Volvo KAD43 Diesel engines

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Whitelighter

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I am looking at a new (to me) 2001 boat with KAD43's. Would like to know anybodys oppinions, experience with these. I have a natural aversion to VP, and would have prefered the Mercruiser option, but the boat is at the right price.

What is servicing like on the KAD44, and fuel consumption (I know it differs for different hull shapes, but just a guide). The boat is just over 33 feet.

Any major problems I should be aware of?

Jez

Oops, just noticed it has KAD 43's - my bad!
 
Re: Volvo KAD44 Diesel engines

Main problems on KAD44's are if the valve clearances haven't been checked at 200hrs: not sure if you remember what happened to one of the magazine boats... They are a pain to adjust because the fuel lines have to have off, so some people didn't bother.

Otherwise, normal VolvoMort caveats apply. Sorry, don't know fuel figures. A VP dealer might have a spec sheet.

Oh, and by the way, you can't afford it !

dv.
 
Re: Volvo KAD44 Diesel engines

I take it you are still refering to the S28/S34 thing? You'll be glad to know that the 44's aren't in a Sealine, so you will have the nicest Sealine at sparkes! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

And your right, I probably cant afford it but i have a sneaking suspision I might buy it any way!
 
I think they started life as the ADP41 200hp, which are regarded as being 'bullet proof' and I recall someone on the forum quoting a Volvo Rep as saying they were the best engine they ever made.

The KAD42 was the next development which, as I understand it, added the supercharger and they were rated at 230hp. The KAD 43 was the next upgrade (don't ask me what was added) and I think the output remained static at 230hp. The KAD 44 came next and increased the HP to something like 260 or 280. The final version was the KAD300 (but I don't think the hp reached 300).

Last months MBM had a bit on the KAD42's in it.

I am in the process of buying a boat with KAD42's (survey & sea trial on Monday /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif). My surveyor (who started life as a marine engineer and tells me he did some work helping VP develop the KAD44) tells me the KAD42 is 'a good unit'.
 
Re: Volvo KAnoD44 Diesel engines

Umm, think the nicest Sealine at Sparkes probably goes to the thumping great T47 opposite the fuel pontoon, but yes thanks, she should look smart when I've finished.

Comments about valve clearances don't apply to the KAD43's, as they have the ordinary 12-valve head. I always thought the 24-valve mechanism with those Y-pieces on the 44's and KAD300's was a bit scary.

Main thing to check for on 43's is a history of regular oil changes, no leaks (oil,coolant), check the exhaust pipe for corrosion around the top. I think the KAD43 is one of V*lvo's best engines, but being as it's almost identical to my KAD32's but with two extra cylinders, I'm biased. Also, make sure there's a small cloud of smoke on startup, else it's not a V*lvo /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

dv.
 
KAMD43's in my school boat Sealine F36. 2700hrs so far. full service oil change etc every 100hrs. Stb has had head gasket go at 2400hrs. Port seems ok so far.

However see my recent thread "if these engines were in a lorry" I believ it was called told the sorry tale of friends F37 with 43's both head gaskets wnet and both turbos needed overhaul at 500 plus hours. Must have been a 5.30 boat.
 
the KAD44's are 260hp instead of the 43's 230. As mentioned elsewhere the 44's had more valves and the clearances need more regular checking, as found out by MBM in there F37 calm voyager.

KAD300's are in fact 285hp
 
Hi Jez,

I take you are looking at a certain Sessa.......I have looked at that as well. Aparently the engine set up is right for that boat (although if it is the one I am thinking of the price is too steep)

If it is the Seesa ask KevB as he has the same boat.

I like the package, the price put me off....in the UK Sessa's bring less money and this is a med price! At 10k less it may stat to be attractive. Mind you it depends on the trade in for the bayliner.

Paul
 
Good guess, but its not the Sessa - it is in the med though so I have to work out how to get it back (extended holiday perhaps). The deal on this boat is so good I'm actually considering buying it without having the Bayliner sold (in fact, its not even with a broker yet) though I have got one company pestering me to get it up to them as they reckon they can sell it in 4 weeks.
 
I'm sure It will sell, at what price the question. I'm not concentrating on that though, just waiting to see what happens on Monday and if I need to book a flight. Even SWMBO has given it a green light, which is always dangerous.
 
VERY DANGEROUS!

swmbo gave me the greenlight on a new V42, unfortunately the guy who valued my house did it much lower than expected so the Bank pulled the offer and I did not get it. Good news is my new boat did turn up today...a Honda 270TI inflatable, bought at LIBS. (So I do not feel too peeved honest guv /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Paul
 
I had the choice with my Sealine 43's or 44's and opted for the 43's because:
less stressed engine (230hp against 260ish)
less electronics
easier to maintain myself (only 2 valves per cylinder and no fuel lines to undo)
less prone to valve clearence problems ( I checked them myself at 200 hrs and they had not moved a thou')
£8000 cheaper for 2
proven reputation
The only problem I've had is the turbo switch-in sensor which is........electronic!!! nuff said
 
Of course it would not have been permanently on the Thames, it would be on the southcoast for the expensive months. Ironicaly enough I have an S34 and a V40 berthed behind me on the Thames. They both do not go down to Tidal....I will. SWMBO just loves them, and they are her favourite boat so it was a done deal when I told her. Whichever boat I get next will be well used, infact I am going to blast mine arouind again this year.

Paul
 
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