Where is the number?
The serial number is on decals or plates on the engine itself. Where they are and what they look like varies between models and years of manufacture.
- Look for an ID plate or decal on the engine block, valve cover or intake manifold.
- Drives and gearboxes often have their own plate with a separate number.
- If the plate is painted over or dirty, clean it carefully.
- The number is often also in the owner's manual, on service receipts and in the purchase documents.
Two numbers you need
- Product designation: the model, for example MD2030 or AQ145.
- Serial number: unique to your particular engine.
Volvo Penta goes by model designation and serial number, and there is no model year in the way there is for cars. The same model can have different parts depending on the serial number.
What you need the number for
- The right owner's manual and workshop manual.
- The right spare parts, such as impeller, oil and fuel filters, belts and anodes.
- Recalls and service campaigns. Volvo Penta has a search tool where you can see what applies to your product.
- Buying a boat: the number on the engine should match the paperwork.
- An accurate quote, since labour and parts depend on the exact engine variant.
Common mistakes
- The drive or gearbox plate is read as if it were the engine number.
- Parts are ordered by model name without the serial number, even though parts can differ within the same model.
- People trust the model name in an ad. Read the plate yourself, especially when you are buying a used boat.
Can't find a number?
Photograph the engine and whatever is left of the plate and send the pictures to a Volvo Penta dealer. They can often tell which engine it is.
Photograph the plate
Once you have found the type plate and decals, take a photo of them and write down the product designation and serial number for the engine, drive and gearbox separately. Plates become unreadable from dirt, paint and corrosion, and with the photo on your phone you won't have to crawl into the engine compartment next time.
Manuals and model facts are under Volvo Penta. If you are asking for a service quote, include the model and serial number.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the serial number on a Volvo Penta?
On decals or plates on the engine. Where they sit depends on the model and year of manufacture. Drives and gearboxes often have their own plate.
Why is the serial number needed?
Parts and manuals vary within the same model. With the serial number you get the right spare parts and the right owner's manual.
How can I tell the model year of my Volvo Penta?
Volvo Penta does not give a model year the way car makers do. The engine is identified by its product designation and serial number.
What do I do if the sign is missing?
Send photos of the engine to a Volvo Penta dealer. Also look through old receipts and purchase documents.
Can I check whether my engine is subject to a recall?
Yes. Volvo Penta has a search tool for recalls and service campaigns where you enter the engine's identification details.
Sources
- Find your serial number, Volvo Penta volvopenta.com
- Your engine and engine identification, Volvo Penta volvopenta.com
- Support och manualer, Volvo Penta volvopenta.com
- Volvo Penta Inboard & I/O Engine Model Identification, Marine Parts Source marinepartssource.com