Just wanted to get the word out on a new type of
Diesel Engine. This
engine is called Buck
Marine Diesel.
I
work at Buck
Marine Diesel. We are currently developing a prototype diesel engine specifically designed for inboard marine use. We're still working on things right now. We have the first prototype up and running.
We are currently working on a 6-cylinder model with 3- and 4-cylinder models to follow. The engines have a unique two injector per cylinder design that will increase the
fuel mapping potential exponentially and result in lower emissions capability. The
family of engines will range from 150 to 700 HP and have been designed from the bottom up with a totally different approach. These engines are capable of exceptional
cooling, allowing for substantial improvements in
power output while increasing longevity.
The
cooling path for this engine is a fraction of most engines. In the
classic designs,
coolant flows into the front of the engine, all the way back to the rear cylinder, then back out the front. This means that the rear cylinder is always receiving
water that has already been heated by the previous cylinders.
In the Buck Marine system, the
coolant flows individually into and out of each cylinder. This means that the all of the cylinders will be operating at the same temperature at all times. Using individual and shorter cooling paths, will also help eliminate hot spots and temperature stacking.
The engine also has a dual cooling system that uses both an internal coolant as well as circulating
raw water from whatever body of
water the
boat is in. This cooling system will keep the engine running cool, allowing us to generate more
power. If a problem should arise, the engine is also very serviceable.
The modular cylinder design allows for easy
maintenance. With our design, you can change an individual cylinder,
head, piston, and connecting rod without having to remove the crank case. We are estimating that the entire upper half of the engine (cylinders, heads, pistons, and connecting rods ) could be entirely replaced in about 2 hours time. Each of the aforementioned
parts is also interchangeable with each of the other cylinders. In addition, nearly every seal is made with an o-ring of some form, meaning that the
gasket set for the entire engine can fit in a gallon-sized plastic bag. These two factors will significantly reduce part inventory.
While running under a moderate load at about 2500
rpm, the
exhaust temperatures were around 1200 degrees F. We ran under those conditions for about 15 minutes. The hottest that the coolant
pump got was about 150 degrees F. None of the 6 heads were over 135 degrees and all of them were within about 3 degrees of one another. You could lay your hands on top of the valve covers.
Check out our website for further pictures and videos.
Feel free to ask any questions that you have.
Buck Marine Diesel
This video shows the tear down and rebuilding of a cylinder, all done in less than 8 minutes!
This is a video of our engine up and running: