Volvo Penta D4-300 Specifications
| Engine Model: Volvo Penta D4-300 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder direct injection liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 226 cu.in (3.7 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 300 Hp (223 kW) at 3500 rpm |
| Aspiration Type: Twin-turbocharged and aftercooled |
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The Volvo Penta D4-300 is a modern,
high-performance marine diesel engine designed for propulsion in planing
pleasure craft and light commercial vessels. This inline-four power unit
incorporates advanced technologies including common rail fuel injection,
twin turbochargers, and an aftercooling system to deliver a robust power
curve and excellent throttle response.
Constructed with a composite cylinder block, the engine achieves a
favorable power-to-weight ratio. Engineered for smooth, quiet, and
efficient operation, the D4-300 is supported by a comprehensive
electronic management system. It meets stringent international emissions
standards and is recognized for reliability in demanding marine
environments.
Engine Model: Volvo Penta D4-300.
Engine Type: Four-stroke, direct injection, twin-turbocharged and
aftercooled diesel engine.
Number of Cylinders: 4, in-line.
Bore: 103.0 mm (4.06 inches).
Stroke: 110.0 mm (4.33 inches).
Displacement: 3.7 liters (226 cubic inches).
Compression Ratio: 17.0:1.
Aspiration: Parallel twin-turbocharging with charge air cooling
(aftercooled).
Rated Power: 300 Hp (223 kW) at 3500 RPM at crankshaft.
Maximum Torque: 700 Nm at 2000-2750 RPM. (516 lb-ft).
Maximum Engine Speed: 3750 RPM.
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2.
Rotation (flywheel end): Clockwise (standard).
Governor Type: Electronic, integrated within the Engine Control Module
(ECM).
Emissions Compliance: Meets EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and US
EPA Tier 3 recreational marine standards.
The cylinder block is a composite construction. The lower section,
forming the crankcase, is manufactured from aluminum alloy to reduce
mass. The upper cylinder section consists of a compact, reinforced cast
iron structure that houses the cylinder bores and provides the necessary
wear surface for the pistons and rings.
This design merges the lightweight benefits of aluminum with the
durability and thermal stability of cast iron. The block incorporates
five main bearing supports with rigid bearing caps. Main bearing caps
are secured with two vertical bolts each. The aluminum crankcase
includes integrated coolant passages and oil galleries.
The cylinder head is a single-piece aluminum alloy casting. This
material selection provides efficient heat transfer and weight
reduction. The head is designed for a direct injection, four-valve
configuration with two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. Valve
seats are manufactured from hardened, wear-resistant material and are
press-fitted.
Valve guides are replaceable. Valve actuation is via roller finger
followers driven by dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). The camshafts are
chain-driven from the crankshaft. This valve train design ensures
precise valve timing, low friction, and durability at elevated engine
speeds.
The fuel system is a high-pressure common rail direct injection (CRDi)
system. A single, engine-driven high-pressure pump supplies fuel to a
common rail. The rail maintains a constant, electronically controlled
high pressure, supplying fuel to solenoid-operated injectors at each
cylinder.
The Volvo Penta Engine Control Module (ECM) governs injection pressure,
timing, and duration, enabling multiple precise injection events per
combustion cycle. This precise control optimizes power delivery,
improves fuel economy, and reduces combustion noise and exhaust
emissions. The fuel supply circuit includes a pre-filter with a water
separator and a main fuel filter with a water sensor.
The lubrication system is a wet-sump, pressure-fed design. A
trochoid-type oil pump, located in the oil pan and driven by the
crankshaft, draws oil through a pickup strainer. Oil is forced through a
full-flow, replaceable spin-on oil filter. An engine coolant-cooled oil
cooler maintains optimal oil temperature.
Pressurized oil is supplied to the crankshaft main and connecting rod
bearings, the dual overhead camshafts, the turbocharger bearings, and
the high-pressure fuel pump. The engine oil capacity, including filter,
is 7.8 liters (2.06 U.S. gallons). Lubricant must meet Volvo Penta VDS-4
or equivalent ACEA E7, API CJ-4 specifications.
The engine employs a dedicated freshwater (closed-circuit) cooling
system with a heat exchanger. A single, belt-driven centrifugal pump
circulates a coolant mixture (ethylene glycol and water) through the
engine block, cylinder head, oil cooler, and aftercooler. Heat is
transferred to a plate-type heat exchanger.
A separate raw seawater circuit, powered by a rubber impeller pump,
flows through the heat exchanger, absorbing heat before discharge
overboard. The system is regulated by a thermostatic valve that
maintains optimal engine operating temperature. A seawater-cooled
aftercooler effectively lowers the temperature of the compressed intake
air from the turbochargers.
Starting System: A 12-volt electrical system with a high-torque starter
motor. Charging System: A 12-volt, 115-ampere marine alternator with
multi-stage regulation. Air Intake System: Includes an air filter and
ducting to the parallel twin-turbochargers. Both turbochargers operate
simultaneously across the engine speed range for rapid response and high
airflow.
Exhaust System: A wet elbow design mixes engine cooling water with
exhaust gases for silencing and cooling. The exhaust manifold is
integrated into the cylinder head casting. Engine Management: A
comprehensive ECM provides full electronic control, diagnostic functions
via the EVC (Electronic Vessel Control) system, and continuous system
monitoring. An electric solenoid actuates the engine stop.
Length (engine only, from front pulley to flywheel housing): 1031 mm
(40.6 inches).
Width (overall, at mounting feet): 848 mm (33.4 inches).
Height (over valve cover): 868 mm (34.2 inches).
Dry Weight (engine with standard DPH sterndrive, without fluids): 515 kg
(1135 lbs).
Engine Oil Change Interval: 200 hours or annually, whichever occurs
first.
Oil Filter Change: Every oil change interval.
Fuel Filter Primary (water separator): Drain water weekly. Replace
element every 200 hours.
Fuel Filter Secondary: Replace every 200 hours.
Coolant: Check concentration and condition annually. Replace every two
years or 400 hours.
Raw Water Impeller: Inspect every season; replace every year or 200
hours.
Valve Clearance Inspection: Check every 1000 hours. Adjustment is
performed by replacing shims located under the roller finger followers.
Belt Tension: Check and adjust serpentine belt tension for coolant pump
and alternator every 200 hours. An automatic tensioner is fitted.
Cylinder Head Bolts (M12): Tighten in the specified multi-stage
sequence. Final stage: 90 deg angular rotation. Main Bearing Cap Bolts
(M11): 60 Nm + 60 deg angular rotation. (44 lb-ft + 60 deg).
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts (M10): 40 Nm + 90 deg angular rotation. (30
lb-ft + 90 deg).
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts (M14): 120 Nm + 30 deg (89 lb-ft + 30 deg).
Injector Clamp Bolt: 8 Nm. (5.9 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Bolts (M8): 22 Nm. (16 lb-ft).
The Volvo Penta D4-300 is engineered for marine propulsion in
recreational and light commercial vessels. Its primary application is as
the inboard powerplant for planing motor yachts, sport fishing boats,
and cabin cruisers in the 30 to 45-foot length range. It is commonly
installed in single, twin, or triple engine configurations.
The engine is frequently paired with Volvo Penta Duoprop (DPH)
sterndrives or Inboard Performance System (IPS) pod drives, which
provide superior handling, fuel efficiency, and onboard space
utilization. It is also a suitable power source for light commercial
applications such as pilot boats, patrol vessels, and high-speed ferries
where dependable performance and emissions compliance are mandatory.
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