Compressor Oil

[Axiom2000]

Does anyone know of a suitable substitute or a source to buy compressor oil for the Volvo Diesels at a reasonable price? I figured it needed changing, so I went to my local Volvo dealer yesterday to buy some. With a straight face he put this little tiny bottle on the counter and said that will be $37.00. Buying parts for these engines will make your eyes water.

[Stuart Wade]

I've always been confounded by the price of that stuff also. The Volvo fuel filter is ridiculous also. Thankfully both these items are only changed annually on mine.

[Axiom2000]

I have always bought the generic brand fuel and oil filters, but this stuff I figured I had no choice.

[Stuart Wade]

Really? I use a generic oil filter. Can you give me a Fram or other filter part number that interchanges with the fuel filter? By the way, I have a 42 series engine.

[Axiom2000]

Are you talking about the secondary fuel filter on the engine itself? If so I can get you a number from either NAPA or WIX. I don't know of a generic brand for the Racor primary filter however. I have the 43P motors so I am not sure if it has all the same filters or not.

[Bullish]

I was also astounded by the price of the compressor oil. Fortunately, I can change both compressors with one just one bottle...I think it is a pint or half pint. Anyhow, I have the KAMD 44's. Considering these compressors are over $2,000 each to replace I sucked it up and used the volvo compressor oil.

I also see you guys talking about using generic oil filters (Fram). A volvo mechanic told me once not to use these because Volvo has put a check valve in their oil filters that keeps them full of oil when you turn the boat off. The benefit is that the check valve opens the next time that you turn the key and oil is immediately applied to the engine. I was told that if you ever have internal engine problems and Volvo sees those Orange filters on the engine, they will not cover any warrantied items. Just something to consider when trying to save a few bucks.

[Bullish]

By the way, you guys ever have a problem with the fuses blowing on these volvo compressors? My port side compressor only has 270 hours and the fuse keeps blowing after she is running for about 40 minutes. I am considering putting a 10 amp fuse in there to replace the standard 7.5 but I am nervous for the obvious reason.

[Axiom2000]

Bullish, I would not put a Fram filter on anything I cared about. I bought some oil filters from the CC dealer who sold me the boat and they were Wix. Not sure how the oil filters could drain as they are in an upright position.
I have never had a compressor fuse blow, but before I put in a higher capacity fuse I would check with somebody who had some knowledge on these compressors. Not sure about the 44P motors but mine come on at about 1500 and shut off at about 2500 RPM. I assumed they were there to add some HP to aid in getting on plane, I never run them for extended periods of time. I am not in the compressor RPM range when trolling. I don't think they were designed to run for long periods of time.
I also sucked it up and paid the $37.00 for the very small bottle of this precious liquid, I was told it was enough to do both also.

[Bullish]

Axiom, Thanks for the reply. My understanding is the same as your's...the compressors are only suppose to kick on to provide more power until up on plane. Having them run for 6 hours straight while trolling at 7 knots has probably caused a problem.

I did ask a vovlo diesel mechanic to look into the problem. He hemmed and hawed and showed little interest in diagnosing the problem. I filled out the work order three weeks ago and he hasn't looked into it yet....same old story with these guys.

Let me ask you a question....I understand that your compressors don't kick on in your boat at trolling speed but they must certainly be on when your running back from the canyon in a head sea and can only maintain about 15 knots....right?

[Axiom2000]

I can troll at 7 kts without them kicking in depending on the sea condition I guess it would be close however. I have yet to return from an offshore trip where I had to run in the compressor RPM range due to sea conditions. Eventually I am sure it will happen however.

[Stuart Wade]

Axiom:

I'm speaking of the fuel filter attached to the engine itself (not the racor). I've only used the volvo filter on that, which is priced as ridiculously as the compressor oil. I'm unsure if that filter on your 43 is identical to the one on my 42, but I'm inclined to think it is. If you could give me a Wix or any other filter part number you've used in place of the volvo one, I'd appreciate it & will post if it's interchangeable (saving other 42 volvo owner's from being held up by the volvo dealers).

Stuart

[REEL ADDICTION]

Compressor Oil

I have twin KAMD 300's this is the first time I am ever hearing about compressor oil. Where does it go and what does it do?

[Bullish]

I have KAMD 44...same layout as the 300's.

Looking from the aft part of the engine room forward you will see the compressor near the top of the engine on the forward-right side. There is a belt running through a pulley on the front of it. It is somewhat cylindrical...on the bottom right of the compressor there is a drain plug...on the top right of the compressor there is a dipstick (disguised as a bolt) this dip stick is threaded and will require a socket or wrench to unscrew.

The compressor is easier to see on your port engine so find it there first...it is more difficult to get to on the starboard engine.

Also, you should know that there is one fuse for each compressor under the left side of the black electrical box (located on top of each engine. located forward and to the left...hard to miss) You will find two 7.5 amp fuses with plastic covers over them. The lower fuse is for the compressor. My port side fuse has blown a few times and the boat will not get up on plane without this fuse so important to know where it is.

[REEL ADDICTION]

Thanks for the info.

[Axiom2000]

Reel Addiction, do you have an owners manual for your motors?