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6DE-18

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

Technical data from manufacturer or class sources · not yet verified by a person​​‍​⁠⁠⁠‍​⁠​‍⁠‍‌‌‌​​​
6Cylinders
185 mmBore
Per manufacturer datasheetCapacity
MDO/HFOMedium
Daihatsu in the SpecCodex register — view brand page →

In marine auxiliary applications, diesel engines are essential for providing reliable power and propulsion. The Daihatsu 6DE-18 is a robust 6-cylinder engine designed to operate on both Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). With a bore of 185 mm and a stroke of 280 mm, this 4-stroke engine delivers maximum power outputs of 815 kWe at 900 rpm and 665 kWe at 750 rpm. The Daihatsu 6DE-18 is part of the current DE series, which is Tier 2 compliant, ensuring environmental standards are met. To maintain optimal performance, it is crucial to follow Daihatsu's maintenance plan, which includes regular inspections and cleaning of injectors, valves, coolers, and the turbocharger. Spare parts such as fuel injectors, exhaust valves, filters, gasket kits, and cooler seals should be kept on hand for timely replacements. Common issues, like the need for improved atomization in fuel injection nozzles and critical maintenance of fuel injection valves, are addressed in Daihatsu's service bulletins. The engine’s reliability is further enhanced by ensuring that vibration reinforcement is applied to the fuel main pipe and that high-pressure block mounting bolts are torqued to specific specifications.

Specifications

Technical data.reference — unverified

Do you have the manufacturer datasheet for this model? Send it with the enquiry form — we check it and name the source.

DC-17 Bore170 mm
DC-17 Stroke270 mm
DE-18 Bore185 mm
DE-18 Stroke280 mm
5DC-17 Max Power440 kW (900 rpm) / 465 kW (720 rpm)
6DC-17 Max Power560 kW (900 rpm) / 610 kW (1000 rpm)
6DE-18 Max Power815 kWe (900 rpm) / 665 kWe (750 rpm)
Pme DC-17 (5-cyl)2.13 MPa
Pme DC-17 (6-cyl)2.21 MPa
Pme DE-182.5 MPa
Piston Speed (DC-17)8.10 m/sec at 900 rpm
Piston Speed (DE-18)8.4 m/sec at 900 rpm; 6.72 m/sec at 720 rpm
Dry Weight 5DC-17Ae10.0-11.0 tons
DC-17 Displacement (5-cyl)~9,700 cc
DC-17 Displacement (6-cyl)~11,600 cc
DE-18 Displacement~18,100 cc
Fuel CompatibilityMDO up to 700 mm²/s/50°C or HFO
Service

Service notes.

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

Follow Daihatsu maintenance plan for injectors, valves, coolers and turbocharger cleaning.

Inspection

Inspector Detail ✓ verified

Common issues

  • Injector fouling leading to poor combustion, high exhaust temperatures, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Exhaust valve wear (pitting, burning, seat recession) due to high thermal loads and corrosive combustion products, often exacerbated by HFO use.
  • Turbocharger fouling on both compressor and turbine sides, reducing efficiency and leading to surging or high exhaust back pressure.
  • Lube oil cooler leakage, typically from seawater side corrosion, leading to oil contamination or loss of cooling.
  • Piston ring wear or breakage, causing blow-by, increased lube oil consumption, and reduced compression.
  • Bearing wear (main and connecting rod) indicated by abnormal noise, vibration, or metal particles in lube oil.
  • Fuel pump element wear, leading to inconsistent fuel delivery and engine imbalance.
  • Cooling water system blockages or leaks, causing localized overheating or reduced engine performance.

