[fletch]

I need to service my VP 7.4GI, but don't know how to determine the motor's year of production. If it is 97 and earlier, it takes one type of spark plug, 98 and newer takes a different type of spark plug. Does anyone know how to find out the year of production?

[WetWilly]

Hi fletch,

Originally Posted by fletch

Does anyone know how to find out the year of production?

Here is a little excerpt from the Volvo manual:

An engine specifications decal can generally be found on top of tthe flame arrester (early models), or on the inner side of the rocker arm cover usually near the breather/PVC line (port side on most models) - all pertinent serial number information can be found here.

The engine serial/model number is usually stamped on the port side of the engine (block) where it attaches to the bell housing: although on most later models it may have a metal plate attached to the same location.

Although volvo does not provide any particular decoding instructions pre se, a good rule of thumb to follow on 1994 and later models when lookinh at the Type/Model number is as follows:

• The first two charcters identify the emgine size in liters (L): 30 represents 3.0L, 43 represents 4.3L, 50 represents 5.0L and so forth.

• The third and forth or third, forth and fith, charicters identify the engine model designation: GS, GL, GSi, Gi and so forth.

• The fith or sixth character frequently M or P is proptietary.

• The sixth and seventh or the seventh and eighth identify the model year: MD represents 1994, HU is 1995, NC is 1996, LK is 1997, BY is 1998, WT is 1999, EF is 2000, -A is 2001, -B is 2002 and so forth.

Any remaining characters are proprietary. So in example, a Type/Model number on the ID plate that reads 57GSiPLKD would designate a 1997 5.7L GSi engine.

Originally Posted by fletch

If it is 97 and earlier, it takes one type of spark plug, 98 and newer takes a different type of spark plug.

I don't know where you got your information from, but what's stated in the Volvo manual (pg 2-62) is as follows:

The '97 and '98 7.4GL (no 7.4GL for '98) and 7.4GSi use the same plugs:

For '97 & '98
Volvo - 3851861-9
AC - MR43T


The one that uses a different plug is the '97 and '98 7.4Gi.

For '97 & '98
Volvo - 3851862-1
AC - R43TS

Hope this helps,
WetWilly