Is the Volvo D13 a Good Engine?

Hey Truckers! We had a Volvo D13 come into the shop for a bad cam shaft and wanted to discuss the engine a little more in depth. We do an overall review of some of the engine components and share our opinion on the D13 engine.
If you've driven a D13 or if you own one, we'd love to hear your experience in a comment below!
#volvod13 #camshaft #owneroperator #trucker

[@garysargsyan4998]

Had 2006 D12, 1.8 million miles on it without any major repairs. D13 little tricky, but still very reliable engine. Major issue is the bull gear, and injector cups. Once taken care of, will run like a champ.

[@IsaiahLove-go2kx]

Are you still running it ?

[@elginace1]

Really like the specifics you go into helps to know what you're looking for when shopping for a new truck

[@KulinBan777]

All these new engines are the same, some might be cheaper to fix but they all break down about the same, D13 is a good engine if you take care of it, it’s been around in Europe for a while

[@michaeldunagan8268]

That's not what the ads of the Truck Paper say: for comparable Freightliners and Volvo's for the same mileage the one with a Cummins engine will always sell for thousands more than the one with a Volvo engine.

[@superfly4137]

My friend has a 2015 Volvo vnl 670 (purchased new for around 150) D13 ishift got 750k+ miles running strong today no major issues. He says uphills work good with full load.

[@Foalsteed1994]

Hi from New Zealand. We’re running cabover Volvo FMs 540hp with I-Shift transmissions. 30-35 truck & trailer units 1.3 million km with 5 year lifespans with us, almost 24/7 operations and pretty much all are original engines & gearbox’s just general maintenance etc. Can’t say better about the Volvo & D13 but I’m sure there’s differences from down here in Australia/New Zealand & the states!! Love your channel very informative 😎😎

[@BlockBallerRecords]

Oliver Chittenden see over seas u guys have the uncut build almost like pacacr and cat bac in the day whenever it built somewhere else it always runs better😂🤟🏾🚛

[@Foalsteed1994]

DON ORCHA Yeah from what I can gather you guys are getting the short straw on some models!! Look up New Zealand trucking videos on KZbin were like a melting pot for all makes & models!! Volvo & Kenworth trucks are top of the food chain & Isuzu is the most sold maker here.

[@donnellykieranj]

Hi from Ireland. I can second that. The d13 iShift combo has an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity over here as well. Drivers love them.

[@JohnThomas-vb9se]

There are 3 tools Volvo sells for installing those timing covers. Two go on top and hold pressure down on the cover while you tighten the bolts that go horizontally and the third is a depth gauge for measuring the proper depth needed on the cam sensor. Just figured I’d mention that. Mine cover started leaking about 400k and I replaced it myself. It leaked most on a cold start. When it heated up it basically sealed up.

[@Mopars_41]

I started working on Mack/Volvo trucks back in January. I've seen a LOT of injector and cam issues on the common rail and non common rail D13's. Egr Valve, Egr cooler, turbo, and DPF's also seem to be troublesome. We also get a lot of I-Shift work in too. On the Mack Mp7's in trash trucks, I've seen them drop air compressors and bull gears. Just some things ive seen wrong with them in less than a year working on them in a dealership.

[@TruckYoo]

Brenden Helman good insight . Thank you for sharing

[@heavydutyrepair64]

Yes ,those trash trucks ,especially the MRU front loaders ,extrem duty

[@ElSlickVic]

Are the MP8 any better? In what hp is better ?

[@Mopars_41]

@@ElSlickVic MP8's are just a Volvo D13 painted red. They have the same issues. I believe an mp8 has a max of 505 hp.

[@brandonstary5804]

I’ve seen more d13 engines at 1 million miles than dd15s

[@FenderFingers72]

I have 2012 with 900k plus on it. 13spd. Other then injectors it's been a good engine.

[@flytaaijag6109]

Yep mines too. I do my pms every 10,000 milez.

[@gurpalsingh3695]

Did you have to replace clutch ? How much does that cost ? On a Auto

[@FenderFingers72]

@@gurpalsingh3695 cluch was about 1500. Not auto

[@BORIKKEN]

@@gurpalsingh3695 on a I-Shift you have to spend 10K.. for a complete rebuild.

