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Good info on air cooled diesel engines

DRankin Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 5116 Northern Nevada   Pics

2003-01-06          47039

Hi Folks, I asked Mark Lugo a question on another thread about his experience working with air cooled diesel engines. He replied to my e-mail, but his answer is so filled with useful information, I thought I should share it with everyone. Hope you don't mind Mark.

Here is his reply:

I thought it might be better to reply here so as not to confuse conversation thread. Yes I have turned (wrenches) on Eicher, Deutz and a host of other manufacturers of aircooled.

Aircooled engines are far less complicated and more reliable than water cooled.
Let me start with this: all engines are air=cooled. Water only transfers the heat. Air cools the water. Water cannot cool itself in a closed system.

Water cooled engines use radiators, hoses, pumps, head gaskets, thermostat, coolant, belts and fan.
Aircooled engines use belt and fan.(that's right no head gaskets to blow.) blowing directly through cylinder fins.

Water cooled engines tend to run at higher temperatures than Aircooled ( think thermal breakdown of oil).

Many skid steer loader manufacturers prefer the use of AC diesels I.E. Bobcat. Also, your trenches such as Ditchwitch and I think Vermeer use them, Hospital generators, irrigation pumps, power units for sawmills, and yes even in Heavy trucks use them. The reliability and serviceability is superior to water cooled.

Engines are easier to rebuild, allowing one cylinder at a time to be serviced and completely replaced. without touching others. Consider this: complete rebuild for 364 Eicher 35HP $750 for parts including new valves, springs, cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, bearings, and relevant seals. time: 3 hours including splitting tractor in half. Throw in another $350 for a new injection pump.

Engine life generally exceeds water cooled.

Tractor companies have used aircooled for years. The Germans Italians and Russians have always specialized in them. DEUTZ uses them, Same, Landini, Belarus, Eicher,Lambourghini, and several others have and continue to use them. AGCO uses them in some of their older lines a few years ago and uses them now in their articulated mini-payloaders branded as Wrangler and as MF. Also in Spra-coupe.

The first diesels were generally aircooled.

One disadvantage, of AC diesels. In really cold weather, some engine have difficulty reaching a decent operating temperature, allowing them to consume oil. Generally though AC crank much more readily in cold than watercooled. Most are direct injected

Enjoyed discussing with you
Mark Lugo




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Good info on air cooled diesel engines

marklugo Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 281 Tifton, GA   Pics

2003-01-06          47042

I will add that a water pump can consume about 3-4 additional HP. (more fuel, less power) ....

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Good info on air cooled diesel engines

marklugo Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 281 Tifton, GA   Pics

2003-01-06          47069

Oh and also, no freeze plugs or crazy head tightening sequences. ....

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