Inspection checklist

  • Verify engine room cleanliness and absence of oil, fuel, or water leakages around the engine.
  • Check all engine operating parameters: exhaust gas temperatures per cylinder (ensure balance), lube oil pressure/temperature, cooling water pressure/temperature, fuel oil pressure/temperature, turbocharger RPM/boost pressure. Look for deviations from normal operating ranges.
  • Inspect fuel injection system for leaks (especially high-pressure lines) and listen for abnormal injector noises.
  • Visually inspect turbocharger for signs of oil leakage, unusual noise, or vibration. Check air filter condition.
  • Examine exhaust manifold and insulation for hot spots or leaks.
  • Check lube oil filters and fuel oil filters for excessive differential pressure, indicating clogging.
  • Inspect cooling water system for leaks, proper pressure, and condition of heat exchangers (visually if accessible).
  • Verify proper operation of engine safety devices (overspeed trip, low lube oil pressure alarm/shutdown, high cooling water temperature alarm/shutdown) through functional checks if permissible.
  • Check crankcase breather for excessive blow-by, indicating potential piston ring wear.
  • Listen for any abnormal knocking, rattling, or grinding noises from the engine.

Service intervals

Fuel Injectors (overhaul/replacement)3000-4000 hours
Exhaust Valves (inspection/grinding)6000-8000 hours
Turbocharger (cleaning)3000-4000 hours
Turbocharger (major overhaul)12000-16000 hours
Lube Oil Cooler (cleaning)3000-4000 hours
Piston Withdrawal (inspection/ring replacement)12000-16000 hours
Main & Connecting Rod Bearings (inspection)12000-16000 hours
Cylinder Head (overhaul)6000-8000 hours
Fuel Oil Filters (replacement)500-1000 hours
Lube Oil Filters (replacement)500-1000 hours

Typical wear limits

Cylinder Liner (max ovality/taper)0.6 - 0.8 mm (total)
Piston Ring Groove (max clearance)0.15 - 0.25 mm (over nominal)
Crankshaft Deflection (max)0.05 mm
Main Bearing Clearance (max over nominal)0.20 - 0.25 mm
Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance (max over nominal)0.15 - 0.20 mm
Exhaust Valve Seat Recession (max)1 mm
Turbocharger Rotor Axial Play (max)0.15 - 0.25 mm (refer to specific TC manual)

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

Critical spares

  • Complete set of fuel injectors or critical components (nozzles, plungers).
  • At least one complete exhaust valve assembly (valve, seat, spring, rotators).
  • Piston rings for one cylinder.
  • Main bearing and connecting rod bearing shells for one cylinder.
  • Fuel pump elements and delivery valves.
  • Full set of engine filters (fuel, lube oil, air).
  • Turbocharger bearing cartridge or repair kit.
  • Assorted gaskets and O-rings for common maintenance tasks (cylinder head, cooler covers).

Safety

  • High-pressure fuel oil leaks: Risk of fire due to spray onto hot surfaces. Ensure proper shielding and immediate repair.
  • Hot surfaces: Exhaust manifold, turbocharger, and uninsulated pipes pose severe burn hazards. Verify insulation integrity.
  • Rotating machinery: Exposed flywheels, shaft couplings, and fan belts present entanglement risks. Ensure guards are in place.
  • Pressurized systems: Starting air, cooling water, and fuel systems operate under pressure. Improper handling can lead to injury.
  • Crankcase explosion: Ensure crankcase relief doors are clear and functional. Monitor for excessive blow-by and abnormal crankcase pressure.

Class survey

A class surveyor will typically focus on the engine's overall condition, maintenance records, and compliance with statutory requirements. Key checks include: verification of engine logbook entries (running hours, maintenance performed, fuel/lube oil consumption), inspection of safety devices (overspeed trip test, low lube oil pressure alarm/shutdown, high cooling water temperature alarm/shutdown), general visual inspection for leaks, corrosion, and cleanliness. They will check the integrity of high-pressure fuel oil piping and shielding, crankcase relief doors, and exhaust gas system insulation. Depending on the survey cycle (e.g., intermediate or special survey), they may require opening of specific components such as cylinder heads, pistons, or bearings for internal inspection, often based on running hours or condition monitoring data. Lube oil analysis reports and fuel oil bunkering records are also scrutinized.

Estimated lifetime: 60,000 - 80,000 hours before first major overhaul (e.g., crankshaft out inspection), with a total design life exceeding 150,000 hours with proper maintenance.

Spares

Replacement Parts

Spare parts notes

Keep fuel injectors, exhaust valves, filters, gasket kits and cooler seals.

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