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Is the volvopenta B21 a good engine.

Like anything, it's good if it was maintained properly. The bottom ends are thought of as bullet proof. The OHC design requires a bit of maintenance but is very simple to work on. Most engine parts are obsolete so you are depending on EBAY or Craigslist to find them and probably not new parts. If you can find new parts they area pretty expensive. The solex carbs kind of suck but they work. If you can find a B21 that has been maintained and in good shape there isn't much to go wrong with it. The parts you need for tune ups are still available like T-belts, plugs, wires, and cap and rotor, impeller kits, etc. They run smooth like a sewing machine but they don't have a lot of power and there isn't much you can do to increase it substantially.
 
Yes... these are good engines.

2.1L 1977 to 1984
AQ120B - 110 HP, AQ125 - 117 HP, AQ140 - 125 HP Block # B21 SOHC

Better yet

2.3L 1984 to 1993
AQ125B, 'AQ131A, AQ131B, AQ131C, AQ131D, AQ145A, AQ145B, Block # B23 SOHC


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Go for it. I have an AQ131A and I find it to be a good little engine when maintained. Parts take a little bit of finding, but they are definitely out there and available.
 
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