Volvo Penta D6-480 Specifications
| Engine Model: Volvo Penta D6-480 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder turbocharged freshwater-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 335.6 cu.in (5.5 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 480 Hp (353 kW) at 3700 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Common rail direct injection |
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The Volvo Penta D6-480 is the
highest-performance variant in the 5.5-liter D6 family. It is an in-line
6-cylinder diesel engine that combines common-rail fuel injection,
double overhead camshafts, and a unique "twin-entry" turbocharger paired
with a mechanical supercharger for immediate response and high top-end
power. This engine represents the pinnacle of Volvo Penta's six-cylinder
marine diesel development, delivering exceptional power density in a
compact package.
The D6-480 is distinguished by its seamless integration with the
Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, which enables advanced functions
such as Joystick Driving, Assisted Docking, and Autopilot through a
Glass Cockpit interface. Available in multiple drive configurations -
including inboard shaft, Aquamatic DPI sterndrive, and IPS pod drive
(designated IPS650) - this engine serves demanding marine applications
where power and precision are paramount.
Engine Designation: D6-480
Configuration: In-line 6-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel
Displacement: 5.5 liters (335.6 cu.in)
Bore x Stroke: 103 mm x 110 mm (4.06 in x 4.33 in)
Compression Ratio: 17.5:1
Crankshaft Power: 353 kW (480 hp) at 3700 rpm
Full Throttle Range: 3600-3700 rpm
Aspiration: Turbocharged with charge air cooler
Fuel System: High-pressure common-rail direct injection with
piezo-electric injectors
Control System: Electronic Vessel Control (EVC)
Emission Compliance: IMO NOx Tier II, EU RCD Stage II, EPA Tier 3
Fuel Consumption (100% load): 94 L/h (24.8 gal/h)
The cylinder block is constructed from high-strength cast iron, selected
for its rigidity and ability to withstand the elevated cylinder
pressures generated by the high-pressure common-rail injection system
operating at 2000 bar. The block features a closed-deck design with
integrated cylinder liners. A ladder frame (bedplate) is mounted to the
lower crankcase area, significantly increasing structural rigidity and
minimizing vibrations transmitted to the vessel.
The crankshaft is supported by seven main bearings - an unusual
configuration for an inline-six that contributes to extreme durability.
Forged connecting rods and oil-cooled pistons with two compression rings
and one oil scraper ring are fitted. The block includes piston cooling
oil jets that direct a spray of lubricant to the underside of the piston
crowns, managing thermal loads under sustained high-power operation.
Transmission and auxiliary drives are taken from the rear of the engine,
contributing to a compact installation envelope.
The cylinder head is manufactured from cast iron, matching the block
material for uniform thermal expansion characteristics. It houses a
Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) arrangement with 4 valves per cylinder -
24 valves total for the inline-six configuration. The valvetrain
incorporates hydraulic lash adjusters that maintain zero valve clearance
throughout the engine's service life, eliminating the need for periodic
valve adjustments.
The combustion chambers feature a four-valve pent-roof design with the
centrally located injector nozzle positioned to optimize fuel spray
penetration and atomization. The intake ports are designed to generate
high swirl motion, improving fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency.
The fuel system employs a high-pressure common-rail direct injection
system operating at pressures up to 2000 bar (29,000 psi). The system
includes a high-pressure pump driven from the rear gear train, a common
rail accumulator, and electronically controlled piezo-electric injectors
for each cylinder.
The injection system is fully integrated with the Engine Management
System (EMS) and Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), allowing for multiple
injection events per combustion cycle - including pilot, main, and post
injections. This precise fuel metering results in reduced combustion
noise, lower emissions, and improved fuel efficiency. The fuel treatment
system includes a single spin-on fine filter with an integrated water
separator and a water-in-fuel alarm.
The lubrication system is a forced-feed, wet-sump design featuring a
gear-type oil pump driven from the engine timing gear train. The pump
draws oil from the sump through a mesh strainer, pressurizes the
lubricant, and routes it through separate full-flow and bypass oil
filters, both of the replaceable spin-on type.
A tubular oil cooler, using seawater as the cooling medium, maintains
optimal oil temperature under sustained high-load operation. The system
includes oil level and oil temperature sensors that interface with the
EVC system to provide continuous monitoring. A closed-type crankcase
ventilation system with a maintenance-free oil separator routes blow-by
gases to the air intake.
The cooling system is a pressurized, freshwater cooling (closed circuit)
system with a thermostat-regulated circuit. A belt-driven, seawater
impeller pump draws raw water from the environment and circulates it
through a tubular heat exchanger, the oil cooler, the charge air cooler,
and the exhaust manifold cooling passages.
