Kad 44's lack of power ?

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Adethefridge

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Having my fairline t37's btm cleaned on my last visit made a huge improvement to its performance whoever I still think I have a lack of power problem, port engine max rpm @ WOT is just short of 3000rpm and overheated after 20 mins, starboard engine max rpm @ WOT is just over 3000rpm temp normal,
Backing of the rpm to 2750rpm on the port side engine results in no overheating and just over 22knots.


I have read WOT should be returning around 3900rpm ?

I'm just arranging for a service to be carried out to include inspection of the fuel lines, sea water impeller, thermostats and heat exchanger, I was wondering if it's worth having the turbo's inspected and boost pressure tested ? Is there any other areas I should be paying attention to ??

any help and advise much appreciated..

Adethefridge
 
Hi I think you're right about revs, should max out around 3700-3900 depending on props. The lack of power could well be fuel filters, the primaries always get checked the most but the main larger secondary ones are much finer and will clog and reduce fuel supply. They will almost certainly need replacing if you know you are due a service.

The overheating could be linked but more likely a blockage in the raw water system, if in your area there has been a lot of crustaceans, limey, moluscs and worms then you may be in need of some flushing of the jacket and leg inlets with some 'Ridlime' or similar HCL based acid wash.

I'm no engine specialist but local boats to me have experienced similar problems to yours and these were the remedies.

Good luck and let us know.
 
I agree with Roger re fuel. Sounds like your boat might be due the service you've just arranged. Overheating could be the heat exchangers as Rog says, they need doing every few years, also check the condition of the impeller (again, a service item). Did you get the props properly cleaned when the boat was lifted? You're right about the 3900rpm. I had a T37 with Kad44's, they are great boats, should be good for 36-37kts when all up and together, clean bum etc.

Cheers
Jimmy
 
Thanks both,
Is the acid flush a simple process ? I'm assuming its a job out of the water ?
Yes jimmy props fully clean and in good condition.
Iv never seen any where near 37 kts, was quite happy @20kts all summer it was only when I realised she won't do much more I started questioning if I had some kind of fault..
 
None EDC? -WOT have you tried if poss to open the throttles manually to see if they will rev up more than - using the actual throttles .
Overheating - try this - over and above regular fuel filter changes + debug treatment in the diesel
http://www.rydlymemarine.co.uk/
Boat should be tearing around - if all clean easley 35 knots + @ WOT or there abouts , cruise nearer 28-30 ish ? Not 20-22 kts .
How long have you had it ,and provenance re S/H -seen a bill for parts- labour??

http://www.targa34.co.uk/downloads/files/KAD 300 Manual.pdf
 
Last edited:
Yes they are edc controlled, haven't tried opening throttles manually wouldn't how to,
Iv had the boat for a year now, bought without much service history on paper, all though had a full survey carried out, but non of these problems were identified.
Would be interested in more information on how to use the acid flush also what filters,belts etc should be replaced and any other tasks should be carried out during the next service as I cannot guarantee the extent of the last service....
 
Adethefridge said:
Yes they are edc controlled, haven't tried opening throttles manually wouldn't how to,
Iv had the boat for a year now, bought without much service history on paper, all though had a full survey carried out, but non of these problems were identified.
Would be interested in more information on how to use the acid flush also what filters,belts etc should be replaced and any other tasks should be carried out during the next service as I cannot guarantee the extent of the last service....
Click to expand...

Tappets! Supposed to be done every 200 hours. Quite a fiddly job, but critical.

Instructions on cleaning the heat exchangers are really easy:
1. buy rydelime
2. give volvopaul a ring and get him to do it

At least, that's my approach :D

Cheers
Jimmy
 
Depends how handy you are with spanners
Rydlime 1 in the water ( but if it's coming out anyhow for antifoul? ) disconnect the inlet pipe to the water pump - connect up another place in a bucket -fill with water -top up with hose and run engine to flush out salt .Then add rydlime Suck through - stop engine - wait see instructions -restart are flush with water - reconnect up original pipe .-Done .
2 if on the hard remove props place bottom of Leg in a bucket - fill with hose -start up water Flush out seawater ,then add rydlime -stop wait -refllush .
While props are off acid clean and check No,s -are they the right pitch ? ( replaced after ding before you bought it??)
Change primary+ secondary fuel filters + air filter and all belts easy to do chech the manual .
With a Pela pump change the oil + filter .
Try and use genuine VP parts and oil - but that's up to you .
Tappets not really one for a keen DIYer in my view - but as I said depends on how handy you are .
Hope this helps - U Tube "Volvo penta engine service "- actually a kad 44 - loads of vids
Start / investigate some sort of anti diesel bug regime .
 
Thanks for all your info,
I'd like to think I'm pretty handy with a spanner being an engineer all be it electromechanical,
Adjusting tappets takes me back to the good old days with car engines you could tinker with,
Thanks again for you help...

Adethefridge
 
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