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26

Main Engine 4-Stroke · Main Engines (4-Stroke)

Technical data from manufacturer or class sources · not yet verified by a person
6 / 9Cylinders
260 mmBore
320 mmStroke
HFO/MDOMedium

The Wärtsilä 26 series is a medium‑speed, four‑stroke diesel main engine known for its high power per cylinder (≈325 kW) and flexible fuel capability (HFO, MDO, GO). Its defining feature is the modular cylinder configuration (6L to 16V) combined with a turbocharger‑intercooler system delivering low specific fuel consumption.

Specifications

Technical data.reference — unverified

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Displacement per cylinder17.0 liters
Mean Effective Pressure (MEP)25.5 bar (900 RPM) / 24.0 bar (1000 RPM)
Piston Speed9.6 m/s (900 RPM) / 10.7 m/s (1000 RPM)
SFOC (ISO conditions, 85% load)186-192 g/kWh
6L26 weight17.2 tons
8L26 weight21.9 tons
9L26 weight23.6 tons
12V26 weight29 tons
16V26 weight37.9 tons
Power per cylinder (325 kW/cyl)Consistent across all configurations
TurbochargingTurbocharged with intercooler (charge air cooler)
Emission StandardIMO Tier II (MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI)
Speed (rpm)900/1000
Service

Service notes.

What our service work and the manufacturer documentation say about keeping this model running.

Routine service includes injector overhaul, valve clearance checks, crankcase inspections and turbocharger cleaning by OEM schedule.

Inspection

Inspector Detail ✓ verified

Common issues

  • Exhaust valve burning (often due to high exhaust temperatures, poor fuel quality, or incorrect valve clearance)
  • Fuel injector nozzle coking (leading to poor atomization, increased fuel consumption, and higher thermal stress)
  • Cylinder liner wear (abrasive particles in fuel/lube oil, insufficient lubrication, or high thermal load)
  • Turbocharger fouling (on both compressor and turbine sides, reducing efficiency and increasing exhaust back pressure)
  • Piston ring sticking or breakage (due to poor combustion, lube oil degradation, or high operating temperatures)
  • Main and crankpin bearing wear (often linked to lube oil contamination, insufficient oil film, or misalignment)
  • Fuel pump element wear or seizure (due to poor fuel lubricity or contamination)
  • Cooling water system blockages or corrosion (affecting heat transfer and leading to localized overheating)

Inspection checklist

  • Monitor individual cylinder exhaust gas temperatures and deviations (indicative of valve or injector issues).
  • Check crankcase pressure and oil mist detector readings for abnormal blow-by or oil mist concentration.
  • Review lubricating oil analysis reports (wear metals, TBN, water content, fuel dilution) for trends.
  • Inspect fuel system for leakages, especially high-pressure lines and connections.
  • Assess turbocharger bearing play (axial/radial) and visually check compressor/turbine cleanliness.
  • Verify cooling water system pressures, temperatures, and inspect for external leakages.
  • Check engine foundation bolts for tightness and inspect engine mounts for signs of excessive vibration or damage.
  • Review records of valve clearance checks and fuel injector overhaul dates; spot-check if performance issues are noted.
  • General visual inspection for cleanliness, absence of fuel, lube oil, or water leaks from engine components.
  • Monitor engine performance parameters (RPM, load, fuel consumption, charge air pressure, exhaust back pressure).

Service intervals

Injector overhaul3000-6000 running hours
Valve clearance check3000-6000 running hours
Crankcase inspection3000-6000 running hours
Turbocharger water wash cleaning500-1000 running hours (more frequent on HFO)
Turbocharger dry/chemical cleaning or overhaul6000-12000 running hours
Piston and cylinder head overhaul12000-18000 running hours
Main and crankpin bearing inspection/renewal24000-36000 running hours (or as per condition monitoring)

Typical wear limits

Cylinder LinerMax wear diameter 0.6-0.8 mm from new (measured at top ring reversal point)
Piston Ring GrooveMax side clearance 0.25-0.35 mm (for top ring)
Crankshaft DeflectionMax deviation 0.05-0.10 mm (depending on engine length and OEM guidelines)
Main/Crankpin Bearing ClearanceMax increase 0.15-0.20 mm from new (or as per OEM manual)
Exhaust Valve Seat RecessionMax 1.5-2.0 mm (before renewal of seat ring or spindle)

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

  • Complete fuel injector unit (at least one per cylinder type)
  • Exhaust valve spindle and seat ring
  • Full set of piston rings for at least one cylinder
  • Main and crankpin bearing shells (at least one set of each type)
  • Fuel pump element and delivery valve
  • Turbocharger bearing cartridge or complete rotor assembly
  • Various O-rings and gasket sets (e.g., cylinder head, liner, fuel pump)
  • Lube oil and fuel filter elements

Safety

  • High-pressure fuel leaks: Risk of fire, explosion, or injection injuries. Ensure all high-pressure lines are shielded and connections are secure.
  • Crankcase explosions: Monitor oil mist detector functionality. Adhere to proper crankcase entry procedures and ventilation.
  • Hot surfaces: Exhaust manifold, turbocharger, and cylinder heads operate at high temperatures. Ensure insulation is intact and personnel are aware.
  • Rotating machinery: Flywheel, turbocharger, and pumps pose entanglement hazards. Ensure guards are in place.
  • Noise levels: Engine room noise can exceed safe limits. Hearing protection is mandatory during operation.

Class survey

During periodical surveys, a class surveyor will typically check: - Verification of planned maintenance system (PMS) records and completed maintenance tasks. - Review of lube oil analysis reports and trends. - Witnessing or review of crankshaft deflection readings. - Inspection of main bearing clearances (often by jacking test, or opening if required by schedule/condition). - Testing of engine safety devices (overspeed trip, low lube oil pressure, high cooling water temperature, oil mist detector). - Integrity of fuel oil system, including piping, filters, alarms, and quick-closing valves. - Condition of engine foundation bolts and mounting arrangements. - General cleanliness of the engine and engine room, absence of leaks (fuel, lube oil, water). - Condition of exhaust gas system insulation and integrity. - Verification of critical spare parts inventory.

Estimated lifetime: 80,000 - 120,000 hours (for major components like block and crankshaft, with proper maintenance and overhauls)

Spares

Replacement Parts

Spare parts notes

Maintain injector nozzles, exhaust valves, piston rings, filters, gasket sets and bearing shells.

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