Volvo Engines: D4, KAMD300, KAMD44 point-of-views requested

[jukohaka]

Hi,

Been an avid reader of the forum and especially appreciated the expertise & precision of discussion on engines and related questions. Volvopaul, Spannerman and the many of you - I am a fan

Also, have been one of the unfortunate owners of early D3-190 after a switch from AD31P - have learned to try do my homework as much as possible before switching.

Now, have a longer term dream of buying a Benny Antares 10.80 with either a pair of KAMD44's, 300's or D4-260's and seek for point-of-views concluding many of the discussions on this site. In earlier threads, have noted e.g. following:

KAMD44/300:
- Almost an identical engine?
- Cylinder block that can also be drilled / over sized
- More complex than the solid KAMD43, 1st generation of EVC electronics causes some challenges from time to time
- Valves require sustained adjustment every 200hrs
- Lubrication system "old-school" and may cause challenges if run often and extensibly in displacement speeds
- Multiple belts require attention in maintenance schedule

D4 260:
- Completely new engine back in 2006, multiple update solutions & recalls
- Smaller in lateral / longitude size --> more space in engine room
- Slightly better fuel efficiency than above
- Electronics abound, fragile re: fuel quality and sometimes also re: moisture accumulation from intake air
- Many testimonies on replaced nozzles and HP pumps (expensive, know from D3 past
- For some reason (compressor?), 260 gets more praise than e.g. 225 in reliability

So, here's a request out to you:
1) Have I gotten the above right?
2) What would be your choice assuming boats with a pair of D4's prices run 10-15k£ higher?
3) Any views in comparison of KAMD 44 and 300 - are they identical in terms of reliability and weak spots?

Look forward to the discussion.

/J

 

[volvopaul]

I'd go for the D4 if buying, the model of boat you are thinking about buying has poor engine access compared to other builders, the longer kad series motor can be a real pain to work on in the space provided. I have serviced many 10/80 models and have the bruises to prove it. Nice boat though. I'd go with the D4 , if your a DIY mechanic the kad will be easier to look after yourself. The choice is yours . If you want a pre purchase survey and sea trial please ask.

 

[jukohaka]

Thanks much for the info Volvopaul. Will certainly be in touch as things move on and suitable candidates appear.

/Juko

 

[spannerman]

I will confirm Volvopauls viewpoint regarding D4's, the KAD motors are OK if maintained but are old technology and the 300 is at its limit of what you can take out of a 3.6l block.
I would differ in one aspect the D4/6 motors are a doddle to service if you are a DIY mechanic, the KAD motor is more challenging if you are going to adjust the valves, which D4's don't require.
The teething troubles are sorted now and if the Volvo campaigns are up to date should be no problem.
And resale will be easier with D4's as when you come to sell KADS will be even older, you are already evaluating the practicality of having older spec engines.

 

[alt]

I had a KAD300 with about 500 hours (of which i've put about 200 of those) - ZERO issues, but regular maintenance (inc. valve clearance check/adjust) adhered to.

At first I was apprehensive about going down the EVC route, but like anything, now that i'm used to it i'd never go back.

 

[stillwaters]

If you go for D4s, I wondered if you might be interested in chipping them up a little.
Chipexpress at www.chipexpress.com claim to supply upgrade chips for various outputs of Volvo Penta D4 Marine engines.
Maybe of special interest in view of the sea conditions of late could be their assertion that "You'll pull away with ease,climb
hills effortlessly ..."

 

[beejay190]

I will confirm Volvopauls viewpoint regarding D4's, the KAD motors are OK if maintained but are old technology and the 300 is at its limit of what you can take out of a 3.6l block.
I would differ in one aspect the D4/6 motors are a doddle to service if you are a DIY mechanic, the KAD motor is more challenging if you are going to adjust the valves, which D4's don't require.
The teething troubles are sorted now and if the Volvo campaigns are up to date should be no problem.
And resale will be easier with D4's as when you come to sell KADS will be even older, you are already evaluating the practicality of having older spec engines.

Very helpful reply Spannerman. I have been thinking about buying a Windy Mirage or a Nimbus Nova 26 with a 6 cylinder KAD diesel. But as you say the engine will be even older when I come to sell and I guess there is little room to swing a cat down in the engine bay.
[Apologises to OP for thread drift ]

 

[julians]

Very helpful reply Spannerman. I have been thinking about buying a Windy Mirage or a Nimbus Nova 26 with a 6 cylinder KAD diesel. But as you say the engine will be even older when I come to sell and I guess there is little room to swing a cat down in the engine bay.
[Apologises to OP for thread drift ]

Ive got a windy 25 mirage with the d4 260, with this particular engine there is a huge amount of space , so much space that i dont imagine it will be tight even with the longer kad engines.

 

[beejay190]

Thanks for that.