Is this true? Diesel engines can run non-stop.

[JohnBoy45]

Is this true? Diesel engines can run non-stop for years. Someone told me a diesel engine can run 24 hours a day for years without stopping. They have way to change the oil without turning the engine off also.

Terry

 

[Jimbrown]

Yes They are called stationary engines. They are usually bigger than your house and cost more than most people make in thier lifetime. They are usually used for pipe line pumping or electric generation. Also ships and locomotives.

 

[beenthere]

I'd see no reason to stop unless to repair or do maintenance that cannot be done remotely or without the engine stopped (i.e. change pistons, etc.).
Engines don't need to rest and don't know when they need a nap either.
Keep all the fluids topped off and the engine cool, should be no reason to stop.

 

[PineRidge]

<font color="blue"> Is this true? Diesel engines can run non-stop for years. </font>

Actually they'll only run until the fuel runs out. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


On the serious note if you keep them in fuel, lubricating oil, and well maintained they can and do run for many years.

 

[sneaky_pete]

When I worked in the oil fields on the North Slope (of Alaska), every diesel engine we had except for one backup generator ran 24/7, including all the vehicles. Once every week or two you would shut it off just long enough to change the oil, but you'd have to start it up again before it got stone cold. When I came back home after 6 months, I couldn't sleep because there was no diesel engine noise.

 

[TresCrows]

So could a gasoline engine, or a propane engine or a natural gas engine or a turbine. Speaking of which, turbine engines make all reciprocating engines seem silly and arcahic. To bad they cost small fortunes. A trainload of diesels could not match a single large turbine. Effortless power for thousands of hours, stupendous power. J

 

[Bird]

The first time we drove to Alaska (July '72), at several of the fuel stops far from civilization I could hear a loud, slow, but steady series of (explosions?) coming from the woods out of sight. Naturally I had to ask what that was and was told it was single cylinder diesel generators. At least one of the station owners told me his had been running continuously, not even shut down during oil changes, for more than 10 years. But, unfortunately, I didn't get to see any of them, and have no way of knowing whether he was right.

 

[5030]

Bird:

Locomotive engines aren't shut down as a rule, especially in cold climates because they don't have antifreeze in them. If the shut down inadvertently, they drop their cooling water. The oil is changed as they run. It's not really changed, it's pumped out into a special truck where it's centrifuged to remove contaminates from cumbustion and additives are replenished. Then it's pumped back in the crankcase (so to speak). Locomotive diesels really don't have a block or crankcase in the sense of what folks are used to seeing. The block is a steel plate weldment with internal fitments to carry the crankshaft and cylinders (power packs). Because of the low rpm and resultant exhaust gas flow, turbochargers on locomotive engines are gear driven with an over running clutch to provide boost at low rpm.

www.gmemd.com

 

[RonR]

Daryl,

Whaddya suppose a 6300BHP diesel motor costs these days? And what size frame would it take to put it in a 12 wheel articulated tractor?

Now there's a home build it yourself project, no?

Have fun.

ron

 

[5030]

Ron:

If you could put one in a chassis of some sort I don't know how you'd gear it to turn the wheels. Remember, the EMD engines make maximum power at around 900 rpm. A locomotive is basically a diesel engine driving an alternator providing power to traction motors, compressor for air brakes, switchgear and resistor banks for dynamic braking....and not much in creature comforts. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif