BP Oil Spill Could Affect Your Engine

Recreational boaters all over the Gulf of Mexico have been asking if using or mooring their boats in oil-contaminated water could harm their boats more than the obvious residue along the waterline. The simple answer is yes, it could, and Clint Moore, President of Volvo Penta of the Americas has been the first one to respond.

Clean-up trawler seen here surrounded by oil on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.

From Volvo Penta of the Americas Press Release—

Clint Moore, President of Volvo Penta of America.

"This disaster has and will affect an overwhelming number of Americans, their businesses, their recreation and our natural resources," said Clint Moore, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. "We hope that containment and cleanup efforts are successful and swift in order to protect our nation's waterways. And we encourage Volvo Penta owners to be proactive in protecting their boats during this difficult time."

No Precedent

"Many boaters are concerned about the impact of the oil on their engines while sitting at the dock or during operation in waters where oil may be present. Like many other aspects of this disaster, there is uncertainty regarding the long-term effect of mooring or operation of a boat in oil-infested waters. Most manufacturers, including Volvo Penta, have not performed formal testing of engines under these unique and extreme conditions. Because of this uncertainty, all boat owners need to exercise special diligence to protect their boat investment."

Oil Ingestion Danger

Moore went on to say, "Volvo Penta's experience shows that ingestion of even small amounts of oil into the cooling system of the engine may cause damage to the engine and/or many of its subsystems. Sterndrive components or other running gear may also be damaged by submersion in oil contaminated water. In order to avoid expensive repair bills and long-term damage, owners are encouraged to contact their Volvo Penta dealer for service recommendations if a boat has been operated or exposed to oil contaminated water.

“Volvo Penta has issued specific service and repair recommendations for its authorized dealers to address this unique issue," Moore said.