[@keishliancolon679]

@@flytaaijag6109 what is pms bro?

[@RiyazAhmad-rz8oy]

D12 is the best we have 1998 FH no injector cup replace yet no cylinder head remove only twice water pump change still working gud

[@RiyazAhmad-rz8oy]

@Vagabond John sir m in UAE duabi here Volvo is most popular truck

[@arthursmith5409]

My D-13. All of a sudden at 70mph, the power steering went out, then the engine immediately shut down. Turns out a common failer, was the idle gear that turns the two pumps, went bad. All the gears back there had to be replaced. 7500 semolians...

[@kevben87]

I liked this video. Good job guys. I just started driving a volvo. I really like the motor.

[@sano0311]

Do tune-up every 100,000 miles and d13 is amazing

[@TrapBoiFuse561]

Never did one 1,600,000 😂😂 change oil every 100,000 T6 only filter ever 50k

[@polarisboy67]

Finally a video on these engines and the tech isn't an idiot. I'm a master on both Volvo and Mack. Gotta say the macks are a hell of alot more reliable, I think in the last 5 years ive seen one with a broken valve. Since then I've seen a shit load of Volvos with broken valves. Its all down to the programming.

[@bruceevert1655]

Can they be reprogrammed to prevent this?

[@polarisboy67]

@@bruceevert1655 Not that I know of no. But if you keep up on your overheads and have them done by someone that's really knows what they are doing they can catch this before it happens.

[@TATEXPRESSINC]

Great job on the video👍🏻

[@bigGdiesel]

Just as good as any modern day cummins, Detroit ect.... all more or less the same nowadays 👍

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Uhhhhhh...... .. I would rather have a fleet of any other engine than a Volvo. I watched a video on KZbin tonight of a guy that dumped 34 Grand on a Volvo engine rebuild that did not include the turbo. I would drop 34 cents inro Volvo! The most gutless wonders I ever drove! If I am going to be paying 34gs for rebuild it better be a Caterpillar or Cimmins. At the prices in the Truck Paper don't agree with you either: a Freightliner or Volvo with a Cummins engine will always sell for more money, much more, with the same mileage than a comparable with a Volvo engine.

[@mic12300]

@@michaeldunagan8268 I watched that video. I think the guy did the overhaul at one of those "road sharks" towing facility. I could be wrong but he didn't mention any shopping around. This kind of places basically look for guys that don't know what they are doing so they can bend them over and shake the money out of them. And it's real easy to fall prey to them. They are everywhere and the easiest mechanics to find when you get in trouble. Worst part is that they usually do a shitty job, and you might have to comeback at the problem. Be careful out there.

[@ray8535]

Great videos, been watching and following for a while now. You guys seem to be running volvo for a while. What year D13s have been the must reliable to date based on your experience with these engines and trucks. I have a couple of 2014s and they have been golden. Thanks in advance.

[@the.porter.productions]

Porter greetings! 🤩 I know some people that love the DD13 and have had good luck with them so far. But I’m with you, I don’t care for them that much. I have a Detroit Series 60 and I think I shall keep it. Thanks for the run through. I really enjoyed this one! 🤩✌️

[@jaylawrence6904]

Tryna figure out what to do with my D13. The power stering pump went out and the engine shut down. I thought I could get someone to rebuild but know one wants to touch it except for Volvo in Roanoke who said replace the engine. $44000. Baltimore Volvo hadn't looked at but said they can re do the gear trani and replace egr and Turbo for about $20,000. My regular mechanic says to buy a used engine and swap out for about $13000. What do you guys think?

[@TruckYoo]

Hey Jay - I added your question to our upcoming Q & A Episode. You are too far from our shop for us to help if the truck won't run, but you can reach out to the shop if you have specific questions. eraservice.us/

[@jajajaja2624]

That's cheap of buy other truck.

[@victorabreu2462]

Wow, all trucks have common problems but D13 seem to have more common problems! Manuals are a better choice but don't get discouraged about Automatic.

