Volvo Penta D1-13 Inboard Diesel MS15A Gearbox Package
Description
Experience smooth down-angle shaft propulsion in tight vessel bilges with the Volvo Penta D1-13 MS15A Marine Diesel Engine. This 2-Cylinder 0.5L package outputs 11.8BHP continuous power at 3,000 RPM matched to an 8-degree down-angle transmission. Operators must check gearbox shift cable stroke alignment during installation and replace raw water pump impellers on strict seasonal schedules.
Metallurgical construction relies on an ASTM gray iron monobloc casting with wear-resistant parent bores and an overhead-valve cylinder head. The electrical plant runs a 12V negative ground system powered by a 0.8 kW starter motor and a 115A marine alternator with battery sensor regulation. Dry mass spans 245 lbs including the MS15A transmission. The complete package envelope requires 23.5in length, 17.9in width, and 19.8in height, serviced by a 0.50 US gal oil pan.
Key Features of Volvo Penta D1-13
Cruising monohull owners buy Volvo Penta D1-13 MS15A marine diesel engines to solve steep shaft angle alignment problems in shallow hulls. The complete transmission package simplifies sailing yacht auxiliary engine repower conversions by integrating an 8-degree down-angle gearbox to the engine bellhousing.
- MS15A mechanical transmission features an 8-degree down-angle output to keep engine installation level.
- Cam-driven in-line mechanical injection pumps provide dependable fuel atomization across all loads.
- High-capacity 115A alternator recharges auxiliary house battery banks during brief harbor motoring runs.
- Sound-damped air filter housing suppresses intake whistling inside confined living spaces.
- Tubular heat exchanger maintains closed-circuit engine coolant temperature in saltwater conditions.
- Neoprene seawater pump impeller circulates raw water into the water-injected exhaust mixer elbow.
- Heavy-duty flexible engine mounts isolate mechanical driveline vibration from the vessel stringers.
Dynamometer Performance Bench Test Ratings
Dynamometer load verification proves 11.8BHP continuous power and 21 ft-lbs of shaft torque at 3,000 RPM, peaking at 12.2BHP at 3,200 RPM. Exhaust pyrometer temperatures hold under 880°F upstream of the water-injected exhaust elbow. The closed-circuit freshwater loop stabilizes at 180°F through the tubular heat exchanger under continuous full-load testing. Main bearing oil pressure registers 45 PSI at cruising RPM, while crankshaft journal concentricity checks confirm runout below 0.0004in TIR across all bearing contact surfaces.
Field Operation Controls Installation Boundaries
Mechanical control cables require 3 lbs of linear force to advance the internal fuel rack across the governor band. This compact propulsion package is not designed for fast planing hulls, commercial harbor tugs, or vessels lacking raw water strainers. Never select this sailing yacht auxiliary engine repower for displacement hulls exceeding 27ft or craft unable to maintain adequate engine compartment ventilation.
- Drain engine lube oil and replace spin-on oil filters every 150 operating hours.
- Inspect MS15A transmission fluid level and replace zinc anodes every 12 months.
- Measure and adjust mechanical overhead valve clearances to 0.008in cold every 500 operating hours.
Factory Warranty Marine Crate Inclusions
Volvo Penta covers this complete transmission package with a 2-Year limited warranty plus additional 3-Year major component protection. The export transport crate contains the diesel engine, MS15A gearbox, 12V 0.8 kW starter, 115A alternator, four flexible engine mounts, wiring harness, instrument display panel, and operator maintenance manuals.
Volvo Penta D1-13 MS15A Specs
| Manufacturer / Brand | Volvo Penta |
| Model Designation | D1-13 MS15A Package |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke Compact Marine Diesel |
| Cylinder Configuration | Inline-2 |
| Total Displacement | 0.5 Liters (31 cu in) |
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0 x 72.0 mm (2.64 x 2.83 in) |
| Aspiration & Charge Air | Naturally Aspirated with Sound-Damped Air Intake Filter |
| Cooling System Architecture | Tubular Heat Exchanger Closed Circuit with Raw Seawater Impeller Pump |
| Continuous Power Rating (P1) | 11.8 BHP (8.7 kW) @ 3,000 RPM |
| Maximum / Intermittent Power (P3/P4) | 12.2 BHP (9.0 kW) @ 3,200 RPM |
| Fuel Injection Platform | Mechanical Cam-Driven In-Line Injection Pumps with Mechanical Governor |
| Cylinder Head Metallurgy | Monobloc Cast Iron Cylinder Block with Cast Iron Overhead Valve (OHV) Cylinder Head |
| Cylinder Liners | Cast Iron Engine Block with Integrated Parent Bores |
| Flywheel Housing & Flywheel | Dedicated Volvo Penta Marine Bellhousing with Flexible Marine Torsional Damper |
| Electrical System & Ground | 12V Negative Ground Marine Electrical System |
| Starter & Alternator Output | 12V 0.8 kW Electric Starter / 12V 115A Marine Alternator with Charging Sensor |
| Lube Oil Sump Capacity | 1.9 Liters (0.50 US gal) |
| Engine Coolant Capacity | 2.7 Liters (0.71 US gal) |
| Dry Weight (excl. gearbox) | 96 kg (212 lbs) |
| Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) | 596 x 454 x 503 mm (23.5 x 17.9 x 19.8 in) |
| Emissions Certification | RCD 2 (Directive 2013/53/EU) / EPA Tier 3 Marine / BSO II |
| Fuel Compatibility | Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD No. 2), Automotive Diesel (EN 590), B7 Biodiesel |
| Transmission / Outdrive Compatibility | Packaged with Volvo Penta MS15A 8-Degree Down-Angle Mechanical Marine Transmission |
| Factory Warranty Period | Volvo Penta 2-Year Limited Warranty plus Additional 3-Year Major Component Protection |
| Application Research | Cruising monohulls (20-27 ft), small sailing sloops, traditional inland river dayboats, and yacht tenders requiring an angled shaft line. |












Reviews
There are no reviews yet.