Adding boost and EGT gauges for a Volvo-Penta KAMD44-EDC

[clj]

Hello,

I just bought a new to me boat with a KAMD44-EDC engine, circa 2001. About 1,100 hours. The engine seems to run super, but, I wanted to add a boost gauge and a EGT gauge just so that I can spot potential issues before they become bigger issues. I was also thinking of adding a small led light just below the boost gauge so that I can tell when the supercharger is engaged, just so I know and can therefore determine if the turbo is able to maintain / increase boost after the supercharger is turned off at the higher RPMs.

My questions are this:

What is the maximum boost that my engine will produce? I prefer an analog gauge and I found several that sweep from 0 to 15PSI, 0-30PSI, 0-60PSI and 0-100PSI. I would suspect that the engine will produce somewhere in the 30 to 35PSI range but does anyone know for sure? Or, I would consider a digital gauge with sufficient range if someone can recommend a brand / model that is waterproof and is not going to rust away from salt spray and such.

For the EGT, anyone have any suggestions as to the best place to put the probe? I *think* the riser is a volvo-penta part, but I do not see a plug that can be removed to insert the probe. I could probably drill and tap it, but would prefer not to. What should the EGT be at full power? I was thinking in the 1,200 +- range but if someone knows for sure, please let me know.

Thanks,

CLJ
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[alldodge]

Re: Adding boost and EGT gauges for a Volvo-Penta KAMD44-EDC

Haven't been able to find the boost pressure on the engine but did find a good way to add in a light. See link below on post 15. It also list several other folks which have the same engine and how they took care of them.

Volvo Penta KAD44 Marine Diesel? - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

I added the gauges on my pickup because of adding a tuner which pushed the engine above the manufactures specifications. Since you don't plan to do that, the extra gauges would be nice but the engine has built it sensors.

 

[clj]

Re: Adding boost and EGT gauges for a Volvo-Penta KAMD44-EDC

Just an update. I added the boost gauge and it works fine. There are several plugs on the intake manifold (take either a 17 or 19 MM wrench; forgot which one). I drilled a hole through the center of the plug and then tapped it for 1/8" NPT, screwed in the brass 1/8" hose adapter that came with the gauge and then soldered it just to make sure it would not come out. Then, I screwed the plug back into the manifold, hooked up the hose to it, tied wrapped the hose away from any major heat source and it was done. Took all of about an hour or so and most of that time was just determining the best way to proceed.

Once the engine is warmed up, at idle there is zero boost. At about 1,000 RPM the supercharger kicks on and the boost goes to 5 PSI. I still have not added the light to see when the supercharger kicks on or off, but the boost climbs rather quickly to just a tad over 20PSI maximum. the gauge I bought goes to 60PSI, but a gauge with a max reading of 30PSI or so would have been better.

When the engine is first started cold, there is supercharger boost, about 5 PSI, so, I guess the supercharger kicks on during warm up to reduce smoke. As I said, once the engine is warmed up, there is zero boost until about 1,000 RPM.

On to wiring up the light for the supercharger and the EGT.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Adding boost and EGT gauges for a Volvo-Penta KAMD44-EDC

Sounds like the 30 would have been better. From my back seat quarterback position I figure when the supper charger kicks in it will reduce the pressure of the turbo because it is trying to suck the air from that side. If the supper charger was not there, my guess is it would be much higher.

Thanks for the update

 

[clj]

Re: Adding boost and EGT gauges for a Volvo-Penta KAMD44-EDC

I have not studied the engine in any detail, but from what I understand, when the supercharger cuts out at high RPM, then there is some sort of gate that closes so that the turbo boost does not get pushed back through the supercharger. I could be wrong.

But, I too was surprised that the boost was not higher. I had a Yanmar 300, 6LP (4.2 liter, marinized Toyota diesel engine) in a different boat. It had a turbo only; no supercharger. It did not make any significant boost until about 1,800 RPM, which made coming up on plane rather difficult at time. But, at WOT, it was pumping 35+ PSI of boost. At a few hundred RPM below WOT, it was in the low 30's.

Having said that, I only spun my Volvo engine up to around 3,400 RPM (it can max out at 3,900), so, maybe I will get a few more pounds at WOT, but, I doubt if I will get 15 more pounds. I will try it the next time I take the boat out and post any updates.

Thanks,

CJ
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