This type of fouling I was warned about. It is important to run a diesel in its sweet spot - like 50%+ load. It may be useful for you to decouple the gen end (easy if it is a two bearing model!!!) and get one of the little Listeroids for low power application. Diesels really like 75 to 90% load and I think prefer 100% load over 10% load.

Comments on these ideas from those that work in the field appreciated!!!

D
d | 01.31.06 - 7:25 pm | #

I can load the gen head to capacity with 3 water heating elements, but not quite sure how to load the engine above 25%
Steve Spence | Homepage | 01.31.06 - 8:43 pm | #

One note on the 2-71....It's rated 68hp with full size injectors and at 2100 rpm.

In reefer service, I believe they installed smaller injectors, which will cut maximum power, but also burn cleaner at lower power outputs.

Further reducing power is the set only runs at 1200 rpm. You'd have to look at the power curve for the 2-71 engine to see what the continuous rating is for 1200 rpm. I'll bet it's not even half of 68hp.

Nevertheless, you have a very large engine, relatively, only putting out maybe 16 to 20hp when the generator is fully loaded.

I'm guessing that the lower power output coupled with the gummy residues from burning WVO is what is coking up your exhaust passages. Higher power outputs would tend to either burn or blow the soot out.

Still, the insides look pretty good, aside from the gunk.

Chris
Chris Beck | 02.01.06 - 8:44 am | #

Good points. I've got N-60's installed. I'm looking at possible water injection as well as increasing the load with a 2kw 120volt water heater element on each phase. I don't have a hp/rpm curve. Any sources?
Steve Spence | Homepage | 02.01.06 - 11:55 am | #

Forming ones own rough curve should not be too much of a problem. You will need a good rev-counter (mechanical or electronic) and a means of adding and measuring the electrical load you are applying (watt-meter or current and voltage meters). You can switch in different combinations of electrical load (light bulbs to heater elements) to get enough points to create a graph of electrical load versus rpm. I am sure you could borrow some temporary loads from your nearest neighbours for the test.
Paul E. Bennett | Homepage | 02.01.06 - 9:08 pm | #

Steve, you could try asking the question over at the Detroit Diesel Yahoo group. I'll bet there is somebody there with the documentation or knows where to look for a 2-71 power curve.

Chris
Chris Beck | 02.02.06 - 8:23 am | #