Amberjack Owners: Your Opinions Please

Terry,

I think your engine's parameters are fine but gauges aren't. My previous owner told me that temp gauge has changed because it was showing overheating but the real temp is 85C.

I recommend you to if the gauges are faulty then change them, or check the wiring on the engine main fuse box. Volvo technician could diagnose them.

The smartcraft diagnostic system is not available for diesel option. Because it is a Mercruiser/CMD product. Volvo has EDC (electronic diesel control)as you have buttons key/diagnose/neutral. KAD300 is semi electronic so you cant watch engine parameters on a gps or EDC monitor.
I thought to buy EDC monitor to view everything about my engine but my VP tech told I should buy entire EVC (electronic vessel control)system which is the later technology D series has. My former boat had D4-210 DPH-EVC engine and I had EVC monitor. The D series supplied with EVC system bus and I bought optional motinor to view every kind of data such as temp,oil pressure, water pressure, trim angle, constant fuel burn, average fuel burn, tank level, range, fresh water level, waste water level, sea water temp and their history etc.

So you/I can't add monitor to KAD300 but Volvo Penta technician can hook "VODIA" pocket computer can read everything you want to learn such as how much engine ran in different rpms etc.

KAD300 is direct injection and D series (D4 D6 D9 D12) are common rail. I had D4 smoke free pure engine. KAD300 has smoke at cold start especially in cold winter days it is visible later engine reached operating temp it goes. KAD300 has single oil filter D's have oil filter and oil bypass filter. Also D's has seperate crankcase wentilation filter, KAD300 ventilates crank with engine's air filter. The oil filter of KAD300 is 16€, D's 45€ each, and accordingly other fuel and air filters also 3 times cheaper then D's.

You shouldn't worry about the black dust over the pulleys. It is the dust of circulation belt. It is a common issue on KAD engines and solved in D series. You can easily wipe it. The dust is not mean the belt is becoming weak altough you must check it daily and change maximum after two years.

In my country there is a saying "gold oviparous chicken" it is said just for KAD300 which is very economical engine if you run it mostly at cruising speed and making the routine maintenance on time.

Best regards.
Melida
 
Thanks for that Melida. You have answered a lot of questions I had about the difference between the D series and the KAD 300.

I thought to buy EDC monitor to view everything about my engine but my VP tech told I should buy entire EVC (electronic vessel control)system which is the later technology D series has

It's such a shame we can't extract information from the EDC and display it on a screen, but if I understand you correctly it is possible to fit an EVC to the KAD 300? I assume that is a major task?


Also the VODIA. Can that be purchased from somewhere or is it a Volvo only instrument? I assume that's what they used on my boat when they did the WOT performance test. It gives boost pressure, boost temp, coolant temp,engine speed (rpm) fuel flow (l/h) fuel temp and rod position (what ever that is).

Finally what props do you have. Mine had C-6's when it was first delivered but Volvo said they were too large and fitted C-2's.

I can't wait to get this boat but it now depends on whether the vendor will agree to resolve the engine temperature gauge problem which I see as critical to operating the boat and the engine safely.
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Another couple of photos below
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Thanks Terry
 
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Terry,

No need to thank. Please feel free to ask everything as I would know and answer. Club SeaRay is the best place to find answers. There are lots of knowledgeable people on this board who solved my a few important problems which if I couldn’t find solution thought to sell the boat.

The EVC system can be adapted to KAD300 but it costs 10,000€ without labor. For 30,000€ I can buy new D6-370 engine with stern drive. VODIA is 1600€ tool, cheaper than that conversion.

But you couldn’t use it while underway even it has long cable could reach from engine room to helm cable would squash under the hatch.

My boat is equipped standard C4 SS props. If you search the site you’ll find my thread about acceleration/planning problem. With less then ¾ or1/2 tank of fuel and full water and water heater and 7-8 people on board boat cruises like a gas engine boat. But when I fill the diesel tank with only 2 adult engine reaches 2800rpm and waits forever and can't get on plane. I joined to boatdiesel.com and searched a few people in different European countries with as same as mine boat had this problem. All of them including me solved this by depitching props from C4 to C3. But this caused the boat plane at 3500rpm with same cruising speed. I didn’t satisfied with this, since wot is 3900rpm and high cruise is at 3500rpm but I was cruising with C4 at 3000rpm 20knot 3500rpm 25-27 knot and with C3 at 3500 20knot 3900-4000 30 knot. So when would I use this high speed if I would need or on long cruise? Never. Dpmulvey and HenryBoyd (from this forum)were very helpful to solve my problem with using C4 prop set. I extended the trim tabs to could use big prop with heavily loaded. I guess you won’t face with this problem.

