Volvo Penta · Inboard diesel

Volvo Penta KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44 & 300

The KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44 and 300 are Volvo Penta’s 3.6-litre in-line six-cylinder diesels with a belt-driven mechanical compressor and an exhaust turbocharger with aftercooler; the KAD versions are Aquamatic Duoprop sterndrive packages, the KAMD versions shaft engines with a reverse gear. According to Volvo, the KAD42/KAMD42 (versions A, B and P-A) came in 1991 with 230 hp, the KAD43 and the electronically controlled KAD44 EDC (260 hp; P, P-B, P-C) in 1997 and the KAD300 (285 hp) in 2001; the common-rail D4 and D6 followed in 2003, and since Volvo gives no end of production, the years shown here end with the last owner’s manual prints of 2006. The compressor has its own oil, its own belt and a solenoid clutch, which adds service items that turbo-only engines do not have. Oil filter, fuel filter, air filter and the alternator and compressor belts are the same across the family, but the impeller kit, thermostats, aftercooler core, injectors and the circulation-pump belt drive changed between versions and at serial numbers, so read the type plate before ordering. The four-cylinder KAD32 and the TAMD42 without compressor share many of these parts but are not covered here.

Manuals & documents
Wear parts & part numbers
Service intervals
Specifications
Good to know
Videos & how-tos
On the marketplace

Manuals & documents

The links go straight to Volvo Penta. We host no manuals or drawings — the manufacturer’s copy is the current one.

Operator’s manual KAD42A/DP, KAMD42A/MS5B, KAMD42A/HS1A (1992) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Owner’s manual 31/41 series and KAD42/KAMD42, for the KAD42B (1993) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Instruction book 31/41/42 series incl. KAD42P/KAMD42P (1997) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Owner’s manual 31–43 series incl. KAD43/KAMD43 (DP, DPX, HS1; 1998) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Instruction book 31–43 series incl. KAD43/KAMD43 (HS45A, HS63; 1999) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Operator’s manual 31–43 series incl. KAD43/KAMD43 (2006) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Instruction book KAD44P/KAMD44P with DP-E/DPX and HS1E (1997) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Instruction book KAD44P/KAMD44P with HS63AE/HS63VE (1998) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Instruction book KAD44P-B/KAMD44P-B (1999) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Instruction book KAD44P-B/KAMD44P-B with DPX-A (2000) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Operator’s manual KAD/KAMD44P-C and KAD/KAMD300 (2006) Operation manual pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Service protocol KAD/KAMD42 to KAD/KAMD300 (2006) Service protocol pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Product bulletin KAD300/DP with technical data (2002) Spec sheet pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN · DE · FR · ES
Product bulletin KAD44P EDC / DP Professional (2003) Spec sheet pubs.volvopenta.com · PDF · EN
Workshop manual: technical data, 31–32, 41–44 and 300 series (printed; order page, sign-in required) Printed manual (to order) volvopenta.mis.elanders.com · EN
Workshop manual: engine body, 31–32, 41–44 and 300 series (printed; order page, sign-in required) Printed manual (to order) volvopenta.mis.elanders.com · EN
Workshop manual: EDC fuel system, KAD/KAMD44 and 300 (printed; order page, sign-in required) Printed manual (to order) volvopenta.mis.elanders.com · EN
Volvo Penta manuals & handbooks: KAD44P (search there for the other versions) Manual portal volvopenta.com · EN
Volvo Penta parts catalogue, filtered to KAD44P (change the designation in the address for another version) Parts catalogue volvopenta.com · EN
Volvo press release “High-performance diesels – a core business for Volvo Penta” (2003): KAD history and the D3/D4/D6 Press release volvogroup.com · EN

