Volvo Penta 4.3GXi-E / EF: Specs & Owner Reference

Configuration

90° V-6

Displacement

262 cu in (4.3 L)

Firing order

1 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2

Bore × Stroke

4.000 × 3.480 in (101.60 × 88.39 mm)

Full-throttle range

4400 – 4800 RPM

Idle speed

600 RPM

Fuel system

Fuel injection (Port injection)

Fuel pumps

Electric

Fuel filter

Volvo Penta P/N 3862228

Fuel filter location

Varies by implementation

Fuel type (U.S.)

87 octane (AKI) unleaded gasoline

Fuel type (non-U.S.)

90 octane (RON) unleaded gasoline

Charging system

12 V, 75 A alternator (internal transistorized regulator)

Battery size

12 V with 650 CCA (135 min reserve). Do not use deep-cycle as start battery.

Starter

12 V, 1.7 kW, planetary reduction gear

Distributor

Delco EST

Ignition timing

10° BTDC (fixed)

Spark plugs

Volvo Penta P/N 3858997

Spark plug gap

1.50 mm (0.060 in)

Install torque

27 N·m (20 ft-lb)

Raw water pump

Crankshaft-mounted variable volume flexible impeller pump

Recirculating pump

Fixed impeller belt-driven pump on engine

Thermostat

71°C (160°F) — P/N 3587597

GXi-EF

Closed cooling heat exchanger mounted on engine

Closed cooling thermostat

76°C (170°F) — P/N 3831426

Coolant type

Ethylene glycol — Volvo Penta P/N 381081

Engine oil type

Volvo Penta oil or pure synthetic; min. API CF/SH

Oil filter

Volvo Penta P/N 3850559 is the longer filter listed in the 4.3GXi-E/EF operator's manual (pp. 59 and 115). P/N 835440 is the shorter filter. Supplier-listed heights are approximately 136 mm (5.35 in) and 107 mm (4.21 in), respectively. Volvo Penta parts bulletin P-21-7 (March 2005) permits either for remote oil filter kits. Some installations need the shorter filter for clearance; confirm your filter setup, available space, and engine serial number before ordering.

Drive unit oil

Volvo Penta SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil

Power steering (U.S.)

Volvo Penta PS fluid P/N 3851039

Power steering (non-U.S.)

ATF Dexron II P/N 1161941

Engine (no filter)

4 qts (3.8 L)

Engine (with filter)

5 qts (4.7 L)

Drive unit (SX)

2.2 qts (2.1 L)

Drive unit (DP-S)

2.5 qts (2.4 L)

Find the product designation and serial number on the engine decal or plate. The decal is typically near the upper front of the engine; the plate is typically on the port side of the flywheel housing. Locations can vary by installation. Record the transom shield and drive type and serial numbers separately when ordering drive parts. Manual pp. 18–19.

E versus EF: the EF has a closed-cooling heat exchanger and coolant reservoir. The standard E uses raw-water cooling. The manual shows the E engine components on pp. 50–51 and the EF heat exchanger components on p. 54. Use the identification plate to confirm the model rather than relying on appearance alone.

Selected intervals from the 2004 operator's manual, pp. 64–65. Check the full schedule and your engine's documentation before servicing.

The manual calls for an impeller inspection every 50 hours and replacement as needed or within two years. For engine oil, it specifies each season or 100 hours with mineral oil, or each season or 200 hours with synthetic oil, whichever comes first. It also recommends a dealer check after the first 20 hours. Manual pp. 63–65.

Numbers in the October 2004 E/EF operator's manual, pp. 59 and 115. Confirm current part numbers and fitment by engine serial number.

Filter length: 3850559 is the longer style (supplier-listed height about 136 mm / 5.35 in); 835440 is the shorter style (about 107 mm / 4.21 in). Volvo Penta parts bulletin P-21-7 permits either for remote oil filter kits. Check available clearance because some installations require the short filter. Dimensions can vary by supplier.

These are starting points from the operator's manual, not a complete diagnosis. Record when the symptom occurs and check the cited section before working on the engine.

Cranks but will not start

Check battery voltage, ignition connections, fuel supply, and the fuel filter. The manual directs EFI diagnosis to the EFI diagnostic manual. Pp. 103–105.

Runs hot

Verify the temperature reading, then check water intakes, pump, belt, hoses, and thermostat. Shut the engine down if it is overheating. Pp. 84, 108.

Will not reach rated RPM

Compare against the 4400–4800 RPM full-throttle range. The manual lists propeller condition and sizing, hull growth, load, fuel, exhaust restriction, and engine condition among possible causes. Pp. 109–110, 115.

Alarm or reduced power

Check the gauges and correct the underlying condition. Low oil pressure, low voltage, overheating, or loss of exhaust cooling water can trigger engine protection mode. P. 24.

Specifications and maintenance references above come from Volvo Penta's Operator's Manual, publication 7743722, English, October 2004. Its technical data for the 4.3GXi-E/EF is on p. 115. The oil filter note also draws on Volvo Penta parts bulletin P-21-7, March 2005. Match the publication to your engine and drive serial numbers before following a procedure.

Get the manuals for your registered engine through Volvo Penta Connect. The operator's manual also identifies when a separate EFI diagnostic or workshop manual is needed.