11 July

We are still in Raiatera waiting for Volvo service. This motor has been a nightmare so far as reliability is concerned and this is the third catastrophic failure in less than 1300 hours on use. I have some new mechanic friends especially one Thierry at CNI in Raiatera who came out to the boat and spent three hours checking this and that. He was not too familiar with this particular engine with it's electronic fuel injection and he ascertained that fuel is getting to the injectors but the fuel pressure is low. This could be due to either a failed fuel pump or the electronics controlling the injectors have gone bad. Without the Volvo diagnostic computer it is impossible to tell. There is a Volvo tech on this island but he is on vacation and won't return until July 19th.
I bought a new high pressure pump from the USA and I'm hoping Benny can deliver it on Wednesday.
If the pump is the problem I can switch it out and the motor should start, if not I will have to wait for the 19th and the Volvo techs and I still don't know if he the the computer and software to do the diagnosis or will have to send to Papeete for it which will cause further delay.
In the mean time, we are safe on a mooring and the weather has been fine though quite windy but inside the lagoon there is no swell and we are comfortable.
We have been into Uturoa, the main town, which is pleasant though much smaller than Papeete.
The Admiral seems to think I need a haircut, though I'm not sure why after only eight months, and mentions it at least three times a day. In order to propitiate the gods that control these things, I have agreed that she can do a major shearing as soon as my engine starts. The clippers are ready to go.
There is going to be a solar eclipse today at 1130H local time. Only partial where we are but will be total in the Tuamotus 400 miles from here. Also, I'm told there will be some kind of soccer event being played today and we will probably go and watch it in the local marina. Such is the excitement here.
This engine situation is very frustrating and has soured my cruising experience. I would estimate that over the past 8 months, I have spent six weeks and many thousands of dollars, waiting for and receiving Volvo service. This particular motor is a poor product for a cruising boat and even though it is quiet and fuel efficient, that isn't worth much if it isn't reliable (and it isn't!). I have had the time to write numerous angry emails to Volvo in the US and Sweden but so far have not heard word one.
Bastille Day on the 14th coincides with Benny's arrival and we look forward to seeing him again especially as he will be bringing what I hope will be Volvo salvation in the form of a new high pressure pump.