[@abdellatifchegdani423]

Good video! Where are you located in chicago? I really want to bring my truck to your shop. Thanks

[@TruckYoo]

Google "Era Service' we'll show up. Thank you

[@kidanemhret5257]

@@TruckYoo good job ! but where he is or his address Phone number ?thanks

[@borisportnoy4277]

Thank you describing video. Engine backwards and leaning back!! Good note guys thaks alot!!

[@polarisboy67]

As a master Volvo/Mack tech i will say i have seen way more failures on the volvo engines compared too the macks. We think its due to the programming in the engines. The macks just do not have the same issues volvo does with dropping valves.

[@rossvinnitsky1927]

Lol how many macks are out there? 1 mack and 1000 Volvos thats what i see everyday.

[@polarisboy67]

@@rossvinnitsky1927 That's because Mack's are typically vocational trucks. I've been seeing alot more mack anthems On the highway but yeah volvos are everywhere. Usually always driven by some eastern European that doesn't speak english.

[@BurninBogey7]

I'd like to know more about this being a Volvo/Mack tech myself. Email preferably.

[@polarisboy67]

What would you like to know?

[@obrizzle375]

There’s more Volvo’s then Macks. In fact I’m doing a complete engine swing on a Mack 2022 dropped a valve

[@blakejustice8212]

I’ve had 2 company trucks both volvos with D13, one a 2010 & the other a 2014. 2010 650k 2014 550k both have had nothing but engine issues. The company then gives me a loaner truck, also a D13 Volvo the second day I was driving it that truck breaks. Trucks are maintained at my company, I just haven’t had any good luck with the d13.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

You'll have luck with a Volvo engine when you buy a boat and need an anchor for it.

[@fritzduval]

Wow's you guys are awesome! Were are you located?

[@TruckYoo]

Thank you Fritz, We are in Chicago. Thank you for watching.

[@ElMunecote84]

Where in Chicago boss? You guys know what you doing!

[@Mike__james]

Hard start and change injecter cups seriously coolant loss is bad injectoer cups .

[@ray8535]

How much would that inframe cost for that same engine? Just wondering

[@CremeDeLaCreme72]

How often do you recommend the overhead be done? I only do about 50 to 75k miles a year if I’m lucky.

[@geoestrada5001]

Let’s tell you something I believe all trucks are very good engines the problem is the new emissions and dealers are ripping your money off your pocket, I myself driving all models, i It’s doesn’t matter what’s engineered made, good luck drivers

[@shawntahopkins6815]

I have a 2011 d13 Volvo an I’m needing my bull head replaced how much to replace roughly

[@texasabbott]

Between the Volvo D13, the Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L, and the Detroit Diesel DD13, which one of these three needs less maintenance?

[@thatdieseltech4666]

Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7!

[@TruckYoo]

texasabbott 12.7 for sure

[@NB-ed5qv]

Definitely 12.7 serie 60.best engine out there.no emmission crap.

[@davevincent5024]

The explanation that I got when I went to school on the D11,D13 and D16 was they feel that the torsional vibrations are reduced because the vibration goes right out through the flywheel not through the crankshaft??

[@peteschnabel1345]

Is this in reference to s dampener??

[@coreysmith2196]

How much for you guys to do the injector cups on one. I believe I will make you guys my Volvo mechanics. How far are you guys usually booked out for work?

[@TruckYoo]

right now we move quickly usually couple days but if you let me know when you can come then I'll plan for it. Look us up and call us. Thank you!

[@vikkzx]

@@TruckYoo can you recommend a good volvo/mack mechanic in Colorado?

[@omarescamilla6223]

Damn good video!

[@TruckYoo]

Thanks, Omar!

[@josecuellar1579]

How much does an overhaul on this engine run? Looking to get into the business and would like to know in advance, thanks

[@patryk2497]

Bro if you’re getting into the business do not buy a D13 volvo

[@apple4iphone]

Patryk 24 why?

[@thatdieseltech4666]

After treatment issues will put you out of business quick if you don’t have enough capital.

[@gurmitnahal8701]

Volvo d13 I say don't buy I sepend $42,675.00 to rebuild motor...

