Volvo D12 Reman Engine

05vnl670 · Oct 8, 2015

DaveLV said: ↑

I'm not trying to call you out. But you have flaws in your reasoning. First as for tech support I meant not only just eservice but engineering support as well. There are many issues with the 12 liter platform and there is a reason it does not exist anymore. If you look at it purely from a mechanic's view you are spot on they are easy to work on and we see them daily in my shop. However if you are the owner of one or a fleet of them then you can see that the cost to operate is much higher than a 13 or even a 16 liter. I take it that you work for M&K, are probably feombthe Chicagoland or at least in the Midwest. If you look at the terrain out there it is flat. Here we have mountains steep long pulls. The complaints range from loss of power to excessive fuel consumption to overheating and beyong. The D12 is a low torque low horsepower engine that served a purpose 15 years ago but the technology is ancient in terms over the road trucking. As a fleet owner my highest expense is diesel. My second expense is drivers wages insurance etc. Third is the truck. Cost to operate is what we consider a variable expense but the cost for a D12 is approx 170% what a D13 is. That includes fuel oil changes periodic maintenance breakdowns etc. Other expenses you don't see are increased down time and lost revenue due to unavailable parts not in stock etc. As it is a discontinued platform and has been for a number of years dealer parts managers are required to maintain an inventory of parts that have a short shelf life. Volvo requires dealers every quarter to return parts that have sit their shelf for 12 months. That is if the dealer has failed to sell at least one in the 12 months preceding. I am not sure your position at your dealer but maybe a tech. So if you are under the impression that the cost stops with a couple parts and a few hours labor you sir, are way off track. You need to factor on all of the costs associated with operation as well. And I will admit running flat land vs running mountains is easier and will lead to lower operating costs. Those same trucks come out west and get towed in because the power plant just is not up to the task anymore. And if you ever get into compass and see just what parts availability is for D12 parts you can see the support for the 12 is dwindling. It will eventually disappear. The 12 liter engine is more suited to a regional/local vocation than long haul. Also get your hand s on the failure analysis report for 12 liter engines and look at the rise of metal fatigue as failure. Even major fleets are disposing of 12 liter equipped truck in favor of 13 liter trucks. Cost is the #1 factor.
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I'm sure more people went out off business due to 2008 and up engines than people using the d12.

D12 Owner · May 13, 2018

simon999 said: ↑

my d12 engine was done complete overhaul one shop in chicago area cost $15000. Reman engine is good idea but you pay double at the dealer...
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Who did your overhaul and is it still lasting? Need to get mine overhauled.

401-Alex · Aug 27, 2018

I know it's an old old thread as I am a d12d owner with 1.4m on it my only real complaint is where is the engine braking it has the veb and I can hear it when it's cold but that's it. Any help?

Sdatruckinginc · Jan 19, 2019

Pablo-UA said: ↑

basicle D12D is developed on D12C. They made two versions of engine
Euro 3 D12D with one solenoid injectors, w/o EGR and a bit later EPA2002 D12D (new TRW ECM for twin coil solenoid injector, two EGR). This engine was used on some Renault and Mack trucks. Weak things of D12D are EGR valves.

So really the most reliable D12 engine is D12C EPA99/Euro-2.
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Pablo you seem to have lots of knowledge on D12C losing power random like a derate but no codes it comes and goes keep driving after loss and power returns like fuel starvation no air in fuel new filters egrs good have a small leak in cac but can’t see that being random power loss no smoke shops are at a loss replaced fuel lines from tank to Davco and regulator getting worse plz help if you can

minjitta · Jul 25, 2019

simon999 said: ↑

my d12 engine was done complete overhaul one shop in chicago area cost $15000. Reman engine is good idea but you pay double at the dealer...
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how is your d12 running after rebuilt?

Onepunchtruck · Oct 24, 2025

simon999 said: ↑

my d12 engine was done complete overhaul one shop in chicago area cost $15000. Reman engine is good idea but you pay double at the dealer...
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Where in Chicago. I need address. I bet you they don't do original parts

Onepunchtruck · Oct 24, 2025

DaveLV said: ↑

The tandem pump is a pain. Have to remove the alternator and the ac compressor. Hell even the oil pressure sensor is back there. 2 egr valves always causing problems. Low torque low horsepower less efficient more fuel consumption. Doing an inframe on an engine is almost the same doesn't matter Cummins, Detroit, Cat, Volvo the basics are the same. Its the maintenance items that eat up profit. I owned 23 trucks before retiring from that end of the industry. Cost to operate is the factor. I am into engines everyday except Sundays. I know the cost of replacement parts. You don't do an inframe on an engine every year
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Isn't not better you buy a truck without EGR. Aka 2003 down or gliders. Bammm!!!

Onepunchtruck · Oct 24, 2025

M&KMIKE said: ↑

I know exactly the issues we face. The only ones being egr valves that fail and oil leaks at the front cover. Other than that, the D12 is a great engine. Definitely the exact opposite of a money pit. I'd rather not use guided diagnostics anyway. Funny how if the computer doesn't do the work for you, people begin to get completely lost. The D12 is NOT a money pit, and is sought after by many drivers because in reality it's the exact opposite. There are no flaws in the software. As long as they've updated to the 213xxx level for EGR issues, no software updates are needed. There shouldn't be any need to use e-service for a D12. They're simple. I was wrenching when they changed from the D12 B, to C, D, and now the 13, and the D12 is the most solid and simple engine they've ever used.

Fact is the 12 is a great engine, and many wish they never changed.
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How do you notice if D12 is b,c,d?

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