Your gauges with black rings are original Volvo Penta instruments. They are not much expensive, if the survey did ok except gauges pay for the gauges and don’t miss that boat.

Btw nice photos.

Best regards
Melida
 
Interesting about the different performance with the props. I will see how it goes with the C2's and let you know. In the meantime the vendor has agreed to fix the engine temperature gauge problem so the contract should be going unconditional shortly. I will let you know how it all turns out Melida!!


Regards

Terry
 
Glad for you.
Test the wot with current props must not exceed 3800-3900 rpm. If exceeds change with C3.
But if I'd were you I use C5. Fill the tanks and find 6-7 heavy men then test wot would do 3900rpm, if wont use C4 . Don't forget that when you lower the props your top speed will decrease, so to benefit from the power/high speed when needed for emergency or coming heavy seas you need 30+ knots also KAD300 would do it.
Best regards.
Melida
 
It seems quite strange that the Volvo agents went from the biggest prop (C6) to the smallest prop (C2) when they changed props on this boat at delivery. I would agree with you Melida and think that maybe a C3 or a C4 would have been a better compromise. Anyway, I will just have to wait until I get the boat before I test the benefits of one prop against another.

The engine temp gauge is still being fixed!! Do you have a low oil pressure or high engine temp alarm on your engine. If so, how do you test that it is working?
 
Hi Terry
As a short answer for the prop set is put the biggest set as engine would do 3900rpm at wot with the most heaviest condition.
Happy for the temp gauge.
I have an alarm panel display shows low voltage, over heating and low oil pressure. It is a Volvo Penta part and sold (not separate) with the engine. It's Volvo Penta part number is 858876 and European price is 28,35 Euro vat included and USA price is 32,61 $ witout labor.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/volvo%20penta%20C4%20prop%20set/VolvoPentaAlarmPanelDisplay.jpg
Also my starter key lock you can see on below picture has buzzer and test button. I can test it and see visually the red lights and hear the alarm.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/volvo penta C4 prop set/Grnt1453.jpg
Best regards
Melida
 
Thanks for those photos Melida, you have just confirmed for me that my boat does not have any engine temp or oil pressure alarm system installed. The sales people said it did but they probably meant in the sense that the KAD 300 electronics have the data available! It seems fundamental that some sort of warning light/audio alarm system should have been fitted (even a car has a visual warning light system and so does my ride on lawnmower
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) So, I guess I am going to have to fit it myself. Those part numbers really help and I will take the photos to the Vovlo dealer so there is no doubt what I am trying to achieve. Of course, I have to buy the boat first...everything going in slow motion at the moment..
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It was a beautiful day today. I went and took another look at the boat...man..I can't wait to get it!!:smt101

Terry
 
Terry,
Hi again.
I saw your info and I guess you bought the boat or nearly ended up.
Congurlations (in advance)
What about planning and prop performance.
Keep us posted.
Best regards.
Melida
 
Terry,
Hi again.
I saw your info and I guess you bought the boat or nearly ended up.
Congurlations (in advance)
What about planning and prop performance.
Keep us posted.
Best regards.
Melida

Hi Melida,

Good to hear fom you again. We transferred the money today so once the cheque clears (24-48 hours) its all ours. :smt038

Weather permitting I will transfer the boat to my home marina (about 1.5 to 2.0 hours up the coast) on Saturday, so I will let you know how it all went.

There will probably be lots of stories since my first challenge will be to slip the berth and motor 2 minutes up the marina to the fuel dock where my first real docking manouvre will be into a berth bristling with flammable goods!! Now is that just cruel or what?!. :smt101 Here's hoping for no wind, a slack tide and a fair bit of luck!!:lol:

Anyway, the waiting is killing me.....Talk to you soon Melida.


