Safe?!

[MYStargazer]

My boat has two Ford Thornycroft 6-cylinder diesels, turbocharged.

The rev counter has a red line at 2000 rpm.

Surely I can take the engines over 2000 rpm without damaging them?!

(I think the rev counters may relate to the original Perkins)

Thoughts most welcome, folks. Thanks.

 

[alb40]

My perkins guages also have a red line at 2000, but the engines are rated to 2600rpm at full bore.

I guess the fords maximum rpm would be similar, a quick phone call to http://www.thornycroftengines.co.uk/ would tell what their maximum revs should be. Their very helpful.

But yes is the answer to your question, they can go over 2000 without damaging them, but 2000 would probably be a good cruising speed if your going longer distances

 

[Avocet]

All diesels should have a "governor" on them which limits the speed of the engine even when there is no load on it. Diesel cars get this done to them at every MOT test - wide open throttle in neutral and see how much smoke they make. (!)

The limiting factor on your boat might be the prop and the speed at which cavitation might occur or somesuch.

 

[MYStargazer]

Thanks, guys.

I had been wondering if Thorneycroft are still in business, and if so if they had a website...

 

[chippie]

A quick google for Thornycroft brings it up, you had a surplus e in the spelling.