Volvo D12 is one of the most popular and most used Volvo engines in trucks. The Volvo D12 engine was in production from 1993 to 2006. Several trucks use this engine because Volvo is known for producing reliable, safe, and high-quality parts. Regardless, Volvo products have their flaws.
In this article, I’ll explain the common Volvo D12 engine problems, Volvo D12 engine specs, reviews, and how to minimize the issues. But first, are Volvo diesel engines good?
Volvo D12 Engine Explained
Volvo D12 was truly a revolution when it was launched in 1993. Göran Nyholm, now a retired Volvo engineer, tells the story of the D12 Volvo engine. In September 1993, the D12 engine made its first public appearance in an FH Volvo truck, and the truck was the beginning of the next generation of trucks.
Motor journalists from all over the world have gathered to be part of the revelation of the next generation of trucks. Something was unique to the journalists, says Göran Nyholm. Some journalists said Volvo was ten years ahead of all European auto manufacturers.
At that time, Volvo had added Volvo engine brake and electronic steering and improved the quality of head cylinders. For the most part, Volvo engineers had predicted and met emission standards that were not even around at that time.
The innovation has not been in Europe at that time, but the US has tried something similar. Due to the lack of experience in Europe, Volvo engineers faced some challenges in breathing life into their ideas. It was challenging to mold the cylinder head to get the ideal size. The engineers tried all they could but didn’t get things right.
Giving up was never an option for them. The engineers had to travel to the US to work head-on with Cummins engineers, a Volvo partner. There, they produced the new kind of cylinder head they wanted and the electronic steering system. The collaboration with the American technicians at Cummins paid off, and that’s how the D12 engine came about.
But is the D12 Volvo engine a good engine at this time? Yes, the D12 Volvo engine is still a good engine. Like most European car manufacturers, Volvo builds reliable, safe, and high-quality engines that save gas mileage other than being faster on the road.
The D12 Volvo engine has undergone several changes to meet industry standards. It has four generations – D12A, D12B, D12C, and D12D. The D12A is the first generation, with 2100 Nm and 309 Kw of torque and horsepower, respectively. The rest of the generations are graced with torque and horsepower (up to 2300 Nm and 338 kw), with minor mechanical and electrical changes.
The D12 is a word class heavy-duty-diesel engine designed to meet industry demands in low fuel consumption, low emission system, and high-power output. It features an electronic fuel injector, four valves per cylinder, and a single overhead cam engine.
It also features an excellent charge-air cooler capable of maintaining induction air temperature and the engine’s enhanced electronic control system. The charge-air cooler also ensures the engine emits low emissions. The emission from D12 engines meets UK, US, and EU emission standards.
You don’t have to worry about acceleration even when carrying a load because the engine has massive torque. It also features a low-speed option, which enables you to reduce the engine speed to half.
Due to its reliability, several vehicles from different manufacturers use Volvo D12 engines. The vehicle that uses the D12 engines includes Mack trucks such as Mack CH and Mack Vision, Prevost coaches such as Prevost X3-45 and Prevost H3-45, and Volvo trucks such as the Volvo FM, Volvo VN, Volvo FH, and Volvo Penta. However, most newer Prevost X3-45 and Provost H3-45 now use the D13 Volvo engine.
You can also search for Volvo D12 engine reviews to learn more about the engine. Let’s see the 2004 Volvo D12 engine problems and how to minimize them in the following paragraphs. If you own a D13 engine-equipped vehicle, check out the common Volvo d13 engine problems.
What are the Volvo D12 engine’s common problems?
Undoubtedly, the Volvo D12 is one of the strongest and most reliable engines of its time, which explains why other truck manufacturers use the engine in their trucks. However, it is not a problem-free engine. It has flaws that you may run into.
One of the common issues associated with a D12 Volvo engine is Overheating. Several factors like a bad radiator, coolant leakage, clogged coolant passage, or defective water pump. If the temperature gauge needle starts creeping to the red zone or you see steam from under the hood, you likely have an overheating engine.
Another problem, though not common, is fuel pressure issues. Most D12 engines have fuel pressure issues, especially when you put excess stress on the engine. A weak fuel pump can also be the root cause.