[@KulinBan777]

SHAH TRANS Why in the fuck would you spend that much and not just get a DD 12.7 or have it rebuilt somewhere else, rebuilt on these is fairly high compared to other engines, it’s around 15-20k...that’s just bad business man

[@StVick]

D13 cams going bad seems common, mine went out 5 weeks ago. I like the D13, feels like its more powerful than the DD13. The DD15 is the only new Detroit Engine I would prefer because of the power to weight ratio and high 6 to low 7 mpg but the electronics are bad. I'm thinking about Landstar and going with VNL 780 as a starting truck.

[@bruceevert1655]

Landstar is a good option. Less miles on truck. Still really good $$. More time to do reg. Maintenance on truck at home with mechanics you trust. Been at LS since 9/19. Not going anywhere.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Just be sure that 780 has a Cummins or a Caterpillar and you'll do fine. Er...check that: leade to other than Landstar which takes 45% out of your gross from what I've read and then you'll do fine. :-) Leave the Volvo engine to anchor someone's yacht.

[@ironcen73]

They fixed the bullgear issues after 2013 engines. I have 965k just put a new head valve broke and damaged the turbo cost me 15k with labor . Ishift is ok but i still would go with 10 speed Eaton, no body will work on ishift but dealer and expensive as hack, i got reman ishift 200k ago and new tecu with labor cost me around 15k. Next truck will be anything with Detroit series 60 sick of this new tech crap. Stay away from ishift just buy manual not bcs its a bad trans but when it breaks it will cost a lot of money.

[@Fatfox806]

Not sure what year they started putting the new double idler gear (bull gear) the updated one has some marks on it which you can tell apart. What still fails is the idler gear that drives the tandem pump. Valves still break off and cause damage. Lucky yours didn’t damage the liner or piston.

[@markharrison7271]

gear train in the back is for higher torque and hp , the block could not handle it if gears where on the front

[@oscarvargas7133]

Hello can yall share the torque specs and tightening sequence on a d11 plz? Currently working on a cylinder head replacement and not sure we're to start torquing first

[@johnlive7647]

Asking if you can make some comparison with the MP8 vs D13

[@thatdieseltech4666]

john live different paint color

[@raybolanos7374]

@@thatdieseltech4666 hahahahahaha TRUE, just the PAINT. RED AND GREEN LOL

[@Fatfox806]

Same engine. What I have seen is just the oil pan sump. Part numbers usually cross over on these two if same year

[@lakesidefarmer6133]

wish this vid existed before i bought my d13

[@TruckYoo]

Lakeside Farmer what’s wrong with your d13?

[@lakesidefarmer6133]

@@TruckYoo definitely the bull gear. going into 800k on the truck. having the grinding noise while the compressor runs. bringing it to the shop tomorrow...

[@michaeldunagan8268]

@@lakesidefarmer6133 If you got eight hundred thousand miles out of a Volvo engine, then you oughta be thankin the stars that it didn't go out sooner! Did you have fun slowing down 5 to 15 miles an hour going up a hill with that sled? One of the reasons I bought my own truck-tractor with a Cummins Nq4 so I could drive an engine with some balls!

[@ze_german2921]

Car Mechanic Here. When you do a in frame Engine rebuild, Do you send the head out to a Machine shop for refinishing or do you buy a new one?

[@joseguerra1910]

Even whe the head is mew must be refinishing

[@custommade8830]

Does your shop work on all kinds of semi engines? Do u do inframes?

[@TruckYoo]

Hi Custom, reach out to the shop and talk to Rick. He can answer any questions you have!

[@abdulrahmansaleh9546]

I forget where ur shop is. I know it's near harlem. Let me know.

[@Amazingbibleschool]

Thinking about buying a Volvo with a D13 Automatic. It has a million miles. What's your advice. I will test drive it soon. He wants $15,000.

[@jamesmayden2155]

Don't

[@bfry38]

What James said! 900-million miles you’re asking for trouble! Especially if the engine hasn’t been rebuilt, or replaced not to mention a million other things. Go with a series 60 Detroit, or a cummins is what I would say. Preferably a N14 cummins. Best of luck to you!

