference. If youy have made up your mind to buy a Volvo engine, then that's your choice. I only related what I have seen, what the few salesmen who whould tell me the truth said, and my direct experience with the Mercedes engine. The Volvo engine is the same as the Mercedes as far as parts and service goes, maybe worse, since there are far more Freightliner dealerships than Volvo.

I'm not trying to tick you off, just saying what I have seen and heard. A Volvo dealer may charge the same or more for the Volvo engine, but any other dealer won't. The most important thing is when the truck is down, you only have a Volvo dealer to work on it, and the truck is sitting waiting for ordered parts that the Cummings dealer, and most truck dealerships, keep in stock. Been there, done that, with Mercedes. Thank goodness it wasn't my truck, and we had rental replacements the many times every one of our trucks were sitting waiting for parts any major brand engine would have had in stock.

 

What stranger says is true.......but most dealers do know a lot about the D12, its volvo's most common engine. Not everyone at a Volvo dealership knows a lot about them.......but then you get thrown on a truck that needs an overhaul....sure its a D12 and you're a Cummins mechanic...but what the hell.

All in all, the D12 has a worse EGR Valve problem than Cummins.... and they have two. EGR coolers go out all the time. Oil leaks plague these engines. Hmm....sounds like Cummins problems, plus Detroit problems times 10.......then you get your D12. There hasn't been a D12 yet I've seen to reach a million without something major.....or 10 sets of egr valves.

Listen, I work at a Volvo dealer. D12's are horrible.....I will give them this...you don't really see as much catastrophic failures like you do with other engines, even Cummins. But the realiabilty is still at the bottom of the list. You will be in the shop a lot.......and paying dealership prices. D12 parts are expensive, though being fairly common, parts will be in stock.

If you are still dead set on purchasing the truck. Just ask when the last time the Egr Valves have been replaced. If they are more than a year old, tell them to put the truck on the dyno and print out fault codes....more than likely and an egr fault will appear. Be sure to inspect for oil leaks. As far as that will get you........good luck.

 

Is the D12 found in trucks the same D12 found in boats? I am curious to know.

KH

 

they dont have egr for sure

 

465hp- 15% drivetrain loss=395hp at the wheels. Being a vulva i can see it doing 360whp though haha.

 

vegetto and others,

the reason why I asked is im having a hard time understanding the differences between a marine engine and a tractor engine when their the same make and model. IE the the D12 marine engine and D12 road engine.

Heck cat even made the 3406E till 06 for the marine engine. We are starting to get the C12 and C15 for marine use.

KH