KAD 42 VOLVO ENGINES

[Biro]

1997 Fairline Targa 39 with twin KAD 42 DIESEL Engines Ihave had both blow up on me within 45 hours run time both had been serviced by the best supposedly 3 times. Once when I purchased it in november 2003 then after the starboard engine blew a hydraulic hose (new rebuild supplied free of charge) then again after 40hours. 5 hours later the port engine blows up not sure why yet but all the oil is now in the bildge and both times this has happened at sea, i am now worried about our safety at sea, should we give this hobby up. Can anybody tell me if this is normal with kad 42's and who should pay this time.

 

[duncan]

hi and welcoem to the forum.

Where are you based? and what are the engine hours on the units - I assume they haven't only done 45hrs in 7/8 years?
Have you got the full service history for the 7 years and were any hydraulic hoses due for replacement that wern't? Little hard to comment on the latest problem without knowing a little more .
Generally this range of engines don't seem to crop up on here as having major problems provided they are fed and watered, oil changed and tappets kept adjusted.

 

[Vagabond]

Sorry to say this but I wouldn't buy a boat that had KAD 42's I can add you to the list of people that have had these engines blow up on them.

 

[oldgit]

Hi and welcome to the forum,you are among friends here in the constant battle with the money pits under the cabin floor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gifThis engine has frequently been mentioned here and would suggest a search of the MoBo chat forums will give you loads of info.Early models were reputed to have valve problems.However your particular problems may have nothing to do with this and may merely be sods law giving a new boat owner a severe seeing to.
Whatever you buy however hallowed its reliabilty reputation,expensive grief may lurk just round the corner.Do not despair just yet,we have ALL at some time been in your situation and breaking down at sea is a confidence sapper,stick with it for a bit,before leaping one way or another.

 

[Biro]

Are you or do you work for a volvo dealership and how bad are these engines, are they any better after rebuilding?