Volvo Penta D6-400A Aquamatic DPI Sterndrive Engine Package
Description
Compliant with EPA Tier 3 and IMO Tier II marine emissions standards, the Volvo Penta D6-400A Sterndrive Package provides 400BHP at 3,500 RPM for fast tactical craft. Displacing 5.5L across 6 cylinders, this engine yields 300BHP continuous output at 3,100 RPM. Common-rail injection requires 2-micron pre-filtration, and the electro-hydraulic DPI outdrive demands scheduled synthetic clutch oil service.
A parent bore ductile cast iron block combines with a reinforced bedplate subframe to withstand intense torque spikes. The single-piece 24-Valve cast iron cylinder head contains dual overhead camshafts with crossflow porting. Electrical circuits run on an isolated 12V 2-pole system equipped with a 3.0 kW starter and a 12V 115A alternator. Package stance spans 45.3in long, 32.4in wide, and 30.7in high. Complete package dry weight equals 1,709 lbs. Oil sump capacity holds 5.28 US gal.
Key Features of Volvo Penta D6-400A
Tactical boatbuilders buy Volvo Penta D6-400A sterndrive packages to achieve maximum top speed with smooth electro-hydraulic gear shifting. Naval yards choose this system for commercial workboat diesel engine repower installations in offshore patrol interceptors.
- Mechanical superchargers deliver immediate boost from idle to eliminate hole-shot turbo lag
- Direct common-rail injection operates at 2,000 bar to optimize combustion pressure and emissions
- Aquamatic DPI sterndrives employ hydraulic clutch packs to eliminate mechanical shift clunk and drive rattle
- DuoProp counter-rotating propellers grip water to provide true tracking and powerful reverse thrust
- Electronic Vessel Control synchronizes electronic steering and throttle inputs across CAN-bus datalinks
- Cast iron ladder subframes hold crankshaft bearings rigid under heavy high-RPM combustion loads
- Heavy-duty serpentine belt systems maintain steady drive grip on the 12V 115A alternator
Dynamometer Limits Thermal Bench Output
Dynamometer test records confirm 400BHP peak output at 3,500 RPM and 300BHP continuous power at 3,100 RPM. Supercharger and turbo compounding produces 2.05 bar peak intake boost pressure. Freshwater heat exchangers hold core coolant temperatures at 185°F under continuous maximum power dyno pulls. Engine oil pressure maintains 55 PSI across full operational revolutions. Sterndrive trim permits up to 30° static trailering angles. Crankshaft journal runout remains below 0.0005in TIR to protect bearings against deflection fatigue. Exhaust gas temperatures stay below 1,280°F.
Field Operation Maintenance Service Rules
Integrated electronic steering and throttle controls provide responsive helm action with under 2 lbs of lever resistance. Do not install this 3,500 RPM high-output sterndrive package in heavy slow-speed displacement push-boats or vessels operating in shallow mud shallows that clog raw-water intakes. Operators must use clean ultra-low sulfur fuel and maintain sterndrive drive bellows regularly.
- Drain engine oil and change spin-on oil filter cartridges every 200 service hours
- Inspect DPI sterndrive gear oil, drive bellows, and sacrificial zinc anodes every 100 hours
- Replace the primary 2-micron fuel water separator filter cartridge every 250 engine hours
Factory Warranty Shipment Parts Manifest
Volvo Penta provides a 2-Year limited warranty backed by 3-Year major component structural coverage. The shipment crate contains the diesel engine assembly, Aquamatic DPI sterndrive unit, transom shield kit, 12V 115A alternator, 3.0 kW starter, electronic steering helm pump, EVC harness, and factory technical manuals.
Volvo Penta D6-400A Aquamatic DPI Sterndrive Engine Package Specs
| Manufacturer / Brand | Volvo Penta |
| Model Designation | D6-400A Aquamatic DPI |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke Supercharged & Turbocharged Marine Diesel Sterndrive Package |
| Cylinder Configuration | Inline-6, 24-Valve DOHC |
| Total Displacement | 5.5 Liters (336 cu in) |
| Bore x Stroke | 103 x 110 mm (4.06 x 4.33 in) |
| Aspiration & Charge Air | Roots Mechanical Compressor (Supercharger) and Turbocharger with Charge Air Intercooler |
| Cooling System Architecture | Closed Freshwater Cooling Loop with Heavy-Duty Heat Exchanger and Raw Water Impeller |
| Continuous Power Rating (P1) | 300 BHP (221 kW) @ 3,100 RPM |
| Maximum / Intermittent Power (P3/P4) | 400 BHP (294 kW) @ 3,500 RPM (Rating 4 / Rating 5 Duty) |
| Fuel Injection Platform | High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Direct Injection System (up to 2,000 bar) with EVC-2 |
| Cylinder Head Metallurgy | Single-Piece 24-Valve Cast Iron Cylinder Head with Structural Crossflow Layout |
| Cylinder Liners | Parent Bore High-Strength Cast Iron Block with Reinforced Bedplate Subframe |
| Flywheel Housing & Flywheel | Volvo Penta DPI Transom Shield Mounting Interface with Heavy-Duty Torsional Isolator |
| Electrical System & Ground | 12V 2-Pole Marine Ground System with CAN-Bus Electronic Steering and Throttle |
| Starter & Alternator Output | 12V 3.0 kW Starter / 12V 115A Marine Alternator with Dynamic Battery Sensor |
| Lube Oil Sump Capacity | 20.0 Liters (5.28 US gal) |
| Engine Coolant Capacity | 16.0 Liters (4.23 US gal) |
| Dry Weight (excl. gearbox) | 580 kg (1,279 lbs) [Complete DPI Package: 775 kg (1,709 lbs)] |
| Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) | 1,151 x 823 x 779 mm (45.3 x 32.4 x 30.7 in) |
| Emissions Certification | EPA Marine Tier 3, IMO Tier II, EU RCD Stage II |
| Fuel Compatibility | Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD No. 2), Marine Gas Oil (MGO DMA/DMB), B20 Blends |
| Transmission / Outdrive Compatibility | Included Volvo Penta Aquamatic DPI Sterndrive with Electro-Hydraulic Clutch, Electronic Steering, and DuoProp Propeller Set |
| Factory Warranty Period | 2-Year Limited Factory Warranty with 3-Year Major Components Coverage |
| Application Research | High-speed tactical interceptors, offshore patrol vessels, luxury sports day boats, express cruisers, and rapid search-and-rescue (SAR) craft. |












Reviews
There are no reviews yet.