A separate freshwater circuit circulates coolant through the cylinder
block and cylinder head. A wax-pellet thermostat, rated at 82°C to 88°C
(180°F to 190°F), regulates coolant flow to maintain stable operating
temperature. The system includes a seawater strainer mounted directly on
the engine. A seawater leak alarm provides warning of cooling system
integrity issues.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Air Intake System: A dry-type replaceable paper element air cleaner
supplies filtered air to the turbocharger compressor inlet. Closed
crankcase ventilation returns blow-by gases to the intake system.
Exhaust System: A turbocharger cooled by the freshwater circuit reduces
exhaust gas temperatures. The exhaust elbow or riser is designed to
prevent seawater ingress under following sea conditions.
Timing Drive: The camshafts are driven by a gear train at the rear of
the engine. This arrangement also drives the high-pressure fuel
injection pump. No timing belt or chain replacement is required under
normal service conditions.
Turbocharger System: The D6-480 utilizes a turbocharger with charge air
cooler for high volumetric efficiency. Earlier D6 variants employed a
combination of a supercharger for low-end response and a turbocharger
for high-end power; the D6-480 achieves its performance through an
optimized single turbocharger with charge air cooling.
Charging System: The engine is equipped with a marine alternator
available in 12V/150A or 24V/80A configurations, prepared for Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM) control.
Starting System: A 12V or 24V starter motor is provided depending on the
electrical system specification. Auto-reset fuses are provided for
engine, transmission, and EVC circuits. An auxiliary stop switch is
located in front of the engine.
Engine Management: The fully integrated EMS and EVC system controls fuel
injection, turbocharger boost, idle speed, and all vessel interface
functions. The system supports up to four control stations and includes
the Maintenance Assistant feature with service alerts.
Electronic Vessel Control (EVC): The EVC system integrates engine
control, instrumentation, and advanced vessel functions through a single
CAN network. Features include electronic shift and throttle (standard),
electronic steering (optional for twin installations), Low Speed
function (optional), Joystick Driving and Assisted Docking (optional for
twin installations), Dynamic Positioning System, Autopilot, and
compatibility with the Easy Connect application.
Aquamatic DPI (Duoprop): Sterndrive package with hydraulic clutch for
smooth shifting, Duoprop counter-rotating propeller system, electronic
steering, and open transom design.
IPS (Inboard Performance System): Designated IPS650 when combined with
the steerable pod drive system, offering up to 30% improved fuel
efficiency compared to traditional shaft drives.
Length with Gearbox: 1,468 mm-1,470 mm (57.7-57.87 inches)
Width: 851 mm (33.5 inches)
Height: 795 mm (31.2 inches)
Dry Weight with Gearbox: 725 kg-755 kg (1,598-1,664 lbs)
Engine Oil Capacity (with filter): 12.0 liters to 14.0 liters (12.7 qt
to 14.8 qt).
Recommended Oil Grade: Volvo Penta VDS-3 or VDS-4 diesel oil; SAE 15W-40
or 5W-30.
Oil Change Interval: 200 hours or annually, whichever occurs first.
Coolant Capacity (freshwater circuit): 15.0 liters to 18.0 liters (15.9
qt to 19.0 qt).
Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based heavy-duty formulation for diesel
marine engines.
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval: 200 hours or annually.
Seawater Impeller Replacement Interval: 200 hours or annually.
Valve Clearance: Maintained automatically by hydraulic lash adjusters;
no adjustment required.
Drive Belt Inspection Interval: 200 hours.
Zinc Anode Replacement Interval: 100 hours or as required based on
corrosion inspection.
Cylinder Head Bolts (Stage 1): 40 Nm (30 lb-ft)
Cylinder Head Bolts (Stage 2): 80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
Main Bearing Cap Bolts (Ladder Frame): 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
Connecting Rod Cap Nuts: 35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: 300 Nm (221 lb-ft)
Camshaft Bearing Caps: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Injection Pump Mounting Bolts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Charge Air Cooler Mounting Bolts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Heat Exchanger Mounting Bolts: 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
Starter Motor Bolts: 40 Nm (30 lb-ft)
Alternator Mounting Bolts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
The Volvo Penta D6-480 is designed for high-speed planing hulls where
power-to-weight ratio is critical.
Sport Cruisers and Flybridge Yachts: Premium motor yachts between 38 and
48 feet in single, twin, triple, or quadruple installations.
Performance Boats: High-speed leisure craft requiring rapid acceleration
and responsive handling.
Commercial Vessels: Applications requiring reliable, high-output
propulsion.
Drive Options by Configuration:
Wajer 55 Yacht: Triple installation of D6-480 in IPS650 configuration,
achieving 37 knots top speed.
Inboard Shaft: HS85 hydraulic reverse gear for traditional shaft-drive
setups; available with 8° down-angle and V-drive configurations.
IPS (Inboard Performance System): Designated IPS650 when paired with the
steerable pod drive system; suitable for vessels up to 180 feet.
Sterndrive (DPI): Aquamatic D6-480 DPI package with Duoprop technology,
electronic steering, and Integrated Helm-to-Propeller system including
Joystick Driving and Assisted Docking.
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