Shire 50 Widebeam Keel-Cooled Marine Diesel Engine

Description

Propel heavy displacement hulls with the Shire 50 Widebeam Marine Diesel Engine to achieve dependable low-RPM canal control. This naturally aspirated 4-Stroke 4-Cylinder 3.3L unit produces 45 BHP continuous output at 2,400 RPM. Closed skin-tank cooling avoids raw water weed ingestion, though the heavy 584 lbs dry mass requires heavy structural engine beds during barge installation.

ASTM gray iron monobloc construction pairs parent cylinder bores with a rigid overhead valve cast iron head. A 12V electrical setup mounts a 2.5 kW starter alongside twin alternators, providing 50A engine starting capacity and 175A domestic power generation. Dry weight registers at 584 lbs bobtail. Physical mounting stance dimensions span 34.1in long by 21.7in wide and 27.4in high, matched to a 2.69 US gal lube oil sump capacity.

Key Features of Shire 50 Widebeam

Commercial barge owners buy Shire 50 Widebeam marine diesel engine units to navigate widebeam hulls through locks without engine strain. The SAE 4 bellhousing connects to PRM 150, PRM 260, PRM 280, or ZF transmissions.

• Large 3.3L displacement generates strong low-RPM prop thrust for controlling heavy displacement barges
• Multi-plunger mechanical in-line injection pump regulates fuel delivery without delicate computer circuits
• Twin 12V alternators provide 50A starter charging and 175A domestic battery regeneration
• Closed keel-cooling circuit directs 2.77 US gal of coolant through external skin tanks
• Monobloc parent bore casting retains dimensional stability under continuous barge towing strains
• Heavy torsional drive plate absorbs rotational firing pulses from the engine crankshaft
• Low-restriction marine air cleaner dampens intake sound inside aft cabin spaces

Dynamometer Output Keel Cooling Performance

Dynamometer testing certifies 45 BHP continuous power at 2,400 RPM with 50 BHP intermittent rating at 2,500 RPM. Keel-cooling circulation stabilizes internal jacket temperature at 180°F under sustained 80% throttle application. Lube oil pressure registers 50 PSI at operating temperatures across a static installation tilt limit of 15°. Direct injection nozzle break pressures reach 205 bar, while crankshaft main journals maintain tolerances within 0.0006in TIR to safeguard bottom-end bearings under continuous high-load widebeam propulsion cycles.

Control Operation Routine Service Procedures

Mechanical control cables actuate the fuel governor lever with less than 4 lbs of effort. Do not install this heavy 3.3L engine in lightweight narrowboats under 45 ft or planing hulls where excessive stern displacement mass disrupts running trim.

• Evacuate 2.69 US gal of crankcase oil every 250 operating hours via the manual brass sump pump
• Replace the spin-on primary fuel filter every 500 operating hours to protect injection pump plungers
• Check valve lash clearances every 1,000 run hours to sustain correct engine breathing timing

Factory Warranty Shipment Pallet Inventory

E.P. Barrus covers this diesel with a 3-Year leisure warranty or a 2-Year commercial warranty. The shipping pallet contains the bobtail engine core, 2.5 kW starter, dual alternators, heavy-duty anti-vibration mounts, instrument panel, wiring harness, oil drain pump, and operator service manuals.