At the thermal energy plant at UTSA we have a big DeLaval Enterprise DGSR-8 4500 HP dual fuel engine generator (diesel/nat gas), puts out 3500 KW and is used to power two of the biggest A/C chillers during the summer. Old beast has been in service for over 30 years now.

Over the past 3 years, they've swapped out all the cylinder heads with rebuilt units, some because of their age and some because the valves went south - burnt, stuck, seals worn out, etc.

We usually run it six days a week 18 hours per day starting June 1st thru Sept 30th.

Just got a call this morning, about an hour ago, one of the first heads swapped out 3 years ago has apparently developed a burnt or stuck valve. This seems to be getting to be a habit with this engine.

Most of the reps with the companies that supply parts for these engines seem to be more interested in selling parts, or talking us into a multi-six figure overhaul, than actually giving advice on how to keep this beast running long term.

Anyone with experience running/working on these engines, that can give some advice without the added agenda of trying to sell us parts?

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Just say "NO" to Ethanol - Drive Diesel

Mitchell Oates
Mooresville, NC
'87 300D 212K miles
'87 300D 151K miles - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD 67K miles
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club