KAD32 engines - Fairline Targa 30 2001

[Alexjsmith]

Hi

I am considering the purchase of a really nicely maintained and spec’d fairline targa 30 with twin 170HP volvo KAD32’s - I would just like some honest advice on these engines as I’ve been advised they are real trouble with sensors and set up causing lots of ‘limp mode’ issues (from a chap who does know his stuff)problem is I’m in love with the boat and need to make a decision in the next 24hrs.
Thanks in advance and any advice/help greatly received either way.

 

[[2068]]

Your chap has no clue what he is talking about in this instance or there has been a miscommunication.

KAD32 is a mechanical injected diesel with no “limp home mode” - there is no Electronic Diesel Control, and there are hardly any sensors: the electrical system is incredibly simple.
There are number of checks that should be completed, e.g. leaking exhaust pipes, water in drive oil, worn turbos, leaky rams etc but “limp home mode” is not one of them.

I ran KAD32's for a number of years without any major issues. The stern drives are getting on a bit now, so condition and evidence of regular servicing / maintenance is important.

If you like the boat, make an offer, but do get a hull survey and and engine/drive survey by someone that knows these engines and knows what to look for.

 

[Alexjsmith]

Thanks for the reply. I have a local
Surveyor going to see the boat as soon as it can be taken out of the water.

 

[Momac]

I’ve been advised they are real trouble with sensors and set up causing lots of ‘limp mode’ issues (from a chap who does know his stuff)

Maybe there was some miscommunication of the engine model in that conversation ?

 

[Greg2]

FlowerPower is spot on - your chap is way off and must be confusing them with the later D series.

Our S34 has KAD32s and they are pretty robust motors. Like all marine engines they need to be looked after but I have never heard of any systemic problems with them. Supercharger tensioners can go occasionally but an easy and relatively inexpensive fix.

 

[alt]

Bulletproof, IMHO.

I had several boats with KAD32's and they 'just worked'. Same with KAD43's.

I now have KAD300's and while there's more do them, I still define them as almost bullet-proof. Only issue i've had was the actuator, which isin't part of the actual engine (had to replace 1... put it down to stiff gear cables... replaced both).

 

[volvopaul]

Hi

I am considering the purchase of a really nicely maintained and spec’d fairline targa 30 with twin 170HP volvo KAD32’s - I would just like some honest advice on these engines as I’ve been advised they are real trouble with sensors and set up causing lots of ‘limp mode’ issues (from a chap who does know his stuff)problem is I’m in love with the boat and need to make a decision in the next 24hrs.
Thanks in advance and any advice/help greatly received either way.
View attachment 94334

Is this boat in the West Conutry ?

If so then it’s the one i surveyed engines and drives on a while back , the photos look like the upper Hamble River at Eastlands boatyard .

 

[volvopaul]

Hi

I am considering the purchase of a really nicely maintained and spec’d fairline targa 30 with twin 170HP volvo KAD32’s - I would just like some honest advice on these engines as I’ve been advised they are real trouble with sensors and set up causing lots of ‘limp mode’ issues (from a chap who does know his stuff)problem is I’m in love with the boat and need to make a decision in the next 24hrs.
Thanks in advance and any advice/help greatly received either way.
View attachment 94334

 

[volvopaul]

Zooming in the left pic that’s my tool bag , I will be somewhere in the engine bay , great access to the motors as you don’t have to lift any of the cockpit seating away .

There were a few issues but no deal breaker at the time , I might even have my report somewhere .
can you give me the name of the boat ?

 

[volvopaul]

Hi

I am considering the purchase of a really nicely maintained and spec’d fairline targa 30 with twin 170HP volvo KAD32’s - I would just like some honest advice on these engines as I’ve been advised they are real trouble with sensors and set up causing lots of ‘limp mode’ issues (from a chap who does know his stuff)problem is I’m in love with the boat and need to make a decision in the next 24hrs.
Thanks in advance and any advice/help greatly received either way.
View attachment 94334

Who ever has given you that advise on that model of engine has no idea what he’s talking about .
The Kad 32 has no edc or evc sensors , it’s a pure mechanical engine with throttle cables and a Bosch rotary pump .
A great engine , just look for corrosion issues on the sump , block , general areas .