What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

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Hi guys,
Currently running a Volvo KAD32 with duo props. The problem is that she should be achieving 3700 - 3900RPM WOT but i'm only getting 3000RPM, i'm obviously over pitching.

The only code I could find on my props was A5F 854778, which was on the forward prop

Can anyone shed some light on what pitch props I have? Or know a database online where I can find out??

Many thanks in advance!

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Found a bit of information here: http://www.volvo.com/vce/vebiz2weba...9-8342-1a8d54f0f60a&area=VolvoCom Volvo Penta

I've found the prop's that I have, but what I can't fingure is whether to move up to the A6 or move down to the A4 etc...

Any guru's out there?!

 

[Don S]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

I think you may have more problems than prop size. Changing sizes will only get you about 150 rpm per size, and normally the 32's run A4 or A5 props which are mid size.
How long have you owned the boat? Has it always had the low rpm problem? Did it ever run at the proper rpm?
Are the props in good condition?
Is the Turbo working?
Are the filters (air and fuel) clean?
When was the last time the injectors were pop tested?
Does it smoke a lot? If yes, what color smoke?
What is the gear ratio of the drive? Look under the zinc infront of the props, it's stamped into the casting.

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Hi Don,
I only have the boat a week. There is a small bend on one of the blades on the forward prop, this is why I want to make sure I get the right props.

I'm currently waiting on all my service gear (filters etc) to arrive as she hasn't been serviced since last April. I guess I should change all of these items and then report back?

The Turbo. I hope its working! (Don't scare me!). After the supercharger dies, when I hit the throttle I get flung back into my seat, so I guess the Turbo is working fine? Should I be able to hear it whistling?

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Just to add:
What do you mean by 'pop' testing the injectors?

She doesn't smoke any more than normal, however I will check this again this morning and report back with the colour smoke

Again, I will check the gear ratio's of the gearbox this morning and report back

 

[paulie0735]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

You won't find 700-900 rpm by going down a prop, you need to start looking else where. Start with the air filter; these do not take much to become restrictive. Fuel filter is another thing to think about. I would be doing a general service, including the blower oil which is a special and needs to be purchased from a Volvo dealer. Than take it back out and see if things have improved. These engines are a very robust package but like any high tech diesel they require regular and thorough maintenance and are not an engine to be thinking about saving a few bucks on non-genuine filters and oils. If the regular maintenance has not been kept up to it than a major service may be required including injectors.

Does the turbo still have its green paint? Or is it burnt off? Not trying to scare you but if it’s burnt off than the turbo may have been cooked and may require a rebuild or replacement>>>> Good luck.

 

[Don S]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Pop testing the injectors is done to make sure the opening pressure of the injector is correct, and that the needle and seat of the injector nozzel is not leaking. Your injectors should hold pressure without leaking to 4000 psi and atomize the fuel completely when they do open. They also make a creaking sound if working properly.
An injector that is just squirting a stream of fuel into the cylinder will wash the oil off the cylinder and cause excess wear and loss of compression. Book says 600 hours which is great in a boat that is run a lot, but in recreational boats that may be 8 or 10 years. Best to just do it every 3rd year just to be safe.
Since you are new to the boat, are you trimming the outdrive up the proper amount? If you are trimmed down to much, that will kill your WOT rpm big time.

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Hi guys,
Spent the afternoon out on the water.
To clear a few things up:

Engine starts from cold fine, no dodgy smoke, just the grey/black puff at startup, then pretty much disappears.
The paint is still on the turbo, with the slight bit of rust showing but i've seen worse. As I said before, the engine really pulls to 3000RPM quickly so im guessing that the turbo is OK (I presume the supercharger dies before this)
The engine hasnt been serviced in over 100 hours (over 12 months). I have all genuine parts ordered and should be here within the next few days. Parts I ordered were: Air filter, oil filter, crank breather filter, oil, gearoil, supercharger oil, anodes. Anything obvious im missing?

I'm going to service the engine first and then bring it for another run. Watch this space! (Thanks for all the help)

 

[Don S]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Uhhhh, the 32's don't have a breather filter!
If your prop is damaged, it could also be the cause of your low rpm. There may be more wrong than you can see.

What about the trim issue I mentioned above?

 

[paulie0735]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

What boat is it in?

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Don S - Well there's a page in the manual showing how to change the crankcase breather filter, and ive one ordered, so I think there is? (Either that or im really stupid)

Tried messing with the trim, same thing, no difference really

paulie - Lema Gold

 

[paulie0735]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Tried messing with the trim, same thing, no difference really

paulie - Lema Gold

Nice! d

Do the service, post the results than, have you had a look at the air cleaner element yet?

 

[alt]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Paulie - Haven't look at anything yet

Parts arrived this morning, I will be servicing on Thursday morning so will report back asap!

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Hi guys,
Serviced the engine today. Engine oil, oil filter, crank breather, air filter, coolant, fuel filter, bled the injectors etc (Yet to do gearoil/anodes) and unfortunately, no change in RPM.

She stops at 3000RPM. I tried WOT in neutral, she storms to 3000RPM and then just stops dead. Same when under load, on the plane in less than 3-5seconds, and just stops at 3000RPM.

Before thinking that the turbo has gone, could the engine possibly be limited? The reason I ask is because, as I said before the engine storms to 3000RPM and then just stops, doesn't even try to go further. I would think that even if the turbo WAS gone, the rev's would try and rise (When not under load - in neutral)

Another thing that got me thinking, could the tachometer be lying to me? I'm no diesel expert but when I open to WOT, the engine sounds like it's roaring away. Roaring to the extent that thinking of adding another 900RPM to that roar i'd be expecting a cylinder to pop out of the block.

Suggestions people!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Have you verified that the TACH is indeed indicating the correct RPM?

Though I would probably NEVER run any engine up against the governor unloaded.......You are probably reaching governed speed. If the TACH is right then the injection pump may have a mechanical problem or someone has been messing with the full throttle stop. (I don't know anything about this engine.....I'm assuming it has a mechanical injection pump)




Regards,

Rick

 

[Don S]

Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Whats your WOT rpm in neutral? Should be 4175–4225

 

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Re: What props have I got? (Volvo Duoprop)

Don S - It's roaring to 3000RPM and stopping dead! I have just got the chart of codes for configuring the tach, along with the procedure so I will report back this evening. Thanks for the suggestions guys

 

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Problem solved!

Problem solved!

I am so relieved! Went to the boat there, and she was idling at 400RPM as is :%

I changed from setting 17 (Inductive) to setting 8 (Alternator), fired her up and she was idling at 725RPM. I let the engine warm up for a few minutes, varying the Revs. Just to check, when she was warm I opened to WOT in neutral. Straight up to 4100RPM!