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L21/31

Auxiliary Engine (Generator Set) · Auxiliary Engines

Technical data from manufacturer or class sources · not yet verified by a person​​‍‌‌​‍​‍‍‍‍‍‍⁠‍‌​⁠⁠
5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9Cylinders
210 mmBore
310 mmStroke
750-1,980 kW (5-9L)Capacity
HFO / VLSFO / MGOMedium

The MAN L21/31 is a medium‑speed, four‑stroke auxiliary diesel engine delivering 750–1980 kW at 900–1000 rpm, designed for shipboard power generation with flexible fuel capability including HFO, VLSFO, MGO and methanol retrofits.

Specifications

Technical data.reference — unverified

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Swept volume per cylinder10.74 L / 10.7 dm³
Compression ratio15.5:1
Maximum combustion pressure200 bar
Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC)183-192 g/kWh (genauere Werte: 183 g/kWh bei 85% Last, 180 g/kWh Part-Load optimiert, 189-192 g/kWh je nach Konfiguration)
Specific lubrication oil consumption<0.8 g/kWh
Power per cylinder220 kW
Stroke/Bore ratio1.48:1
Turbocharging systemMAN TCR constant pressure mit Jet Assist und Interkühlung
Power-to-weight ratio18.4-22.5 kg/kW
Emission complianceIMO Tier II + IMO Tier III (mit MAN SCR)
Type4-Stroke Medium-Speed Auxiliary Engine
Sfoc g (kWh)192
TierIMO Tier II
Drive TypeGenerator Drive
ConstructionTrunk piston, inline
Service

Service notes.

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

Standard MAN 4-Stroke intervals.

Inspection

Inspector Detail ✓ verified

Common issues

  • Fuel injector issues (coking, poor atomization, nozzle wear) leading to uneven combustion and high EGTs.
  • Turbocharger bearing wear (axial and radial play) causing reduced efficiency, oil leaks, and potential rotor damage.
  • Cylinder head cracking, often due to thermal stress, poor cooling, or improper tightening procedures.
  • Governor problems, including instability, hunting, or failure to maintain set speed under varying loads.
  • Exhaust valve burning or seat wear, resulting in loss of compression, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to cylinder components.
  • Piston ring wear or scuffing, leading to increased blow-by, higher lube oil consumption, and reduced power output.
  • Lube oil contamination or degradation, accelerating wear on bearings and other moving parts.
  • Cooling water system issues such as leaks, scaling in passages, or pump failures, leading to engine overheating.

Inspection checklist

  • Visually inspect for leaks (fuel, lube oil, cooling water) around cylinder heads, fuel pumps, turbocharger, and pipe connections.
  • Monitor exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) for uniformity across cylinders; significant deviations indicate combustion issues.
  • Check lube oil pressure and temperature, ensuring they are within specified operating limits and observing for sudden fluctuations.
  • Listen for abnormal noises (knocking, rattling, turbocharger whine) and observe for excessive vibrations.
  • Inspect fuel injection system components for cleanliness, signs of leakage, and proper securing of high-pressure lines.
  • Check turbocharger for excessive axial/radial play (when engine is stopped and cool) and oil leaks from compressor/turbine sides.
  • Verify governor response and stability during load changes and speed adjustments, checking for hunting or sluggishness.
  • Inspect cylinder head cooling water passages for signs of scaling or blockage (if accessible during maintenance).
  • Review engine logbook for recent alarms, maintenance history, and operational trends (e.g., lube oil consumption, EGTs).
  • Test safety devices (overspeed trip, low lube oil pressure shutdown, high cooling water temp shutdown) for functionality.

Service intervals

Fuel Injectors (overhaul/replacement)3,000 - 6,000 hours
Exhaust Valves (overhaul/replacement)6,000 - 12,000 hours
Cylinder Heads (overhaul/inspection)12,000 - 18,000 hours
Turbocharger (overhaul/inspection)12,000 - 18,000 hours
Piston Overhaul (inspection/ring replacement)12,000 - 18,000 hours
Connecting Rod Bearings (inspection/renewal)18,000 - 24,000 hours
Main Bearings (inspection/renewal)24,000 - 36,000 hours
Major Overhaul (depending on condition monitoring)24,000 - 36,000 hours

Typical wear limits

Cylinder Liner WearMax 0.6 - 0.8 mm (at top dead center, depending on specific engine variant and manufacturer spec)
Piston Ring Groove WearMax 0.15 - 0.2 mm (axial clearance increase from new)
Crankshaft DeflectionMax 0.05 - 0.1 mm (between adjacent main bearings, depending on engine length and class rules)
Main Bearing ClearancesMax 0.15 - 0.25 mm (radial, depending on shaft diameter)
Connecting Rod Bearing ClearancesMax 0.15 - 0.25 mm (radial, depending on shaft diameter)
Exhaust Valve Seat RecessionMax 1.5 - 2.0 mm (from new position, before replacement)
Turbocharger Rotor Axial PlayMax 0.15 - 0.25 mm
Turbocharger Rotor Radial PlayMax 0.3 - 0.5 mm

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

Critical spares

  • Fuel Injector Nozzles/Elements (complete sets)
  • Fuel and Lube Oil Filter Elements (primary and secondary)
  • Exhaust Valves and Valve Seats
  • Cylinder Head Gaskets and O-rings
  • Piston Rings (at least one complete set per cylinder type)
  • Turbocharger Bearing Cartridge or Repair Kit
  • Governor Spares (e.g., seals, small components, actuator)
  • Various O-rings and seals for critical systems (fuel, lube oil, cooling water)

Safety

  • High-pressure fuel lines: Risk of spray fires if leaks occur. Ensure proper shielding, double-wall piping, and regular inspection for integrity.
  • Hot surfaces: Exhaust manifold, turbocharger, cylinder heads. Risk of severe burns. Ensure insulation and warning signs are intact.
  • Rotating machinery: Flywheel, coupling, fan belts. Ensure all guards are securely in place to prevent entanglement.
  • Crankcase explosion risk: Although modern engines have safety measures (oil mist detectors, relief valves), it remains a potential severe hazard. Ensure OMDs are functional and relief valves are clear.
  • Exhaust gas leaks: Risk of asphyxiation and fire in enclosed spaces. Regularly check exhaust piping and expansion bellows for integrity.

Class survey

During annual surveys, surveyors will verify operational parameters (pressures, temperatures, speeds), visually inspect for leaks, damage, and proper securing of components. Functionality of safety devices (overspeed, low LO pressure, high CW temp shutdowns) and alarm systems are always checked. Engine logbook and maintenance records are reviewed. For intermediate and special surveys (typically every 5 years), a more comprehensive inspection is required. This often involves opening cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rod bearings, and selected main bearings for inspection and measurement. Crankshaft deflection measurement is mandatory. The integrity of the fuel oil system, including high-pressure lines, shielding, and quick-closing valves, is thoroughly checked. Emissions compliance (if applicable) and emergency shutdown functionality are also key focus areas. Documentation of condition monitoring, spare parts, and maintenance is crucial for demonstrating compliance.

Estimated lifetime: 80,000 - 120,000 hours (with proper maintenance and scheduled major overhauls at 24,000-36,000 hour intervals)

Spares

Replacement Parts

Spare parts notes

MAN PrimeServ global.

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