Volvo Penta MD2030 Water Pump Impeller Replacement
A worn impeller on your Volvo Penta MD2030 starves the engine of cooling water and can overheat it in minutes. Below is the water-pump kit we recommend, which MD2030 variants it fits, a step-by-step video, and the parts you need to do the job yourself.
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Watch: how to replace it (step by step)
How to replace the water pump impeller on a Volvo Penta MD2030
Volvo Penta MD2030 Impeller change (Speedseal) – Boat Projects
Volvo Penta MD Impeller Replacement Guide
Tools Needed
- Long nose pliers
- Pipe grips (for Speedseal)
- Impeller puller (if available)
- Grease (special for impellers)
Safety
- Always ensure the engine is off and seacock is closed before starting work.
- Be cautious of water under pressure when removing parts.
Steps
- Drain water from the system by opening a drain valve or removing a cap.
- Remove the front cover of the impeller housing.
- Inspect the old impeller for damage or wear, and note its orientation.
- Remove the old impeller using long nose pliers or an impeller puller if available.
- Clean the face of the impeller housing where the new impeller will sit.
- Apply grease to both the new impeller and the cleaned face of the housing.
- Install the new impeller, ensuring it's in the same orientation as the old one.
- Reattach the front cover of the impeller housing.
- Check for leaks and tighten connections if necessary.
Tips
- Always clean the face of the impeller housing to ensure a good seal with the new impeller.
- If using an impeller puller, ensure it's designed for your specific impeller to avoid damage.
- Consider replacing other related parts (like pipes) while you have everything apart.
Which part do I need for my Volvo Penta MD2030?
For most MD2030 owners the part above (18-3080) is the right choice. Price tip: the aftermarket numbers are usually noticeably cheaper than the OEM-branded box — it is the same physical part. If you need an exact match, these compatible part numbers also fit:
Show all compatible part numbers (2)
| Part number | Description | Fits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3586494 | IMPELLER KIT — MD1/MD2 Later Models. MD1B/MD2B (Cover Plate with 6 Screws) (MD5, MD6, MD7, MD11) | MD2030A | Find on Amazon → |
| 803729 | IMPELLER — MD1 / MD2 Early Models | MD2030A | Find on Amazon → |
Many of these are the same physical part under different brand numbers. Build years are shown where our parts data has them. Where a variant has no years, only the model code is listed. Confirm against your engine plate before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What water pump impeller fits a Volvo Penta MD2030?
The Volvo Penta MD2030 uses the impeller sold as Sierra 18-3080, plus its OEM and aftermarket cross-references (2 compatible numbers are listed above). Confirm the number against your engine's model code and year plate before ordering.
How often should I replace the impeller on a Volvo Penta MD2030?
Replace the water pump impeller every 1-3 years or roughly every 200-300 running hours, whichever comes first — and sooner if you run in silty, sandy or shallow water.
What are the symptoms of a failing impeller on a Volvo Penta MD2030?
A weak or missing telltale stream, engine temperature climbing above normal, or an overheat alarm are the classic warning signs. A worn impeller can overheat and damage the engine within minutes, so don't delay the job.
Do I need the full water pump kit or just the impeller?
For the MD2030, fit the complete kit. The seals, O-rings, gasket and wear plate age alongside the impeller, and replacing them together is the reliable, do-it-once job.
How long does a water pump job take on a Volvo Penta MD2030?
For a competent DIYer it's typically a 1-2 hour job of medium difficulty. The step-by-step video above covers every step.
Related guides
- Volvo Penta D3 water pump / impeller
- Volvo Penta D6 water pump / impeller
- All Volvo Penta water pump guides
- Free Volvo Penta boat valuation
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