Wear parts & part numbers

Part	OEM number	Also fits	Note
Engine oil filter	`4785974`^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}	—	All versions from the KAD/KAMD42A to the KAD/KAMD300, per Volvo’s record and the oil filter breakdowns (filter housing 860530). The KAD43 breakdown also shows 471034, but only for the TAMD42WJ-A water-jet engine.
Fuel filter (engine)	`21624740`^{8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18}replaces 860874replaces 3588378replaces 3840335	—	Spin-on fine filter. The KAD/KAMD42A and 42B were catalogued with 860874 (housing 860873), the 42P-A, 43, 44 and 300 with 3588378 (housing 3581542, later 3588380). Volvo’s chain is 860874 → 3588378 → 3840335 → 21624740, but its record for 21624740 names only the KAD42P-A, KAMD42P-A, KAMD43P-A, KAD44P-C and KAMD300-A, so have your dealer confirm the fit for other versions.
Fuel pre-filter	`861014`^{19,20,21,22,23}	—	10-micron standard element for Volvo Penta’s water-separating pre-filter 877762 (RINA version 877763; on the 43, 44 and 300 also catalogued as 3582350); the 2-micron 1147147 and 30-micron 3581760 elements fit too. The KAD/KAMD42A was catalogued with the older filter kit 828958 and insert 828897. Only if a Volvo pre-filter is fitted.
Impeller kit (with gasket)	`875593`^24,25,26	—	For sea-water pump 860629 on the KAD/KAMD42A and 42B: impeller, gasket 808275 and washers. The older repair kit for this pump is 876088.
Impeller kit (with gasket)	`21951356`^{27,28,29,30,31,32,33}replaces 3841697replaces 21422647	—	For sea-water pumps 3581558/3583115 (KAD/KAMD42P-A, 43 and 44) and 3583095 (KAD/KAMD300). Volvo’s P-A breakdown of the earlier pump 860629 shows 3841697 too, so the 42P-A takes this kit with either pump.
Raw water pump	`3583115`^{24,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44}replaces 860629replaces 3581558	—	Pump of the KAD/KAMD42P-A (chain 860629 → 3581558 → 3583115), 43 and 44. The KAD/KAMD42A and 42B keep pump 860629 with impeller kit 875593; the KAD/KAMD300 has its own pump 3583095.
Raw water pump wear kit (cover, cam, seals)	`21951396`^{28,29,30,45,46}	—	Cover, O-rings and seal for sea-water pumps 3583115 and 3583095 (KAD/KAMD42P-A with the later pump, 43, 44 and 300). The shaft kit for the same pumps is 21951457, the screw kit 21951334.
Air filter	`876185`^{47,48,49,50,51,52,53}	—	Air filter insert, all versions from the KAD/KAMD42A to the KAD/KAMD300.
Alternator V-belt	`977542`^{54,55,56,57,58,59,60}	—	Alternator belt, all versions from the KAD/KAMD42A to the KAD/KAMD300. An optional extra alternator runs on multi-V belt 861566.
Compressor drive belt	`860388`^{61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68}	—	Drive belt of the compressor (supercharger), the same on every version from the KAD/KAMD42A to the KAD/KAMD300; the belt guard is 860778.
Circulation pump belt	`861564`^{69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76}	—	Multi-V belt of the circulation pump with tension pulley 861563: KAD/KAMD42B from serial no. 2204208024, 42P-A and the earlier 43 and 44 layout. The KAD/KAMD42A drives the pump with V-belt 966967, the 42B up to serial no. 2204208023 with V-belt 976483.
Circulation pump belt	`3582424`^{77,78,79,80,81,82,83}	—	Belt of the later circulation-pump drive with tension pulley 3582324 and gear 3582168 (service kit 877180) on the KAD/KAMD43, 44 and 300. Volvo’s onboard kit 3842159 carries this belt and an impeller kit; kit 3842158 carries belt 861564 instead.
Belt tensioner / adjustment arm	`877180`^{65,66,67,77,84}	—	Volvo “service kit” with tension pulley 3582324, gear 3582168 and bracket for the later belt drive of the KAD/KAMD43 (compressor from serial no. 2204303259), 44 and 300.
Compressor oil	`1141592-4`^85,86	—	Compressor oil named in the KAD/KAMD42 books (KAD42A 1992, KAD42L/P 1997); the compressor holds 0.1 l.
Compressor oil	`1141641-9`^87,88,89	—	Compressor oil named in the KAD43, KAD44P and KAD44P-C/KAD300 books; 0.1 l.
