Volvo KAD300 - any known problems?

[thefatlady]

Volvo have squeezed a lot more power out of this engine since the AD41 days. I've got the impression that they are becoming more finicky and in need of more and more frequent maintenance. Are they reliable?

Any comments would be most welcome.

 

[nicho]

They are great engines with no major problems AS LONG AS the valve clearances are adjusted every 200 hours. If this is not carried out to schedule there is a history of valves dropping at around 300 hours, with disastrous consequences. Other than that they are exteremly reliable.

 

[DavidJ]

Maintenence such as tappet adjustment every 200hrs has become a lot more complicated and while I am capable of doing my KAD 43 tappets, I would shy away from DIY'ing the 4 valve per head KAD44's and 300's.
Having said that I haven't heard of any problems with the 300's
Agree with Nicho, maintenence schedules adherence is critical.

 

[[2068]]

I'd third the above advice. Oil changes plus valve clearance checks, and these engines should burble away for thousands of hours. Also check outdrives for water ingress etc.

dv.

 

[PCUK]

Not a great recommendation if they fall down due to poor maintenance!
General Rule. More power equals less reliability, that's why real marine engines have huge capacity and modest output.
If you want a reliable engine that can be serviced without paying outrageous fees then avoid Volvo.
Best known problem is the price of spares.

 

[spannerman]

There early problems are sorted now, and as others state its vital to check the valve clearances at 200 hrs as they do go out of tolerance. Its not too complicated to adjust the 24v K44 and K 300 motors, if you can adjust an ordinary 12 valver. I will put the procedure up for anyone who wants to save themselves approx 3-4 hrs labour per motor in their local workshop.

 

[Whitelighter]

All you need is a Col. Get one and put in your Lazerette

 

[thefatlady]

Thanks, all, for the responses.

I have had AD41s and KAD44s before with no problems. However, I note PCUK's comments and I do have a preference for CATs. This boat has done only 58 hours and the newness and the better economy of outdrives have some appeal.

Spannerman, if it comes to it, the tappet adjustment procedure would be useful. I have been used to doing my own maintenance, but these days I find the physical constraints of most engine rooms a bit daunting. This boat has good access to to the engines from above, so maybe it is a possibility.

Thanks again.

 

[DoubleVision]

I had 300`s in my last boat . They had done 600 hours without missing a beat. The tappets are not a problem once shown how but it takes about half an hour per engine to get to them. All the injector pipes have to come off and the oil filter and mounting bracket which can be messy.
Maintainance above godliness at all times is the key. By the way the electronic fuel system made them 25% more economical than the kad42.