Volvo TMD41A 150 HP Fuel Consumption

[Boilermaker75]

Does anyone who owns a 38+/- foot trawler, powered by twin Volvo TMD41A turbo-charged 150HP diesel engines, have a fuel consumption (vs. RPMs) chart, or any other fuel consumption statistics?

The engines on the used 37' trawler I'm looking at have 5,000 hours; since the inverter on the boat is relatively new, I suspect a large percentage of those 5,000 hours were running the engine(s) at low RPMs in neutral to recharge the batteries. Should that be a significant concern for me?

Thanks! Peace and blessings, s/ Larry Buchman

 

[Comodave]

Keep in mind they are Volvos...

 

[koliver]

Keep in mind they are Volvos...

Fuel consumption is not affected by brand name.
Look at the wave you are making. If you want better fuel consumption, make a smaller wave. It really is that simple.

I run at 8 knots almost all of the time. My fuel consumption improved when I updated my engines from TMD40s to TAMD41s, and further when I overpropped to run closer to the sweet spot at 8 knots.

Those things can be done with any brand name and will get the same results.

At 8 knots, wave no more than 1ft tall, 44000lb of Semi Displacement in 44 feet, I get a consistent 2 nmpg.

Those engines should go 10000 hrs before a major rebuild, so long as you look after them and don't have any catastrophic failure along the way.

When I sold my TMD40s, they had close to 5000 hrs. The fisherman who bought, was happy to pay my asking price without trying to negotiate me lower.

 

[Comodave]

I wasn’t referring to fuel economy.

 

[BruceK]

If the engines were fast idled for long hours to recharge batts you could have a cylinder glazing issue,indicated by continuous exhaust blue smoke. But I think you`d have noticed that.
Are you saying it has no genset, which is the usual way to power battery recharge via a charger. I`d want one on a 37ft trawler, unless it had a large solar and battery installation.
Comodave is obliquely referring to Volvo parts cost and availability.

 

[Comodave]

Yes, I was.

 

[Boilermaker75]

Thank you all for your replies, direct and oblique, to my posting/inquiry.
Peace and blessings, s/ Larry Buchman

 

[DavidM]

Boilermaker:


You didn't get a direct answer to your questions. I spent a little time googling for a data sheet and couldn't easily find one. I am pretty sure that boatdiesel has one in their extensive marine engine data base, but you will have to spend $25 to join.


I tried Volvo's engine search feature, here at https://www.volvopenta.com/marineleisure/en-en/for-owners/your-engine/manuals---handbooks.html, but it came up blank. Maybe if you can plug in your serial number you will get better results.


Also, although you seem to understand the point made, look at my recent post describing how to use the fuel consumption curve for a Perkins engine, here at http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s6/perkins-135hp-fuel-consumption-42519.html#post731426


David

 

[CptnPete]

I had (technically still have) TAMD41's in a 32' FJ Prowler sportfish. I didn't use it enough for to get a read on fuel economy except an impression it was pretty economical. We didn't run it at 20+knts as designed. Mine and all the other TAMD41s I am familiar with are 200HP at approx 3800RPM turbo and aftercooled motors. They are known to be smoky, part costs did not seem noticeably worse than parts for other brand diesels we have owned.

 

[koliver]

I had (technically still have) TAMD41's in a 32' FJ Prowler sportfish. I didn't use it enough for to get a read on fuel economy except an impression it was pretty economical. We didn't run it at 20+knts as designed. Mine and all the other TAMD41s I am familiar with are 200HP at approx 3800RPM turbo and aftercooled motors. They are known to be smoky, part costs did not seem noticeably worse than parts for other brand diesels we have owned.

Pete
I too am familiar only with the 200 HP TAMD41.
This: https://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/e-volvo-penta-122-TMD41A.aspx
shows a 150 HP engine that matches the OP's query.

I stand by my statement re fuel economy. I don't think the 150hp engine will be out of sync with my post.

 

[CptnPete]

Pete
I too am familiar only with the 200 HP TAMD41.
This: https://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/e-volvo-penta-122-TMD41A.aspx
shows a 150 HP engine that matches the OP's query.

I stand by my statement re fuel economy. I don't think the 150hp engine will be out of sync with my post.

Aha, TMD vs TAMD. Good to know. Thanks.

 

[Boilermaker75]

KOliver / Keith,
Thanks for the URL link to the Volvo Penta TMD41A diesel engine parts lists/diagrams -- that will be very handy, if and when I go through with the purchase of the used trawler quipped with those engines.
Peace and blessings,
Larry Buchman

 

[Lifes Good]

better late than never,
i have twin TAMD41A 200Hp turbo on an Offshore 48 yachtfisher.
her fuel burn in RPM over 60 minutes per engine is as follows

1500rpm over 1 hour 4litres or 1.05 US GAL
1900rpm over 1 hour 7litres or 1.85 US GAL

this is fuel burn ratio per engine at RPM not speed, speed is determined via many factors prop pitch hull design weight. but the basic fuel burn will be around the same.
my vessel gives the following speeds

on one engine consumption
4 knots at 1500rpm 4 litres per hour
7 knots at 1900rpm 7 liters per hour

on two engines total consumption
6 knots at 1500rpm 8 liters per hour
8 knots at 1900rpm 14 liters per hour
10 knots at 2400rpm 21 liters per hour

these are economical cruising speeds my vessel will do 11+ knots WOT but fuel burn is high and i have not done a calibration.

data was obtained by using only one fuel tank fitted with a sight glass, and closing pick up and return valves on the other tanks, marking the sight glass then adding 20 liters (5 gal) to that tank and marking glass, on my glass 20lt measured 35mm (1"3/8). run engine/engines for one hour, measure fuel used off sight glass and calculate or add measured top up fuel.