Compressor solenoid clutch	`3581724`^{90,91,92,93,94}	—	12 V solenoid clutch with shims for compressor 3581061 on the KAD/KAMD42B, 42P-A, 43, 44 and 300; the breakdowns show 3581062 and 860786 in brackets. The KAD/KAMD42A breakdown shows clutch 860786, and Volvo’s record for 3581724 does not list the 42A, so ask your dealer.
Compressor	`3581061`^{61,62,63,64,66,67,95,96}replaces 860360	—	Mechanical compressor (supercharger) of the KAD/KAMD42B, 42P-A, 43, 44 and 300; the later breakdowns show 860360 in brackets. The KAD/KAMD42A and 42B are catalogued with 860360, and Volvo’s record for 3581061 does not list the 42A.
Thermostat	`3831424`^97,98,99,100	—	81 °C thermostat kit for the KAD/KAMD43, 44 and 300: the same kit in both positions, so two per engine; the breakdowns show 876128 and 875849 in brackets as the earlier pair.
Thermostat	`876128` · `875849`^{101,102,103,104,105}	—	81 °C thermostat pair of the KAD/KAMD42A, 42B and 42P-A: 876128 in one position and 875849, with air-venting valve, in the other.
Thermostat gasket	`416033`^{101,102,103,97,98,99,106}	—	Sealing ring, one per thermostat (two per engine), all versions.
Aftercooler core (charge-air cooler)	`861553`^{107,108,109,110,111,112,113}replaces 861049	—	Insert of the KAD/KAMD42B and 42P-A. The KAD/KAMD42A has insert 859362 (housing 859354).
Aftercooler core (charge-air cooler)	`3582598`^114,115,116	—	Insert of the KAD/KAMD43 (P, P-A, P-B); the breakdown shows 861553 in brackets.
Aftercooler core (charge-air cooler)	`3582599`^{117,118,119,120,121}	—	Insert of the KAD/KAMD44 (P, P-B, P-C). The KAD/KAMD300 has insert 3583101.
Aftercooler gasket kit	`877386`^{80,122,123,124,125,126}	—	Volvo’s record lists every version from the KAD/KAMD42A to the KAD/KAMD300, and the kit is part of the 43/44/300 overhaul kits. The KAD/KAMD42 repair-kit lists still show the older kit 876110.
Exhaust manifold gasket	`876144`^{127,128,129,130}	—	Gasket kit, all versions; the breakdowns list two or three per engine depending on the manifold.
Turbocharger gasket kit	`3582563`^{80,122,123,131,132,133}	—	Turbo connector kit (gaskets for the turbo connections). Volvo’s record lists all versions and notes that the turbo’s air-venting thread changed from M10 to M12; the 42P-A kit list still shows the older kit 876312.
Fuel injector	`861103`^{134,135,136,137,12,138,139}	—	Six per engine on the KAD/KAMD42A from serial no. 2204207937, the 42B, 42P-A and the KAD/KAMD43; earlier 42A engines have 860383. Nozzle 861117.
Fuel injector	`861725`^{140,13,141,142}	—	KAD/KAMD44 (EDC): six per engine on the KAD44P and KAMD44P-A; the P-B and P-C have five plus one 3581642. Exchange unit 3803373.
Fuel injector	`3583073`^14,143,144	—	KAD/KAMD300: five for cylinders 2–6, plus 3583074 for cylinder 1.
Gasket set	`876774`^{131,80,122,123,145,146}replaces 876362	—	Complete overhaul gasket kit; Volvo’s record lists all versions, and the 42A/42B repair-kit lists show the earlier kit 876362.
Gasket set	`3583787`^{80,122,123,124,147,148,149}	—	Decarbonising (top-end) gasket kit. Volvo’s record lists all versions, but the KAD/KAMD44 and 300 kit lists show 3582437 and the KAD/KAMD42 lists the older 876104, so check with your dealer.
Engine mount	`858161`^{150,151,152,153,154}	—	Rubber element at the front of the KAD43, 44 and 300 with DP drive (two per engine) and of the KAMD42P-A, 43 and 44 (four per engine).
Engine mount	`876596`^{155,156,157,158,159,160,161,162}	—	Front rubber element (for M18 adjusting bolt) of the KAD42A, 42B and 42P-A with DP drive, two per engine; early KAD42A with M16 bolt: 859556. The KAMD42A, 42B and 42P-A use 876597, four per engine.
Service kit	`877203`^{80,122,123,163}	—	Volvo Penta service kit described as “KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300”; Volvo’s record links it to the 43, 44 and 300 versions. Volvo does not list the contents online, so ask your dealer what is inside.

