Shire 15 Small Launch Keel-Cooled Diesel Engine

Description

Producing 13BHP continuous output from a compact 0.6L displacement, the Shire 15 Small Launch Diesel Engine provides ultra-lightweight propulsion for river dinghies and timber launches. Its mechanical indirect injection system sips fuel at canal cruising speeds. Skin-tank keel-cooling requires an adequate steel hull cooling channel to prevent thermal overheating in stagnant canal waters.

Heavy monobloc cast iron construction shapes the parent-bore cylinder block and overhead-valve cylinder head. The 12V negative-ground electrical system carries a 1.1 kW electric starter motor and a 40A marine alternator. Dry engine mass registers at 187 lbs without transmission. The ultra-compact mounting stance measures 20.1in long by 16.9in wide and 20.3in high. The lube oil sump holds 0.55 US gal and internal cooling jackets contain 0.85 US gal.

Key Features of Shire 15 Small Launch

Canal boatbuilders buy Shire 15 Small Launch engines to propel lightweight river skiffs and small wooden dayboats. The simple mechanical design runs without computers to provide trouble-free operation across inland waterways.

• Mechanical indirect injection uses an in-line multi-plunger pump for low-vibration canal cruising.
• An SAE 5 marine flywheel housing mounts PRM 60 and PRM 80 mechanical gearboxes.
• Closed skin-tank keel-cooling eliminates raw water strainers, impellers, and winter frost damage risks.
• Cast iron monobloc construction ensures structural endurance across long commercial hire operations.
• The 40A marine alternator maintains adequate charge across small 12V domestic and starter batteries.
• Low fuel consumption allows days of continuous river cruising on small portable fuel tanks.
• Integrated parent bores measure 2.76in across to provide dependable cylinder wall rigidity.

Continuous Duty Dynamometer Load Data

Dynamometer evaluations verify 13BHP continuous P1 output at 3,000 RPM and 15BHP peak intermittent power at 3,200 RPM. Shaft torque produces 26 ft-lbs at 2,000 RPM to push small displacement hulls up to hull speed. Closed skin-tank cooling circuits stabilize engine coolant between 175°F and 185°F under full continuous load. Oil pressure registers between 30 PSI and 50 PSI at operating speed. Crankshaft journal runout remains under 0.0003in TIR to protect bearings against cyclic 2-Cylinder rotational vibration harmonics.

Field Servicing Operating Hull Constraints

Mechanical throttle linkages operate with 3 lbs of lever force, providing fine engine speed adjustment at the tiller or helm. Naval architects must not specify this tiny 13BHP 2-Cylinder diesel in steel narrowboats over 25ft, fast planing craft, or offshore vessels operating in heavy coastal swells.

• Drain and replace engine oil and spin-on filter every 250 operating hours or 12 months.
• Replace primary fuel filter elements and clean the fuel tank sediment bowl every 250 operating hours.
• Check and adjust mechanical valve lash clearances every 500 operating hours on overhead valves.

Factory Warranty Manifest Breakdown

E.P. Barrus covers this Shire marine diesel with a 2-Year limited warranty. The wooden shipping crate contains the bare Shire 15 bobtail engine, SAE 5 flywheel housing, 40A alternator, 1.1 kW starter, air silencer, engine mounts, instrument harness, and complete factory operator workshop documentation manuals.