Be happy that Sea Ray did not embrace the use of Volvo Penta for their diesel engines!

So Volvo does have a decent reputation for many of their Marine products. Many of the diesel engines are really considered bullet proof and good for thousands of hours of service. The major gripes are the availability of parts and service techs. My big issue is the Electronic Engine Controls. They are single lever controls that are computer supervised so any little glitch drops an engine into neutral and 1100 rpm idle. It makes no difference to the system what perilous position the vessel is, if it wants to it will just go limp, usually on just one engine. I have had the boat for 9 months now and only really but 15 hours on it mostly because I just don't trust the bitch. We get a lot of use out of the boat as a condo but that was not the idea.
The Carver owners forum is about as helpful as tits on a boar but the Boat Diesel. com guys are very helpful.
The engine harnesses have at a minimum, four 8 pin connectors between the helm and the EDU on each of the engines. These plugs are found to be the major culprit in engine electronics gremlins. The collective wisdom is to simply cut every plug combo out of the harnesses and wire directly with marine quality environmental splices and then encapsulate the entire splice in good marine heat shrink. Several owners have posted that they did just that and virtually all of their engine operations woes were history. This is my new project. I hope this does the trick so we can enjoy some of the best Bay Area boating season (Oct-Dec).
I just really miss the relative simplicity of the Cummins 500s. Frankly the quality of the harness plugs is better on the Cummins by far.
Carpe Diem

Sorry you are having problems. We seriously considered a Tiara with Volvo diesels a few years ago. The boat handled extremely well, but there were a few comments about service support that scared us off. Parts availability and price were the two concerns in our area of the Great Lakes. Cummins, by contrast had a stronger service presence at the time. Maybe they still do. Hopefully you will get it resolved.

Are you sure you want to eliminate the connectors?
Why not replace with Delphi Metri-Pack connectors? They are bullet proof as long as they are assembled with the correct tools.
I would hate to eliminate a point of troubleshooting in the system.

ttmott said:

Are you sure you want to eliminate the connectors?
Why not replace with Delphi Metri-Pack connectors? They are bullet proof as long as they are assembled with the correct tools.
I would hate to eliminate a point of troubleshooting in the system.

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That’s just the kind of input that makes CSR so valuable Tom, Thank you. I will look into those connectors and the tools and consider the feasibility. Future troubleshooting will be inevitable for sure.
Rusty

The Deutsch DT connectors are also a great option. Solid pin terminals.

Which ever connector you decide on, make sure you use dielectric grease liberally on them.

Amazon.com: MUYI 5 Kit 8 Pin Way DT Series Connector Gray Receptacle IP67 Waterproof Heavy Duty 14-22 AWG 13 Amps Continuous DT04-8P DT06-8S w/Wedge Lock W8P W8S (5 Kits, 8 Pin) : Automotive
I ordered these today, They will be way better than the ones Volvo uses, Even if they are not the best one can buy they will certainly give many years of sealed conductor contact.
Thanks for the considered input guys.
Carpe Diem

Make your life easy and get the correct crimping tool. I’ve used this brand with good success on various specialty connectors on the boat. I didn’t look for the best price, but, making good crimps is imperative.

https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-HDT-48...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Thanks, I already have one I use for avioncs installs. I just have to see if it will do 16 gauge wire pins, I know it does 20 and 22. The plugs come with open end connections but I think I will buy the closed end pins for better crimping.

Rusty
I don't see where those connectors have a seal for where the wires enters the housing. I think it's critical that the entire assembly is hermetically sealed. I would challenge their IP67 claim without the wire seals.

ttmott said:

Rusty
I don't see where those connectors have a seal for where the wires enters the housing. I think it's critical that the entire assembly is hermetically sealed. I would challenge their IP67 claim without the wire seals.

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I could be wrong, but I think they are sealed. I can see a matt and ring seal on the photos.

Yes, the rear seal where the wire enters is a silicone plate that the wire pushes through as opposed to each wire having an individual seal and port. They seam very similar what was on the harness on my Cummins QSCs. I still have the old one off my 44 that I replaced a few year’s ago. I’ll only use them if I like the quality of them. Should have them Tomorrow.
Cheers

The fun begins as I start replacing the Volvo OEM 8 pin plugs with MUYI weather paks,
One down 7 more to go.