Terry
 
I am a technical specialist for Volvo Construction Equipment NA. a division of Volvo AB. You may have heard of a few of our sister companies that Volvo AB owns. Mack Truck, Provost Motor Homes, Renault Truck, Nissan diesel, Volvo Aero, Ling Long Construction Equipment (China) and so on. We have a few years history in engine manufacturing. I will enclose a link so you can review your engines specs. This is a great engine built until 2007 and is now a D series engine. The complete package of outdrive and engine are engineered to work together. I notice that Melinda is located in Turkey and Terry in New Zealand I’m in NA. One thing to remember is that the type of fuel each of you use may affect the engines performance to some degree. One may see RPM at WOT higher than the other or fuel consumption variations. Even engine temp can be affected to some degree. Overall the KAD300 is a great engine that has many hours of run time on it. I also noticed that you have been comparing the engine heat range. One thing for sure is to trust the computer diagnostics over and panel reading. If you have any questions about heat range, have the technician install a manual gauge right into the block and read it. Can’t get any closer than that. Always use a certified Volvo Tech to keep your engine in tune. They will have the latest updates available to keep your engine in top form.

http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopenta/turkey/en-tr/marine_commercial_engines/engines/out_of_production_engines/Pages/out_of_production_engines.aspx
 
Hi Oldskool
Its good to know a VolvoPenta specialist on board(CSR).
Thanks for the compliments about KAD300.
This is my second boat with VolvoPenta. My previous boat had D4-210 DPH and loved it. Love too much KAD300 also.
Economical and reliable engine, also parts are cheaper then D4.
This monday I hauled my boat for yearly maintenance and antifouling job. Oficial VP tech is looking after to my boat, done periodical maintenance. Uninstalled outdrive, cleaned and changed oil and zincs. Changed engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, separ/racor filter and impeller.
Also every fortnight in spring/summer I drain the racor bowl and change the filter element. In fall and winter I try to keep the fuel tank full to avoid bacteria growth in the fuel tank.
I bought my boat last year on february at 135 hours and now it has 242hours. Attached VODIA and everything seems perfect.
I always wait to hit the throttle more then idle when engine temp comes to 70C degrees and when rpm comes to 1500 supercharger/kompressor kick in and temp goes to 85C in a few seconds. Even after a short cruise altough turbocharger is kicks in after 2500 rpm and my boat planes at 3000 rpms I cool down the engine at least 5 minutes if I have to leave the boat quickly.
I'm planning on july a long trip with my boat and trusting to KAD300 won't embarrass me even it has single engine and I'm taking the risk.
By the way my user name is MELİDA which is my boat's name but most important its my daughter's name.
Best regards.
Melida
 
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A few pictures about outdrive and engine maintenance of this year.
Outdrive is uninstalled and gone to the workshop
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010%20spring%20maintenance/10052010747.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/10052010746.jpg
Transom part of the outdrive/engine is cleaned and then primered two coats and painted with international(interlux in USA) outdrive paint 3 coats.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/11052010756.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/11052010757.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/11052010761.jpg
After outdrive has done and installed also it was primered and painted as same amount and brand as transom done.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/12052010785.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/12052010784.jpg
Engine oil changed, used genuine VolvoPenta parts and oil.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/12052010768.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/12052010780.jpg
Splashed thursday and did test drive.
Got 30-31knots at wot with campers on, fuel between 3/4 and full, water tank and water heater full and holding tank empty.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/13052010791.jpg
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/2010 spring maintenance/13052010793.jpg
Without campers will do 1-2 knots more and/also when fuel decreases I will see +35knots.
Best regards.
Melida
 
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Hi Oldskool, very grateful for you chiming in, and pleased to hear your technical view of the KAD300. Glad to know there is someone who knows a little something about these engines on this site. :thumbsup:

Hey Melida, they are great photo's of the servicing on your sterndrive. I am going to take my boat out of the water soon to have the drive serviced as well. When did you fit the underwater lights? Are they 'through the hull' fittings?

Finally,finally, FINALLY, I got to to take the boat away from the sales marina and up the coast a little to my home marina. My daily work and some bad weather seemed to have conspired against me up to this point and even today the marine forecast was for thunderstorms, squalls and rough seas. Still, this afternoon seemed to fine up and my Son and I made a judgement call which on this occassion proved correct.

