Main Engine 4-Stroke · Main Engines (4-Stroke)
The MAN L27/38 is a medium‑speed four‑stroke marine diesel engine (6‑ or 9‑cylinder) delivering about 340 kW per cylinder at 800 rpm, known for its compact size and flexibility to run on HFO, MDO/MGO and dual‑fuel methanol variants.
Do you have the manufacturer datasheet for this model? Send it with the enquiry form — we check it and name the source.
What our service work and the manufacturer documentation say about keeping this model running.
Servicing per the manufacturer's manual and classification society requirements. Annual inspection at class survey. Stock spare parts as specified by the manufacturer.
| Minor Service (filters, nozzle checks) | 500 - 1,000 running hours |
|---|---|
| Top Overhaul (cylinder heads, valves, injectors) | 6,000 - 12,000 running hours |
| Piston Overhaul (piston, rings, connecting rod bearings) | 12,000 - 18,000 running hours |
| Main Bearing Inspection/Renewal | 18,000 - 24,000 running hours |
| Turbocharger Overhaul | 12,000 - 18,000 running hours |
| Fuel Injection Pump Overhaul | 6,000 - 12,000 running hours |
| Cooling Water System Descaling/Inspection | 2,000 - 4,000 running hours or annually |
| Cylinder Liner Wear (max ovality/taper) | 0.6 - 0.8 mm (refer to MAN manual for specific values per engine type/bore) |
|---|---|
| Piston Ring Groove Wear (axial clearance) | Refer to manufacturer's manual; typically 0.15 - 0.25 mm for top ring, less for others. |
| Main/Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance | Measured with lead wire or feeler gauges; typically 0.15 - 0.30 mm, specific values in manual. |
| Exhaust Valve Seat Recession | Typically 1.0 - 1.5 mm from new condition, specific values in manual. |
| Crankshaft Deflection | Max deviation typically 0.05 - 0.10 mm across web, depending on engine size and specific web. |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Class surveyors will typically review engine logbooks, maintenance records, and previous survey reports. They will conduct visual inspections for general condition, cleanliness, leakages, and securing arrangements. Operational tests include emergency stop, overspeed trip, and alarm functionality. Depending on the survey cycle (e.g., special survey), they may require opening of cylinder heads, crankcase inspection, bearing clearances measurement, and verification of safety devices (e.g., pressure relief valves, flame traps). Fuel oil and lubricating oil systems integrity, cooling water system condition, and exhaust gas system integrity are also key focus areas. Bridge control and local control functionality will be checked.
Estimated lifetime: 80,000 - 120,000 running hours before major engine block overhaul or replacement, assuming diligent maintenance and adherence to service schedules.
Spare parts via MAN Energy Solutions, branch of MAN Energy Solutions SE, Germany or authorised distribution partners. Lead time: 2-6 weeks.
Free of charge — send us your request for MAN Energy Solutions equipment. Our team checks it and replies by e-mail.
Other models of the same equipment type, MAN Energy Solutions first.
Tell us what you need for this MAN Energy Solutions L27/38 — a part, a service call, a second opinion. Are you MAN Energy Solutions? Claim this brand page.
Service engineer? Write the day report for this L27/38 in OceanSphere Work — photos, hours and parts, as a PDF for the owner. Try it free for 14 days →
Yes. Specifications, documents and service notes for this model are readable without an account. An account adds saved searches and requests, nothing is taken away.
Yes. Tell us the manufacturer, the model and what you need — a person reads every request and replies by e-mail.
Send us the nameplate or the correct value. We check it against the manufacturer datasheet or class-society record and update the page.