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Old 12-04-2018, 01:43   #1
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Kohler Marine Diesels

Hello....has anyone any experience or knowledge of the new Kohler KDI 2504M-MP marine diesel. It is a 50hp, 4 cylinder low revving engine. Would it be suitable to propel my 20 ton 43ft yacht? I have a 50hp BMW right now which is getting troublesome
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Old 12-04-2018, 03:55   #2
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

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Originally Posted by Tommee View Post
Hello....has anyone any experience or knowledge of the new Kohler KDI 2504M-MP marine diesel. It is a 50hp, 4 cylinder low revving engine. Would it be suitable to propel my 20 ton 43ft yacht? I have a 50hp BMW right now which is getting troublesome


I think it’s a common rail. I think they are in a lot of equipment. Usually 4 hp per ton is the minimum most consider, though if you motor mostly in light air maybe not a big deal.

FWIW, I opted against the electronically controlled common rail to repower with a beta 50 this winter. Kubota base. Kubota makes the most sub 100hp diesels in the world. The engine block in in the beta 50 lives in many bobcats and the like so get abused and keep ticking.
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Old 12-04-2018, 04:12   #3
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

Evidently, NOT common rail.

“Liquid-cooled with direct injection, oil control, and high sulfur fuel compatibility, this powerful 4-valve-head engine is not available for sale in the U.S., Canada and E.U. It offers the many features of the common rail model but does not have a common rail or EGR.”
Kohler Engines: KDI2504M: Kohler Diesel KDI Mechanical: Product Detail: Engines
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Old 12-04-2018, 06:37   #4
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

Thanks Gord- I missed that in my brief search- had only seen “high pressure injection” which I read as implying CR
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Old 12-04-2018, 12:55   #5
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

Hi Guys,
Thank you for your input....much appreciated. Sorry but this blond does not understand "rail"...what is this please. I am in New Zealand & this engine is just starting to be sold here. I like the comment...powerful, especially as it is slightly small for my 20 ton Girl.
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Old 12-04-2018, 13:36   #6
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

A common rail fuel system has a fuel manifold/ tube/ rail which is pressurized by a very high pressure fuel pump. Connected to the rail are high pressure pipes which run to each injector. When the engine is running this rail and its high pressure pipes are full of fuel at high pressure...commonly as much as 30,000 or 35,000 psi. The very high pressures produces greatly improved atomization of the fuel. The injectors are controlled electronically, allowing very fine, precise control of the injection process. There may be several injector openings per power stroke....for example a small initial pulse to get things started, then a bulk pulse with longer opening time, then a finishing spritz. All sorts of tricky stuff.

Bottom line is very clean burning, low emissions, quiet, and high power.

Concerns are that it is electronic and subject to typical marine electronic issues. That said it has been in use in marine application for at least a dozen years with generally good results.

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Old 18-04-2018, 05:20   #7
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

Some years ago Kohler bought out Lombardini diesel to get a reliable supply of engines for their generating sets.
The engine in question is a marinized Lombardini diesel and you can see all specs on the Lombardini website. diesel - lombardinigroup.it
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Old 18-04-2018, 07:14   #8
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

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Originally Posted by DougR View Post
A common rail fuel system has a fuel manifold/ tube/ rail which is pressurized by a very high pressure fuel pump. Connected to the rail are high pressure pipes which run to each injector. When the engine is running this rail and its high pressure pipes are full of fuel at high pressure...commonly as much as 30,000 or 35,000 psi. The very high pressures produces greatly improved atomization of the fuel. The injectors are controlled electronically, allowing very fine, precise control of the injection process. There may be several injector openings per power stroke....for example a small initial pulse to get things started, then a bulk pulse with longer opening time, then a finishing spritz. All sorts of tricky stuff.

Bottom line is very clean burning, low emissions, quiet, and high power.

Concerns are that it is electronic and subject to typical marine electronic issues. That said it has been in use in marine application for at least a dozen years with generally good results.

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Someone needs to design one of these with highly ruggedized electronics, modular and easily replaceable, and with built-in diagnostics which would allow a self-sufficient sailor with a kit of spares to field repair any fault.
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Old 22-04-2018, 00:00   #9
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Re: Kohler Marine Diesels

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Someone needs to design one of these with highly ruggedized electronics, modular and easily replaceable, and with built-in diagnostics which would allow a self-sufficient sailor with a kit of spares to field repair any fault.
It is the high pressure fuel pumps that are the problem with marginal quality diesel. No issues with the electronics really.
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