My first mistake was forgetting to check the engine oil level, despite checking the engine bay and all other levels (incl fire extinguisher charge). This was one of those 'lack of checklist' things. Slippiing into the fuel dock went pretty well except we got a gust from behind which brought the stern around against a pile. A forty footer with a flybridge followed me in and he just 'greased' it up to the pier....made my effort look pretty poor when boat size is compared. Once we left the fuel dock, we headed out of the marina but my next mistake was forgetting to bring in the fenders. I only noticed this once we out of the harbour and up on the plane along the coast.

With the tanks three quarters full, the boat got up on the plane easily and settled there at 3000rpm. SOG though was only 18kts, however, I suspect my sternleg trim and trim tabs were not entirely correct and with everything else to think about (including where my home marina was along the coast) I tried to focus on navigation and boat operation rather than boat performance. That's for a later time when I am more familiar with how the boat handles. I'd like to see how she goes on a flat calm day. Despite the marine forecast, seas were moderate and I was very impressed with how the boat dealt with the swells. A very comfortable ride. Visibility over the bow was not as bad as I had expected, probably due to the higher speeds and consequently lower bow angles which I could not achieve on our busy and congested harbour at the time of my initial sea trial.

My final mistake was to travel too fast within my home marina where a 'friendly' chap reminded me in no uncertain terms to "SLOWDOWN!:smt013". He was right of course. I didn't think I could go that slow and still keep control of the boat.

Fortunately, the marina was like glass and after a small overshoot (too slow on the reverse) I was able to slip the boat in comfortably on my second try.

So, while I got the boat delivered to its new home, I wasn't particularly impressed with my own first performance.:smt009 Not checking the engine oil, not reading the wind properly, forgetting to stow the fenders and not going slow enough in the marina are all things that I need to get better at quickly if I intend to have some fun and leisure at this activity, rather than the somewhat stressed feeling I had after getting off the boat. On the plus side I didn't blow up the fuel dock!! Anyway, here's a couple of photo's of the trip. A somewhat artistic one, taken by my wife, of Auckland harbour bridge with my Son and I in the foreground, and a shot of me with the boat safely docked at its new home.




Terry
 
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Terry,

Glad to know you took the boat to your homeport.
The more you cruise it you're gonna used to it. Once you set the route to your cruise area and learn the compass degrees, then you'll interested with the engine datas and riding angle.

I recommend you to fully deploy the tabs and trim the drive fully down (mine is now -8) and then when you see 3000rpm slightly raise the drive to 0 degree and wait for the speed increase. After that slowly retract the tabs. Fully deploy or retracting must take 5 seconds at least mine is 5 seconds. Then raise the drive to +1 or +2. I thought your boat is smaller and lightweighted then mine should plane at 2800-2900rpm altough tanks fully laoded, or should do more speed then my boat does. So if you raise the drive more then +2 your speed will decrease.

Be sure that the water intake of the drive is not stuck with debris and the sea water filter on the engine is always clean. After getting used to your new toy, you're gonna only look for the temp, oil pressure and voltage gauges. The most important thing must checked daily on a diesel engine is the quality of the fuel. So check visualy from the fuel water seperator bowl (RACOR) and drain it every fortnight and change the filter element once a month.
It's an adaptation period and enjoy it.

If you don't have the hard copy of owner's manual of KAD300 you must download it from VolvoPenta web site free. And maintenance schedule and part chart also free.

My underwater lights are oceanled amphibians A12 and they are mounted to transom with 4 screws each. Only there is a hole opened for electric cable. My previous boat had oceanled pro series thru-hull 1520 and expensive then amphibians. Also amphibians are plastic and has no corrosion issue like the thruhull series.

Best regards
Melida
 
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Thanks Melida for that info on the sterndrive trim and tabs. I think I may have had the tabs trimmed fully up but at the RPM I had set, they would have been better trimmed further down perhaps. Anyway, hopefully this weekend I can get out early in the morning when it is calm and try a few things out. I also want to set up a regular maintenance schedule and a maintenance and operation log. But most of all, I must remember to have fun!!!:smt043

Cheers


Terry
 
hi, looking at buying an amberjack, love to have a look at yours what city are you living in.

cheer
gary
 

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