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How many hours on a Diesel engine before a rebuild?

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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 2:06 AM

Just imagine what 'hot rodders' could get out of a locomotive diesel for power if they tried the tricks of the hot rod trade.  It may no longer be Tier compliant but it would be fun to see!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by da_kraut on Monday, April 11, 2016 9:29 PM

Hello,

Thank you for the replies.  It is interesting to read what the railroads expect.  This would also explain why the horsepower output per cubic liter is for a prime mover in a locomotive is rather low specially when compared to vehicles on the road.  Fascinating information.

Thank you

Frank

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Posted by NorthWest on Monday, April 11, 2016 5:14 PM

From a builder's plate of a Tier I Dash 9-44CW: "EPA Emissions Useful Life is the earlier of 33,750 MW-hours, 10 years or 750,000 miles per 40 CFR Part 92.9". Seems reasonable that this is about the average prime mover lifespan.

High speed diesels wear faster and require more frequent overhaul and replacement.

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Posted by D.Carleton on Monday, April 11, 2016 1:35 PM

I had the opportunity to speak with the GE reps in Denver whilst on an escort move. My question pertained to the turbo rebuilding/replacement on the 7FDL series. They said the turbos should be rebuilt when the engine is overhauled, every 7 to 11 years.

The ALCo 251 manual has one sentence of direction for 8 years of use: Remove and rebuild engine.

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How many hours on a Diesel engine before a rebuild?
Posted by da_kraut on Sunday, April 10, 2016 10:09 PM

Hello everyone.

Where I am working there was a opportunity to speak with a mechanic that was swapping out a Caterpillar 3524 from a 797 haul truck.  He said that the engines are expected to perform for 14 to 15 thousand hours before overhauls.  So my question is what kind of life expectancy can you expect from a GE or EMD diesel engine in a modern AC engine?  Basically asking about the 710 and the GEVO diesels.

Thank you

"If you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."

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