How often should I change the oil in the compressors (KAD32)? I have just looked at the manual but could not find a recommendation. Have done 430 hours
Many thanks
Bad that the manual does not include it in the maintenance schedule (and I checked two versions of the manual!)
HOWEVER looking at the manual for a different engine (KAD 300) I find the change is recommended at 1200 hours or at least every 5 years. It the absence of other recommendations I would do that but subject to the oil remaining clear and bright in appearance for that period of operation.
If in any doubt about the state of the oil change it sooner. It does not appear to be a difficult job and it only takes 0.1 litres. Oil is VP part no 1141641-9.
Last time i bought some couple of years ago 250ml bottle was something like £23 from Keypart i remember thinking at the time somewhere near £100 per litre.It is the offical Volvo part be interested to know if you can source from elsewhere.
Crikey! and I have to get some anyway as one of the compressors oil level was a bit below the cross hatchings on the dip stick.
I'll call our local Volvo Truck centre next week and give them the part number and see if and how much they sell it for.
Hi Richard
See you have been busy on the forum, has SWMBO not got any jobs that need doing!!
Regarding the oil, as already mentioned the VP workshop manual does state every 200 hours, however I do mine at 400 as I only spend a small time with the compressors working, if I was running within the compressor range for most of the time I would stay with the 200 hour check. You of course can switch your's off!
Up to now I have used the VP oil, there is a Marine Engineer in CQ who uses a different oil but having seen it (one of my cheapstake friends uses it put doesn't do many hours) the viscosity seemed to be complety different and on a gut feeling I didn't use it. Even the compressor manufacture doesn't give any other reference about from usuing VP oil so if you find any further info please let me know - thank you.
In my KAD300 Service manual under Maintenance Schedules it clearly states to check the Compressor oil after 200 hours or one year and to Change it after 1,200 hours or 5 years!
IMHO Changing it more frequently although expensive can only be beneficial!