Numbers checked against the sources below on 23 October 2026. Always confirm against your serial number and exact type before ordering.

Service intervals

Task	Interval
First service	First oil and filter change after 20 h (KAD42 books) or 20–50 h (later books and the service protocol)^85,89,164
Engine oil change	Every 100 h or at least once a year; only the 2006 KAD44P-C/KAD300 book allows 200 h / 12 months, with VDS-2 oil and fuel up to 1.0 % sulphur^85,88,87,89
Oil filter	With every oil change^85,89
Fuel filter	Every 200 h or at least once a year; drain water every 14 days^88,87,89
Fuel pre-filter	Element with the fuel filter (200 h or yearly); drain water every 14 days^87,89
Air filter	Every 200 h or at least once a year^88,87,89
Raw water impeller	Check every 200 h or at least once a year; take it out for lay-up^85,89
Sea water strainer	Clean every 14 days (the KAD42 books: every 100 h or once a season)^87,89,85
V-belt check	Check all belts for wear every 14 days, tension every 200 h^87,89
V-belt replace	Compressor and circulation-pump belts: replace every 500 h or 5 years (KAD43 and KAD44P-B books, service protocol); 600 h or 5 years in the KAD44P-C/KAD300 book^{87,165,164,89}
Compressor oil change	Check the level every 100 h (KAD43/44 books) or 200 h (KAD44P-C/KAD300 book). Change every 200 h in the KAD42 books, every 500 h or 5 years in the service protocol, every 1200 h or 5 years in the KAD44P-C/KAD300 book^{85,88,87,164,89}
Coolant change	Every 2 years with an antifreeze (glycol) mix; every year if the system holds only a corrosion-inhibitor mix^87,89
Valve clearance	Every 200 h, 0.40 mm cold — workshop^87,89
Turbocharger check	Every 200 h (KAD43/44 books); inspect and clean as necessary every 600 h in the KAD44P-C/KAD300 book — workshop^87,88,89
Injectors	Check every 600 h — workshop^85,88,164
Heat exchanger clean	Inspect and clean the heat exchanger and the aftercooler every 1200 h or 5 years (KAD44P-C/KAD300 book); every 500 h or 5 years in the service protocol^89,164
Drive oil change	DP drive: every 200 h or at least once a year; DPX: every 100 h or at least once a year^165,89
Gearbox oil change	Reverse gear (KAMD): change oil and filter every 200 h or at least once a year^87,89
Bellows & U-joints	Drive: check the universal-joint and exhaust bellows every 200 h or yearly, replace them every other year^165,87,85

Hours or time, whichever comes first. Volvo printed several schedules for this family: the KAD42A book (1992), the KAD42, 43 and 44 books of 1997–2000, the 31–43 series book and the KAD44P-C/KAD300 book of 2006 and the service protocol of 2006. Where they differ, the row names the book; when in doubt, use the shorter interval.

Specifications

Versions	KAD42A, KAD42B, KAD42P-A and KAMD42A, KAMD42B, KAMD42P-A; KAD43P-A, KAD43P-B and KAMD43P, KAMD43P-A, KAMD43P-B; KAD44P (P-A), KAD44P-B, KAD44P-C and KAMD44P-A, KAMD44P-B, KAMD44P-C; KAD300-A and KAMD300-A^164,86,85
Cylinders	6, in-line, four-stroke; four valves per cylinder on the KAD44 and KAD300^88,166
Displacement	3.59 l^85,89
Bore × stroke	92.0 × 90.0 mm^86,166,167
Compression ratio	16.5:1 (KAD44P EDC Professional), 16.9:1 (KAD/KAMD300)^167,166,168
Aspiration	Belt-driven mechanical compressor with solenoid clutch, plus exhaust turbocharger and sea-water-cooled aftercooler. KAD42 book: the compressor cuts in at about 1700 rpm and out at about 2500 rpm, and kick-down engages it from idle up to 3100 rpm; on the KAD44 and 300 the EDC system controls it^85,166,118
Injection	KAD/KAMD42 and 43: mechanical injection pump (with emergency stop lever); KAD/KAMD44 and 300: EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) with rotor-type pump, electronic actuator and two-stage injectors, direct injection^85,87,88,166
Firing order	1-5-3-6-2-4^85,89
Power	KAD/KAMD42: 230 hp (Volvo, 2003). KAD44 EDC: 260 hp; as KAD44P EDC Professional 191 kW (260 hp) at the crankshaft and 182 kW (248 hp) at the propeller shaft (rating 4). KAD/KAMD300: 210 kW (285 hp) at the crankshaft; 200 kW (272 hp) at the propeller shaft with DP-G, 202 kW (275 hp) for the KAMD300. No Volvo source with the KAD43 rating was found; the owner’s manuals refer to the sales literature^{169,167,166,168}
Rated speed	3800 rpm (KAD44P EDC Professional, KAD/KAMD300)^167,166,168
Full-throttle range	3700–3900 rpm at full throttle (KAD42, 43, 44 and 300)^86,87,89
Idle speed	600–700 rpm (KAD/KAMD42A); 625–675 rpm (42P-A, 43); 590–610 rpm (KAD/KAMD44, 300)^{86,85,87,88,89}
Engine oil capacity	10.5 l without filter, 11.0 l with filter; 11.0 / 11.5 l with the engine at 15° rake (all versions)^86,85,89
Engine oil grade	SAE 15W-40 (the 2006 KAD44P-C/KAD300 book also allows other viscosities by outside temperature). KAD42A book: API CD; 1997 books: VDS or CD; 2006 book for the 43: VDS with ACEA E3 or with API CG-4 (CI-4 accepted); 2006 book for the 44P-C and 300: VDS-2 with ACEA E7, Global DHD-1, API CH-4 or CI-4^86,85,87,89
Coolant capacity	About 20 l (KAD42, 43 and 44 books); 19 l in the 2006 KAD44P-C/KAD300 book^85,87,88,89
Thermostat opens at	81 °C, fully open at 94 °C (two thermostats); normal running temperature 75–90 °C^85,89
Compressor	Own oil sump of 0.1 l with dipstick; Volvo Penta compressor oil 1141592-4 (KAD42 books) or 1141641-9 (43, 44 and 300 books)^85,89
Valve clearance (cold)	0.40 mm intake and exhaust (all versions)^85,89
Dry weight	KAD44P EDC Professional with DP-E incl. propellers: 572 kg; KAD300 with DP-G incl. propellers: 576 kg; KAMD300 with HS63AE: 539 kg^167,166,168
Drive	KAD: Aquamatic Duoprop sterndrive DP (KAD42A ratio 1.78:1) or DPX; KAD44: DP-E (1.68:1); KAD300: DP-G (1.68:1 or 1.59:1)^{86,85,167,166}
Gearbox	KAMD42A: MS5B (1.9 or 2.4:1), HS1A or Borg-Warner; KAMD42B: HS1A; KAMD42P-A: HS1A, HS63A or HS63V; KAMD43P-A: HS1A; KAMD44P: HS1E-A or HS63AE/HS63VE; KAMD300: HS63AE (2.52, 2.04 or 1.56:1) or HS63VE (2.48, 2.00 or 1.56:1)^{86,170,171,172,173,174,175,176,168}
Alternator	14 V / 50 A (KAD/KAMD42A); 14 V / 60 A on later versions (the 1997 book also lists 24 V / 50 A)^86,85,89
Fuel	Diesel to EN 590, ASTM D975 No. 1-D/2-D or JIS K 2204; low-density “city diesel” can cost up to 5 % power⁸⁹
Successor	Volvo Penta D4 and D6 (common rail, launched 2003); Volvo kept the KAD/KAMD series in the range alongside them¹⁶⁹

