Main Engine 4-Stroke · Main Engines (4-Stroke)
On board medium to large cargo ships and container vessels, the Wärtsilä 8LW38 is typically found powering auxiliary generators or as a main engine. Operating at 600 rpm with a bore of 380 mm and stroke of 475 mm, it provides a robust output of 5600 kW. The engine's medium-speed trunk piston design ensures efficient operation on heavy fuel oil (HFO) or marine gasoil (MGO). While no longer part of Wärtsilä’s current product line, existing units receive support and upgrade packages to maintain reliability. Common issues include cold corrosion of cylinder liners due to sulfur content in the fuel, wear on cylinder liners and piston rings from low residual alkalinity in cylinder oil, and gradual erosion of exhaust valve seats. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent these failures.
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