Atlantis 50 2007 overheating and common problems

[Bastian]

Hello
I’m about to upgrade to an Atlantis 50 and have already recognized that there are issues of stiffness in the superstructure especially around the frond wind shield and the opening sun roof causing various stress cracks. However what shocked me that some people said the Atlantis are famous for overheating (Volvo Penta D12 800) and are more or less only good at displacement speed. I tried to find any feedback but couldn’t find any overheating related issues.

Does anyone have experience with either the Atlantis and or the D12-800 engines. I’m using the boat in UAE so during summer water temperatures about 32 degrees
Any other common know problems of the Atlantis which i should check during the survey sea trial ?

Thanks appreciate any feedback or input

 

[kashurst]

There are loads of D12 engined boats running around in the meditereanean with similar sea temps.
The claim you can only use the boat at displacement speed is nonsense. Volvo won't sign off an engine installation if it is unable to perform properly.
Buy an infrared heat gun (contactless thermometer) for the sea trial and measure the engine temp at the thermostat housings so you can compare indicated engine temp to the temp on the gauges. When you do the sea trial, if possible, make sure the hull and props are very clean first. Have a lift and a hard jet wash first - yes it will cost but other wise the sea trial could be pointless. Then take the boat out and check the temperatures and oil pressures at various engine speeds, all the way up to maximum RPM (I think 2300 rpm). You should be able to drive the boat at max rpm for 5 - 10 minutes without problems. All temps and presssures should be similar between the engines. Oil pressure should be stable and engine temp may be a bit higher at max RPM than at a more normal cruise- but it should not overheat.

If the boat can't reach max RPM (or very close) and/or it over heats something is wrong. Probably nothing serious and probably just indication the hull and props need cleaning properly and the engine cooling system needs properly overhauling. Also watch the engine speed increase as the boat accelerates. The engine rpms should increase at the same speed as each other too.

Dont forget the generator too. Test it in the marina and slowly increase the load by turning on water heater, air con etc.
Good luck - if you buy it can you post a few pictures?

 

[vas]

+1 on what K says above, although not sure how often you get 32C in the Med waters unless it's a shallow well protected bay (but wouldn't be planning there anyway...)

Just to add that it's always good to match your IR thermometer with a thick felt tip black marker. You pass it on the same spot on both thermostat housings (dunno what colour that is and how shinny that is!) makes sure temps are accurate. Had lots of issues with dodgy metering on polished metal, now I always paint them first, a small 20X20mm patch will do!

 

[Bastian]

Thanks good point to check with an IR and to find a non reflective spot to verify the gauges.

 

[volvopaul]

Hello
I’m about to upgrade to an Atlantis 50 and have already recognized that there are issues of stiffness in the superstructure especially around the frond wind shield and the opening sun roof causing various stress cracks. However what shocked me that some people said the Atlantis are famous for overheating (Volvo Penta D12 800) and are more or less only good at displacement speed. I tried to find any feedback but couldn’t find any overheating related issues.

Does anyone have experience with either the Atlantis and or the D12-800 engines. I’m using the boat in UAE so during summer water temperatures about 32 degrees
Any other common know problems of the Atlantis which i should check during the survey sea trial ?

Thanks appreciate any feedback or input

D12. 800

Hello
I’m about to upgrade to an Atlantis 50 and have already recognized that there are issues of stiffness in the superstructure especially around the frond wind shield and the opening sun roof causing various stress cracks. However what shocked me that some people said the Atlantis are famous for overheating (Volvo Penta D12 800) and are more or less only good at displacement speed. I tried to find any feedback but couldn’t find any overheating related issues.

Does anyone have experience with either the Atlantis and or the D12-800 engines. I’m using the boat in UAE so during summer water temperatures about 32 degrees
Any other common know problems of the Atlantis which i should check during the survey sea trial ?

Thanks appreciate any feedback or input

The D12800 is a great engine , the design is based around the truck engine which has the fresh water cooled intercooler , as it’s edc controlled as soon as the inlet temp rises it backs the fuel off , that’s when you think you have performance issues .
There is just the one big heat exchanger that has to cool the oil cooler which again is a plate type cooled via the internal coolant , the heat exchanger therefore has to cool the oil and the air inlet charge cooler unlike many other engines es that are salt water cooled intercoolers .

You must adhere to the 2 year coolant change and changing the coolant filter at the same time .

Overbthe years the the internal air tract will get partially blocked from oil mist from the turbo shaft wear , oily deposits inside the intercooler both slow down the air flow and the dissipation of the heat , also the fresh water ways block up .
I have in past years seen the plastic engine cover melted to the intercooler top as the whole think has been overheated badly .

start with the heat exchanger stack tubes , remove the tube stack easy on starboard engine , post engines are always a battle if there is an outboard tank , Squadron 58 owners are blessed as the tank is across the boat , plenty orphans room to service .

so , start with heat exchangers , rydelime flush and check inside by removing end covers you might be amazed at how bad they are , more likely full of bits of old anodes .
If. no better then also check the gearbox oil cooler as this will slow down the salt water path , if you have the cast type exhaust elbows they will be scrap by now resulting again in poor salt water exit speed.

Lasty the intercoolers , remove and clean out both air and coolant passages . Obviously a full coolant change and filter, drain all the pints to expel all the coolant .

 

[Bastian]

D12. 800

The D12800 is a great engine , the design is based around the truck engine which has the fresh water cooled intercooler , as it’s edc controlled as soon as the inlet temp rises it backs the fuel off , that’s when you think you have performance issues .
There is just the one big heat exchanger that has to cool the oil cooler which again is a plate type cooled via the internal coolant , the heat exchanger therefore has to cool the oil and the air inlet charge cooler unlike many other engines es that are salt water cooled intercoolers .

You must adhere to the 2 year coolant change and changing the coolant filter at the same time .

Overbthe years the the internal air tract will get partially blocked from oil mist from the turbo shaft wear , oily deposits inside the intercooler both slow down the air flow and the dissipation of the heat , also the fresh water ways block up .
I have in past years seen the plastic engine cover melted to the intercooler top as the whole think has been overheated badly .

start with the heat exchanger stack tubes , remove the tube stack easy on starboard engine , post engines are always a battle if there is an outboard tank , Squadron 58 owners are blessed as the tank is across the boat , plenty orphans room to service .

so , start with heat exchangers , rydelime flush and check inside by removing end covers you might be amazed at how bad they are , more likely full of bits of old anodes .
If. no better then also check the gearbox oil cooler as this will slow down the salt water path , if you have the cast type exhaust elbows they will be scrap by now resulting again in poor salt water exit speed.

Lasty the intercoolers , remove and clean out both air and coolant passages . Obviously a full coolant change and filter, drain all the pints to expel all the coolant .

Thanks very helpful, I’ll focus on it during the sea trial and yes almost forgot about the elbows. Manifolds are as well frequently due for exchange ? (E.g. on mercruiser every 5 years in average)