Boosting the Life Expectancy of Marine Diesel Engines

A marine diesel engine is the primary source of energy consumption in a ship. It has a higher tolerance to wear and tear compared to gasoline engines. But maintaining one isn’t easy, especially if you’re not taking safety measures during its operation.

Marine diesel engine repair is an important task that helps keep ships and other marine vessels running smoothly. The process includes routine checks carried out by expert marine engineers on board. Unfortunately, there are many cases where even your crew runs out of solutions.

If you want to increase your diesel engine’s life span, here’s everything you need to know.

Importance of Marine Diesel Engines

Marine diesel engines are a popular choice with shipping companies. They have a durable design, low energy consumption, and are gear-driven. On average, the life expectancy of such a system is approximately 5,000 hours. These engines typically have a robust construction that is larger than gasoline engines. Diesel engines also have higher thermal efficiency. Because of this higher thermal efficiency, engineers can design the engine with a higher compression ratio. Other features of a marine diesel engine are that it provides lubrication to the engine parts and creates a larger bearing surface for the oil. It also features a bigger crankshaft and cylinder head. A marine diesel engine also burns less fuel per mile. This is one of the most reliable indicators of an engine’s life span. But like any machinery, diesel engines can also suffer from a series of malfunctions. Issues that reduce the lifespan of a marine diesel engine are:

• Cracks in the engine oil system can cause leakage in the fuel valves
• Low pressure in the air receivers can reduce the efficiency of control systems
• Damaged valves can affect the running direction of the marine engine
• A faulty governor or its associated parts can lead to RPM fluctuations
• Defective chain drive or choked air filters can cause after burning

Increase Your Diesel Engine’s Longevity

Marine operations pose many challenges that can take a toll on your ship’s engine. Any motor that has to operate in the constant presence of water should have a resilient design. For this reason, diesel engines are the first-hand choice. A well-maintained marine diesel engine can last up to 8000 hours on average. To increase your engine’s longevity, you can start by checking the water filtration system and the condition of the turbocharger. Below are more ways to prolong the lifespan of marine diesel engines.

Check the grade of the oil

Before choosing a fuel supplier, you need to know your engine design. This plays a huge factor in the grade of the fuel you choose. You can also hire a marine diesel engine repair expert to get more advice.

Load your engine the right way

Once the engine reaches operating temperature, you should load the vessel. This is because the vessel weight impacts the engine load.

Operate your engine correctly

When anchoring the vessel, let the turbocharger cool down. To ensure this, install a high-performance cooling system around the turbocharger.

Ensure saltwater servicing

To keep the outboard motor clean, you need to flush and cleanse your engine system after a sail. This prevents buildup and corrosive debris or any kind of decontamination.

Conduct an exhaust check

Besides checking for any sign of leakage or corrosion, you should also observe the colour of the exhaust smoke. Doing so will help you address issues like clogged air filters, partially burned fuel or worn piston rings.

Recondition the cylinder head

To reduce costs, opt for cylinder head refurbishment. This includes repairing chamber cracks, modifying the ports, conducting a pressure test, and more.

Get a Marine Diesel Engine Repair Expert

To boost your engine’s life expectancy, hire the best marine engine repair services near you. Such experts ensure routine inspections of the engine system and its associated parts.

If you’re looking for regular maintenance, installation, alignment, or overhauls, we’re here to help. At Allied Marine and Industrial, we have licensed professionals and cutting-edge technology to help you diagnose and troubleshoot engine deficiencies.

For more information, get in touch with us today!