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Fairbanks Morse 38D 8-1/8

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Rockribbed1, Nov 16, 2020.

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  1. Rockribbed1

    Rockribbed1 New Member

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    I am a fan of old diesel engines. The F-M was installed on naval ships and submarines for decades. I have no practical experience operating or repairing them. I know Navy trained engineers were highly skilled with these lovely beasts in the past. Does anyone on the forum have engineer experience running old engine rooms. Is it completely crazy to want an old ship with these power plants
  2. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    F-M is still one of the main suppliers of big diesel engines on current Navy and MSC ships. They are one of the only US builders that still supply these large engines. I have never run an engine room with them but the shipyard I work for repairs and overhauls them on a regular basis.
  3. Rockribbed1

    Rockribbed1 New Member

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    I go to the Long Island Antique Power Association every spring to see them start up their Bucyrus steam shovel and the other old engines. I want to take a course in diesel engine management.
  4. Lepke

    Lepke Member

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    I've run the opposed piston engines on tugs. I think they're still made as a dual fuel engine for small town generators. They're a pia if you have to pull the bottom crank. Usually done in drydock and cut a hole in the bottom to drop the crank out. They can burn a lot of diesel.
  5. Rockribbed1

    Rockribbed1 New Member

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    Do you need to be an engineer to get one started or can an amateur learn how without blowing up
  6. Lepke

    Lepke Member

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    Anybody can learn. Each installation can be different in small ways. Some engines are like a small diesel with all pumps running off the engine, some use auxiliary pumps, etc. There will be seacocks that need to be opened, strainers to check, preheating the oil, starting reduction gear pump, but nothing that requires an engineer ( other than Coast Guard manning requirements). Some are bridge controlled and some are setup for a manned engineroom. Most of these engines are in vessels over 200 tons that require licensed mariners in the US. Depending on vessel size and flag, may require pilot services.
  7. Rockribbed1

    Rockribbed1 New Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I am in the process of deciding about an old conversion with two FB needing a manned engine room. I think it may be too much of a project for me
  8. BRyachts

    BRyachts Member

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    I was made aware of them and learned the basics when I went to engineering school in early 80's. Was only on a boat (freighter) for a short period of time that had one, used as an emergency/backup generator. Don't remember for sure, but thinking it was around 1500 KW, so it was probably around a 2500 HP engine.

    I did four back to back New York to Far East, Pacific crossings one winter on a container ship that had a 3000 HP - V16 Alco locomotive diesel as emergency/backup 2000KW generator. Primary gen was 2500KW steam turbine.

    I did run an antique yacht for a while that had had a Mirrlees direct drive, reversing cam, slow speed 6 cyl engine, 20 some odd feet long, probably 8-10' tall. It had been installed in 1939 so the boat could be used as training ship and minesweeper in WWII. Boat also had a pair of small Mercedes 6 cyl wing engines for maneuvering etc.
  9. Lepke

    Lepke Member

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    Some of the FMs can be converted to bridge controls. It usually involves electric or air actuators that remotely operate the engine controls. Once the actuators are installed, it's easy to have multiple control stations like bridge, wings, maybe at a towing winch.