Typical operating temp?

[pwilletts]

Is there a general engine temperature range for small raw water diesel engines...?

[Diesel Bill]

Originally Posted by pwilletts

Is there a general engine temperature range for small raw water diesel engines...?

Normally running straight raw water cooled engines will have a T-stat set at a lower temp than indirect cooled engines with a heat exchanger.
Reason being higher heat levels lead to minerals dissolved in sea water to come out of suspension and form calcium deposits in the cooling system passage ways. These deposits will block heat transfer.
So generally direct cooled engines will run around 160 - 165 deg. Unfortunately this is not an ideal temp for engine efficiency as engines are more efficient at closer to 200 deg. So it's all a compromise.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by pwilletts

Is there a general engine temperature range for small raw water diesel engines...?

FWIW, the maker will have specified the appropriate operating temp range for a given engine... Should be in the documentation somewhere...

-Chris

[DougR]

Salt begins to precipitate out of sea water at approximately 148-150 degrees F.

Therefore most raw water cooled engines are equipped with 140 degree F thermostats.

DougR