[@SavantP]

How did things works out? Im looking at Volvo D13 with 240k miles selling for $40k..truckers are telling me not to but after watching this vid...im happy to buy it

[@martinzepeda2671]

@@SavantP hey I was wondering if you bought that Volvo lol that’s a good price to be honest , I got mine a year ago a 2015 Volvo 780 with 500k for 30k so your offer was a good one 👍

[@SavantP]

@@martinzepeda2671 Smh man...Inflation affected prices...I waited and now the priced are starting at $48k with a $10k down payment wherein before it was only a $500 down payment!! So I'm working my ass off doing side delivery gigs till I get that down payment money for my career in trucking.. Not worried about that extra $8k because I know what this employer is gonna pay me..Glad I didn't get the truck tho...theres alota FMCSA laws etc I didn't know..

[@AfaanOromostock-]

Which engine would you recommend for Volvo i-shift truck?

[@TruckYoo]

Observer on-site The D13 is a good engine. The common rail ones I’ve been hearing a lot of good thing about them. I’m planning to buy a couple to test them out.

[@collinthomson1602]

Truck Yoo pain in the behind to work on but seem to be better than the j engines for durability

[@haticeerdem9335]

Hi I get 2011 Volvo D13 Where are you guys located

[@carlosrivas1097]

Same as the dd's Detroit crab.

[@az094617]

Good

[@7024395683]

Why guys don’t put what shop it is so I can bring my truck there

[@TruckYoo]

Hi Evan - thanks for watching. Our shop is Era Service Truck and Trailer Repair in Chicago, Illinois.

[@tankeryankercruz7795]

Hey bro’s were can I get a wire diagram for the jake brakes for the 05 d13 Volvo ?

[@henryblanton6992]

Volvos don’t have afterthought/aftermarket Jake Brakes on their Volvo Diesel Engines. They have VEB: Volvo Engine Brakes which are designed into their Diesels from the Outset. Far better Design than Jacobs.

[@nickpurcella6590]

Good video but man you are missing a lot of easy short cuts that would save a ton of time on installing that cylinder head.

[@TruckYoo]

Hey Nick! What do you have in mind?

[@mrsully8333]

Chi City!!

[@danielpanzera2592]

How long aprox for head labour?

[@raybolanos7374]

Which best ? VED12 or VED 13 ??? *(For DUMPTRUCK's)*

[@TruckYoo]

Ray Bolaños D12 or N14 or DD12.7

[@Hamzalii1]

I regret to do my D13 engine overhaul over 30000$ i wish i could just buy D13 engine 14000$ with 200 thousand mile end replace it 4000$ the old one simply

[@TruckYoo]

lii man tell us more? Why did you have to rebuild it and what milage?

[@jajajaja2624]

Ebay

[@kingrubio3976]

2017 volvo vnm64t630 what’s your opinion on this truck? It’s an automatic with 500k miles

[@chrisgilley779]

I have a question that no one can answer and 13000 dollars later im using 2 gallons of antifreeze a day what is causing this please.

[@martinzepeda2671]

Maybe injectors

[@jibril2473]

It’s a good engine ruined by emissions systems.

[@verajavi12]

Good engines, expensive parts.expensive repairs,low quality body parts

[@michaeldunagan8268]

I'll say# The last time I drove a Volvo was I hit a snowbank at broke a $250 corner fender which was taken out of my pay as a company driver. Just another reason why I got my own truck, that was not a Volvo by the way, with a steel bumper.

[@Johnny_B_85]

Keep changing the oil at the Manufacturer recommended 50-60k interval and wonder why your internals fail, i'll stick to my 15-20k interval and after 1.2 million miles with no internal work besides injector/cups which d13's are notorious for.

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Nah that’s bs. I get oil analysis. Have 1345000 plus on my Volvo motor a had a chip a valve at 850,000. Put a new head and sun in new barrings. I do get overheads done every 2 years. You dump clean oil nothing wrong with that. Yes doing a head I did get new cups. The big problem was air in fuel with Volvo.

[@garydownes1594]

What is an in-frame overhaul?

[@ahmllc27]

60 series vs d13?

[@michaeldunagan8268]

You're kidding, right?

[@ahmllc27]

@@michaeldunagan8268 both have their issues

[@jonathoncopeland7492]

Got a 2020 volvo with a 2020 d13. And my engine makes this one look like out dated crap. I can tells it's out dated motor too.

[@jonathoncopeland7492]

@trueman mann wait till they start putting in the d13tc motor. It's there newest motor turbo compound motor.

[@claudiohysi9203]

I have a 2009 d13 1.1 mil it was knocking so i did a complete overhaul wil all cylinders ,idle gear wich was not cheap clutch injectors . A lot of other things that i will not list . It needed to be done . She has been great to me .

[@collinthomson1602]

Jonathon Copeland have you done the recall on the tc motor I have done a few do to poor acc idler design haven’t seen many of them other than that not sure why people don’t buy them

[@jonathoncopeland7492]

@@collinthomson1602 no haven't gotten any notice about it or heard from my company about it yet.

[@superfly4137]

Jonathon Copeland they already did now its available! But what makes that better do you know?

[@nickpurcella6590]

yea more labor to do a head replacement the way you are doing it,

[@polarisboy67]

You mean the right way? lol

[@nickpurcella6590]

@@polarisboy67 i guess its more money out of the customers pockets an into yours.

[@polarisboy67]

@@nickpurcella6590 I'm not flat rate so I could care less how long it takes I still get paid the same.

[@NotAJ-yn3xe]

These new d13s have a lot of bad cams. Besides that good engine.

[@jajajaja2624]

There's noway in hell I would fix that truck I would just buy other one. I woke up one mornings it was not there.

[@ega0117]

Do you truckers think these D13s are better than a Cummins engine?

[@shannonalston106]

Been trucking for 6 years now and ive seen more cummins on the side of the road than volvo engines

[@johnmclaurinmclaurin924]

Looks like a pain in the butt to me

[@michaeldunagan8268]

I was thinking the same thing! These post-emmision trucks can't compare to a relic like my pre-emmissiom truck where I can actually see and access the block without disconnecting numerous components.

[@jpleypad3132]

Never say nothing if is good or bad 👎

[@jeancadet5862]

Get a freightliner

[@tanaka.shinji1]

Engine is good. But lights, electrical issues, engine check lights without problems, etc. I know volvo is bought by Chinese. They are so cheap compared to freightliner. LoL

[@tommyreed4220]

Worse truck and engine ever made!!Ill take a maxi force over that junk!

[@kelvincool4624]

I think volvo is terrible truck and in addition with the stupid def system that makes everything worse. I already change the idle gear almost everything and this shit still gives me problem….. Am done

[@az5610]

Not good I had Volvo motor never again

[@az5610]

D12 ok not good

[@michaeldunagan8268]

The answer depends on Whose perspective you're looking at them from: I can tell you from the perspective of a guy that used to drive them that I would get cars pissed off at me because the truck would slow down 15 miles an hour going up a 2% grade! Lost count of the cussing and middle fingers thrown at me the first few days I drove it! These gutless Wonder boat anchor Volvos!! :-/ I would have to be paid an extra quarter per mile to drive one of these dogs: there's enough slowing down 15 miles an hour up a 2% grade in one of the trucks with this engine before: NEVER AGAIN!

[@jesust6101]

That's an engine I will not buy for sure.

[@apple4iphone]

What’s Better? Paccar?

[@flytaaijag6109]

@@apple4iphone lol

[@gurpalsingh3695]

What’s wrong with it ? Thinking about buying 2015 Volvo 630 480,000 miles

[@jesust6101]

@@gurpalsingh3695 injectors cup failure, injector failure, bull gear ⚙ come lose. Not a bad truck, but the one that works on these trucks are very expensive as well as the parts. In my opinion is a good truck for a company not so mich for an owner operator. If 1 injector goes, all 6 need to be replaced. Just too expensive to keep on the road once they start having problems. Look at how much cheaper they are compared with the cummins isx.

[@flytaaijag6109]

@@gurpalsingh3695 Volvo trucks are good. My 2012 volvo 670 d13 has a volvo engine. I purchased it with 560,000 miles around October 2017. I have almost 900,000 rite now and it runz dam good. The only thing I replaced over the years was a water pump, belt tensioner and the injectors/cups last year. Thats common on trucks. I believe DEF systems ruin engines so i deleted that not long after i purchased the truck. Do your pms on time and maintain your truck. These volvo and cummin engines run good. You got to take care of your trucks. I do my pms every 10,000 miles.