MD6A Fuel Consumption question

preludeballard · Apr 27, 2004

Well I consistently get 3 to 3.5 hours on a gallon with my MD7A in a Ballad.
Seems reasonable to me that you should be able to do it with your Vega.

Rich
S/V Prelude II

ggs382 · Apr 27, 2004

Yanmar 1GM - 1Pint per hour @ 2200 RPM.

Have a nice day,
Gene Suess
Suess Retail Systems Inc. "SRS"
E-MAIL: genes@...
PHONE: 1-250-382-4431 - FAX: 1-250-382-4451
SALES & SERVICE: 611 DUNEDIN ST., VICTORIA, B.C. V8T 2L7
"SRS" SUPERIOR RETAIL SYSTEMS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

mocap1 · Apr 27, 2004

The newer diesels are a bit more efficient, but only a bit, nothing like 2:1. I would be surprised if it was as much as 10%. A good rule of thumb is that a diesel will burn .4 lbs of fuel per horsepower hour. That's pounds, not gallons. Thermodynamic efficiency of the cycle depends on compression ratio. Actual consumption is affected by engine temp, mechanical losses in the engine and transmission, and some other factors I can't recall at the moment.

It has been many years since I did thermodynamic calculations for Westinghouse, Vickers and Douglas; maybe the laws of physics have changed.

Mort

tjelle1946 · Apr 27, 2004

Yes temperature is important--my toyota diesel did not like to run cold--what temperature is recommended by the book is important--check thermostat and replace with the correct one. jorgen

wxt8981 · Apr 27, 2004

Hi Claude;

as you know I have an 1GM10 Yamaha Diesel. At 3000 RPM
(best performance) it runs about 4.5 hours/gallon and
pushes the boat about 6.5 mph. My Vega had the original gas
tank on starboard side; I removed it and installed an 11
gallon tank (also starboard side) that can be easily
removed for cleaning. I also carry 2 3-gallon spare tanks,
giving me a total of 17 gallons! (but only when cruising).
I just had the boat out for a bottom job, changed the
engine oil, and all filters, and I look forward to set
sail again!

Wilhelm, V-257

dobermanct_dave · Apr 28, 2004

Hi all-

I've heard people referring to having a fuel tank in a port or starboard
location. Where do you have it on the boat?

Dave V2917

wxt8981 · Apr 28, 2004

Hello Dave;

so sorry- my mistake! My fuel tank is located in the
starboard lazarette right up at the wall from the ice-box.
I made the installation to be seaworthy, but I can remove
the tank for cleaning. Because of the hull's curvature, I
had to make a floor to seat the tank. The deck-fill-cap is
on the (original) outside location. I also carry (when
cruising) 2 three gallon Jerry Cans- but these are located
and secured boardside again next up the the wall (other
side the waste compartment).

I hope that made sence...
Wilhelm, V-257

dobermanct_dave · Apr 28, 2004

Hi-

OK, that makes sense. One further question though. I'd read someplace
that the tank should be lower than the injector(s) on the engine to
prevent flooding. Is it low enough there?

I'm curious because as soon as I'm able to get enough free time (never
it seems) I intend to put an engine in my Vega, which is being
renovated.

Dave V2917

wxt8981 · Apr 28, 2004

Hi.

I guess that depends on the engine; my Yanmar 1GM10 manual
gives limits about the tank's (vertical) location.

Wilhelm, V-257

mphalv · May 3, 2004

I have aGM1 and fill my ten gallon tank located inthe bilge once a season.
This includes the seasonal down/upriver fifty mile trip to the mooring/home
yard. And a harbor that 90% of the time needs the motor to get out. Strong
currents, "S" shaped harbor mouth with reefs on both sides. Most weekends out and
usually a week trip, go sailing.
Good deasel/mileage.
Better than my old MDA6

Paul

Wlhlem can you contact me at MPHAL@...
Thanks