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Help with engine identification...

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Old 08-09-2019 | 04:12 PM
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Default Help with engine identification...

I know it's Offshore Only but I found such good info on this site reading I thought I would ask you guys help me dial in my engine.

I bought a 1997 boat with a Volvo Pental 7.4L. Buddy has the engine out for a rebuilt and can find no OEM decals/plates for indemnification. So I guess the next step is find some casting numbers and start reverse engineering GM data. Since the boat is a 1997 and we believe the drive train is original I'm guessing it's a

L29 Gen 6 7.4L Vortec (with MPI), but...

What is Volvo's designation for this setup during those years? Since there is no decal and I'm trying to get the correct parts and repair manuals. Is it a GL, GI, GS, blah, blah....FYI it had a Duo Pro setup.

I read a few articles on here where a few guy has scary knowledge of engines by year...so I'm hoping they are lerking on here quiet a bit!

Thx all!
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Old 08-09-2019 | 05:38 PM
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hello , you should find block casting number on left side rear area,you should be able get info from casting number






i would try , doing a search, type block number chevy motor
good luck
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Old 08-09-2019 | 06:03 PM
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CC,
Exactly what information are you looking for ? If you are going to actually rebuild it once you have it disassembled you will be able to easily identify all of the parts except maybe the camshaft.
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Old 08-10-2019 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by BillK
CC,
Exactly what information are you looking for ? If you are going to actually rebuild it once you have it disassembled you will be able to easily identify all of the parts except maybe the camshaft.
Buddy is rebuilding the engine. We found the casting numbersBlock: 12550313...454.......91-up...4-bolt, Gen.V crate motor, Gen. VI 4.25" bare block, fuel pump boss
Head: 10141279...96-up...oval..CLOSED.."Vortec 7400", 100cc chambers
What I'm looking for is what Volvo called this engine setup. I see references to GI GXI, etc but cannot make heads or tails of what VP was calling this setup.

Still some confusion based on those block data above if it's a Gen. V or Gen. VI. I'll assume that it's NOT a crate and VP gets the blocks and builds their own? All date points to the fact this should be a Gen VI if it has the 96+ heads and it's call Vortec 7400. Anyone agree?

So my buddy said it would be great to have a manual of sorts for torque specs and we figured those VP manuals all over eBay would be helpful.
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Old 08-10-2019 | 09:27 PM
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gen 5 vs,gen 6 look at the timing cover.... As for volvo...I only know merc stuff......
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Old 08-10-2019 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by phragle
gen 5 vs,gen 6 look at the timing cover.... As for volvo...I only know merc stuff......
what will that cover tell us? Or what does it differentiate?

i can have my buddy get us a photo. Don’t see anything in my photo album that shows it clearly.
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Old 08-10-2019 | 09:52 PM
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I found this following info on a rebuild kit online, anyone agree if this is true:

This engine is commonly know as a "Vortec" or "Gen VI" and is identifiable by its 1pc. rear main seal and roller lifters.
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Old 08-10-2019 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by carboncow
Buddy is rebuilding the engine.

So my buddy said it would be great to have a manual of sorts for torque specs and we figured those VP manuals all over eBay would be helpful.
Read those 2 sentences. If your buddy needs the manual and can not differentiate between Gen 5 and 6, should he be rebuilding the engine?
Not trying to be an a$$.
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Old 08-11-2019 | 12:14 AM
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Boat title possible serial numbers on it. How about a drive serial number. I am a factory OEM Volvo trained tech for about 30
years now.

Snap some pics of the intake and ecm as well. That can possible tell what year and exact model you have.

GL and GS were CARB engines ONLY - your engine is going to be a Gi or a GXI model for your 7.4.mpi

Added info --- Volvo NEVER used MEFI 2 ever, they used MEFI 1 and 3 and 4 then went to E controls in 2005.

Mefi 1 had the side connectors - Mefi 3 and 4 had the front connectors and was a smaller ecm compared to MEFI 1.

Last edited by BUP; 08-11-2019 at 12:17 AM.
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Old 08-11-2019 | 12:34 AM
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Originally Posted by BUP
Boat title possible serial numbers on it. How about a drive serial number. I am a factory OEM Volvo trained tech for about 30
years now.

Snap some pics of the intake and ecm as well. That can possible tell what year and exact model you have.

GL and GS were CARB engines ONLY - your engine is going to be a Gi or a GXI model for your 7.4.mpi

Added info --- Volvo NEVER used MEFI 2 ever, they used MEFI 1 and 3 and 4 then went to E controls in 2005.

Mefi 1 had the side connectors - Mefi 3 and 4 had the front connectors and was a smaller ecm compared to MEFI 1.
Bup, Thanks for the great intel...unlike the last guy who only brought shade to the party!

The boat is about 1.5 hrs from me so I won't be able to grab ECM or the outdrive but it is a duo prop if that helps with the Gi vs GXi (it has MFI if I didn't mention that). No luck on my title (came from a state that didn't require engine specs). No label left on intake but I'll include the two photos I got that may shed some light. Sounds like we know it's a Gen 6, which should help with a manual and torque specs.

Was GXi just more rpm/hp?

EDIT: I guess I'm to new to post photos or URLs, boo!
EDIT2: Man, I can find nothing on 7.4L with Gi vs GXi...other then "extra special"! Different ECM programing?

Last edited by carboncow; 08-11-2019 at 12:41 AM.
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