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Looking for Feedback on Azimut 62FB (2004-2007)

Discussion in 'Azimut Yacht' started by Alex F, May 10, 2020.

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  1. Silver Lining, May 13, 2020
    #41
    Silver Lining

    Silver Lining Member

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    See my very recent post above yours. The current CAT recommendations are for inspection/cleaning every 2 years or 1000 hours and replacement at IIRC 6 years. This was not the original service schedule for most CAT marine engines but was added after many aftercooler failures resulted in costly engine rebuilds - but my original service manuals I do believe called for inspection/cleaning every 2 years or 1000 hours. CAT very clearly has updated the aftercooler servicing requirements some years ago mandating replacement on a regular interval, and I can attest first hand that the interval must be followed. Both times I replaced my aftercoolers there were initial signs of leakage - this was at 11 years of age and 8 years of age.
  2. mapism, May 14, 2020
    #42
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Fwiw, my previous boat was powered by twin 350hp 3116 engines.
    Not the most brilliant engine ever built by Cat by any stretch of imagination, BUT she was 21yo when I sold her, with both heat exchangers and aftercoolers still original and probably good for another 20 years, by the look of them.
    Ok, she was a 53' trawler, way overpowered for her typical speed of 8 to 9 knots, so the Cats arguably had a very easy life, running 95% of the time at 16 hundreds rpm or so.
    But still, that gives an idea of how something went downhill at Cat in the last decade.
    It's not like building lasting HEs and ACs is impossible - they also used to, in the past!
  3. Alex F, May 14, 2020
    #43
    Alex F

    Alex F New Member

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    It also sounds like with everything these days. Meaning the quality went down the tubes.

    Is my understanding correct that in 90s and early 2000s CAT did actually have kind of "maintenance free" HEs and ACs and then something change in design, and quality of the materials used on them and they became more sensitive to the point where owners were using the "older" maintenance recommendation, which led to failures? And then, ones the CAT was getting hammered with all these failures and complaints, they modified their manuals by recommending periodic service of the cores?

    Am I missing anything?

    If my logic is on the right track, does anyone have an idea when the switch of design and quality took place? Is mid 2000s a fair guess?

    Also, is it safe to assume that the change affected many different models ranging from 350hp to 1000+hp?
    Last edited: May 14, 2020
  4. Liam, May 14, 2020
    #44
    Liam

    Liam Senior Member

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    I never saw first gen 55 or 62 having the vertical master stateroom windows leaking. Have seen quite a few 55s to be fair but also 62 and or 68.
    What had leaks and I saw a couple of units with this problems where the first versions of the 68S. But this was the boat which pioneered bonded hull windows.
  5. Brian G, May 14, 2020
    #45
    Brian G

    Brian G Member

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    Great questions, Alex. I'm very interested in the collective wisdom of the forum. I've got 3412e's installed in a 2003 boat and I'm not sure they've had the ACs repaired or replaced. As a relatively new yacht owner, these are the issues that keep me awake at night!
  6. Alex F, May 15, 2020
    #46
    Alex F

    Alex F New Member

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    Brian,
    I don't know if you recently bought the boat and have no records of such service. I'm a big believer in preventive maintenance and my logic in these cases is, if you don't have a record indicating that a service was done, assume the worst (it wasn't done) and make sure it's done ASAP. If I had a 2003 engines with no history of major service, including HEs and ACs, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

    Here's what I would do in your situation. I'd take the engines serial #s and call CAT service to get details on HEs and ACs construction. If they're using "the old design" and don't need to be taken apart, the least that should be done is the inspection to verify the condition.

    If you don't have the knowledge and the skill doing it yourself, get a CAT certified tech do necessary service/inspections for you. If your ACs are serviceable but never been done, well...I guess you can understand that it's a catastrophe waiting to happen.

    No need to hit the panic button yet. After all, you simply don't know and we're making an assumption that they haven't been serviced, just b/c you don't have any proof otherwise. So, just do necessary steps to get the answers to the unknown and you'll be good to go.
  7. Pascal, May 15, 2020
    #47
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    No aftercooler issues on the 3412Es. I put 4000 hours on a pair of them (2003 vintage)... bullet proof. Boat had 5500 hours when it was sold and engines passed survey and oil analysis with flying colors
  8. Brian G, May 16, 2020
    #48
    Brian G

    Brian G Member

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    Thanks for this info, Alex. It's wise and prudent and gives me the nudge I need to get on top of any potential issues. Again, many thanks.
  9. Brian G, May 16, 2020
    #49
    Brian G

    Brian G Member

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    I always appreciate your input, Pascal. Thanks for easing my mind a little.
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