Another issue is a faulty accessory driver, also called the idler pulley. There have been several Volvo D12 marine engine problems concerning the pulley idlers. Some drivers and mechanics complain that the idlers become faulty over time, needing replacement.
The accessory drive will sometimes go bad after two to three months of replacing it. Some mechanics complain that the pin on the accessory drive is the reason for the frequent failure.
Lastly, another common D12 engine problem is oil leakage. Some drivers complain of oil leaks from the front of the engine. According to the drivers, oil leaks usually happen whenever the accessory driver goes bad. Don’t worry if you are experiencing this issue. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll show you how to rectify the problem.
How do you Minimize the Volvo d12 engine problems?
If your accessory drive on a D12 engine is failing faster than it should, stop changing it and do this instead. The accessory drive has a bracket that you tighten with a long bolt. That bracket has a locking pin at the rear end. If that locking pin becomes faulty, the accessory drive starts shifting up.
The upward movement will disrupt the drive belt rotation. The belt will start wiggling and rubbing against other pulleys.
To fix this issue, you have to replace that bracket and check if the upper place to tighten the accessory drive is in good condition. Sometimes, you may have to change the bracket and the front engine cover to fix the problem. Otherwise, the accessory drive will keep going bad. This will also repair any oil issues from the cover.
Ensure you fill the radiator with the recommended coolant and it stays in the filled mark at all times to prevent overheating. Also, keep the other cooling system components in good condition.
Lastly, avoid carrying the excess load to prevent fuel pressure issues. Always change the fuel pump whenever it starts malfunctioning. If your truck is not starting, you must track the root cause and rectify it immediately. Several things can cause an engine not to start.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How many miles will a Volvo D12 last?
A Volvo D12 can last 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles on the road with proper care and maintenance. If you buy a new truck with a Volvo D12 engine, the vehicle will likely be under warranty until you reach a 400,000-mile benchmark. Within this period, you may not spend money on any major repairs. But after that, you start investing in the engine to get it up to 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles.
Is the Volvo ved12 a good engine?
Like any other quality engine, the Ved12 engine is a good and reliable engine. Though all engines have shortcomings, the same applies to the Ved12 engine. However, the Ved12 is a widely used engine option, and it is graced with excellent fuel economy and good power output. If you are also asking, is the Volvo d11 a good engine? The short answer is yes. The Volvo D11 engine is a reliable engine like its successors.
How much horsepower does a Volvo D12 have?
The Volvo D12 engine has undergone several changes. It has four generations with changes in the horsepower and torque. The first generation, the Volvo D12A, has 420 hp at 1,800 RPM. The other three generations have 420 to 460 at 1,800 RPM.
How much horsepower does a 2005 Volvo D12 have?
A 2005 Volvo D12 engine is the last generation of the D12 engine, which is the D12D. This Volvo D12 generation has 420 to 460 horsepower at 1,800 RPM. However, the 2005 D12 engine in the Volvo Penta is stronger, faster, and cleaner, with a whopping horsepower of 775.
What is the fuel consumption of the Volvo D12?
The D12 Volvo engine is fuel efficient. Like other European automakers, Volvo manufacturers produce the D12 engine with fuel efficiency in mind. It is a fuel-efficient truck engine that keeps drivers on the road as opposed to constantly visiting the gas stations.
What is Volvo’s strongest engine?
Volvo has built several powerful engines, including petrol, diesel, and electric motors. Currently, the strongest in its line-ups is the D16k engine.
The D16K is a 16L diesel engine built for heavy-duty applications, such as heavy-duty trucks, marine vessels, and construction applications. The D16k diesel engine features a variable geometry turbocharger and an advanced fuel injection system.
The D16k has various horsepower ratings, typically between 550 and 650, with maximum torque of 2,500 to 2,800 lb-ft, making it the strongest Volvo engine for heavy-duty applications.
Final Words
The Volvo D12 diesel engine is one of the most reliable, safe, and strongest diesel engines of its time. As of 1993, when the Volvo manufacturers produced the engine, some motor journalists say Volvo is ten years ahead of time. However, just like every other engine, it has its flaws.
This article has listed the Volvo D12 engine problems, explained the history and specifications, and how to minimize or fix problems on the D12 engine.
