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Operation range Volvo-Penta D6
Dirtythirty
Member Posts: 393 ✭✭✭
Does anyone know what would be a safe RPM to run at for and extended run of say 3-4 hours. I've been told that diesels like to run hard ....but then I've also heard that running them at the top of the rpm range is not good. I get about 27 mph out of 3050 RPMs, but the other boats I'll be running with are faster. I'm not so sure I want to wring out my engines just to try and keep up. I'm pretty sure I am ALL DONE at about 3400 RPMs.
Comments
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
in my experience, running diesel's hard over an extended period of time is all about the oil... monitoring the oil temperature and weight is a big deal... keeping it between 195 and 210* just past the filter (after sump) is best... the Schaeffer's can hit 270* as many times as you want and suffer no ills, where many others need to be replaced after one 260* tag... Schaeffer's and Amsoil HD are the only two that don't break down until after 300*... flash point on both are well north of 430*- which is important not as much for the engine as it is for the turbo, where those temps can be achieved and then the flow stopped when the engine stops- it burns in an o2-less burn, and cokes on the bearing shaft, leaving that hard black film that just plain doesn't come off- and ultimately works it's way between shafts and seals, and compromises the seal.... you REALLY don't want that to happen... a compromised (leaking) seal at the turbo shaft allows oil to be sucked up and pumped into the intake, and poof- you have a run away diesel.... that is some dangerous stuff right there.
if you consider following the advice in the first paragraph here, you've lowered your odds dramatically of having that happen, as well as extending the life of that engine- and with the lubrication that combo oil+additive provides, you can hit the governor and hold it there indefinitely, so long as you monitor your oil, cooling, and exhaust temperatures, making sure they are in a sustainable range.
Hmmm, I know the 420s are definitely heavy, probably even more so with the diesels and pod drive setup. My neighbor has the 420 (not your setup though) and he has to keep more speed to keep the nose down. But with his gas engines, he can go a bit faster. I know on my boat it says to make sure tabs are up while on plane or you may damage or tear them off.
Dirty, hoping you do make it to Still Pond next weekend! Many of us are excited to see that beautiful boat and meet you. You had me laughing when you said 33gph! LOL! I'd love to see that with my boat! I'll see anywhere from 40-50gph, of course going a little faster, but not enough to make that much fuel difference.
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Consider moving weight toward the bow. Look for something heavy that is stored in the transom locker, such as power cords, that you can store under the V-berth. Also consider adding more chain to the anchor rode. I did both of those, and it improved my fuel consumption and time-to-plane.