Diesel hp rating not always what's advertised!

Torque & Horsepower

The fundamental relationship between Torque and Horsepower is as follows:

HP (USA STANDARD) = Torque (Ft-LBf) x RPM x ( 2 x 3.14159 / 33,000 )

Where :
HP = USA STANDARD = James Watt Standard = 33,000 Ft-LBf / min
Torque = (Ft-LBf)
RPM = Revolutions per minute

Rearranging for conveinence:

HP (USA STANDARD) = Torque (Ft-LBf) x RPM / 5252

Torque (Ft-LBf) = 5252 x HP (USA STANDARD) / RPM

Reduction gears change the RPM output, and the output torque, horsepower remains essentially constant, except for some small loss (nominally 1 to 3%) across each gear reduction.

If you can give further details as to the boat displacement, hull type, waterline length, and desired speed, the proper propeller diameter and pitch can be selected. Depending on the availability to mount the ideal prop, some compromise is ususlly met, adjusting prop size and pitch to fit the constraints of the hull.

 

40 HP is 40 HP regardless of brand. The RPMs at which the power is rated will indicate what the torque is. However, with a higher revving engine and a higher ratio reduction, it is possible to turn the same wheel. There is no difference.

 

"We will still only inject 10 mm3 thus the btu content for the 10 mm3 @ 35C° will be lower. Lower btu per injection event = less power."

Even the lowly mechanical govenor on a Detriot 2 stroke will compensate for thin hot fuel.

The rack simply calls for MORE FUEL to keep the rpm the same , weather the load changes or the fuel does.

They were no dummies in 1936!

FAST FRED

 

Fred,

Yes - And all mechanical engines with a governor will do the same. BUT only at partial load. At full load (and this is where your power loss due to fuel temp is noticable) the mechanical governor can do nothing to compensate.

Karl2

 

The standard for measuring engine horsepower output is "Brake" horsepower (which, as Gonzo describes is measured by torque at RPM acting on a water brake). I have, however, seen horespower published in terms of "shaft" horsepower, and in another way that I can't quite recall (Similar to Drawbar horsepower).

I have had diesel engines Dyno tested, and actually have never seen one fail to meet the publilshed values. I have heard of them though.

One interesting point is that some manufacturers will sell the same engine as a commercial engine and as a recreational engine. The commercial engine has a lower reccommended continuous operating RPM and therefore a lower Max Horsepower rating. (But it's the same engine)