Good to know

The compressor has its own oil: about 0.1 l, checked with its own dipstick. The KAD42 books specify Volvo Penta oil 1141592-4 and a change every 200 h; the 43, 44 and 300 books specify 1141641-9, and the 2006 KAD44P-C/KAD300 book stretches the change to 1200 h or 5 years.^85,87,89
Three belts drive the alternator, the circulation pump and the compressor. A slipping circulation-pump belt is one of Volvo’s listed causes of overheating, so replace the compressor and circulation-pump belts on schedule (500–600 h or 5 years) and tension them as the book says: on the KAD43 the compressor belt takes 35–40 Nm on the domed nut of the tensioning screw.^89,87
Read the number on your sea-water pump before ordering an impeller: the KAD/KAMD42A and 42B have pump 860629 and take kit 875593; the 42P-A, 43 and 44 (pump 3581558/3583115) and the 300 (pump 3583095) take kit 21951356, formerly 3841697.^{24,25,27,28,30}
The aftercooler is cooled by sea water, so a leaking core can let water into the intake air. Its insert differs by version (859362, 861553, 3582598, 3582599, 3583101), the gasket kit is 877386, and the 2006 KAD44P-C/KAD300 book wants it inspected and cleaned every 1200 h or 5 years.^{111,107,114,117,119,122,89}
Several parts change at a serial number: on the KAD42A the injectors (860383, then 861103 from 2204207937), on the KAD42B the circulation-pump drive from V-belt to multi-V belt (from 2204208024), on the KAD43 the belt-tensioner layout with service kit 877180 (from 2204303259). Note the serial and product number from the engine plate before ordering.^{134,135,70,65}
Only the 2006 KAD44P-C/KAD300 book allows 200 h between oil changes, and only with VDS-2 grade oil and fuel up to 1.0 % sulphur; the older books, and the 2006 book for the 31–43 series, say 100 h. Never go beyond 12 months.^89,87

Videos & how-tos

Links to YouTube, nothing embedded. The maker’s own channel comes first; the rest are channels we found clear and correct for this model.

Oil change on a Volvo Penta KAD42, KAD43, KAD44 or KAD300 Video Boatingtube · EN · 7 min
The KAD aftercooler (intercooler): how it is mounted, taken apart and put back together Video Søren Fleron · EN · 6 min
Volvo Penta KAMD44 EDC: overview of the electronic engine and its components Video Teds Marine Repair · EN · 6 min

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Sources

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