MAN has produced a new eight-cylinder gas engine with the capacity of 370 kWmech

At the Agritechnica trade fair in Hanover (10 to 16.11.2013) MAN has presented its new eight-cylinder E3268 LE2x2 engine for the first time. Its power output has been raised by 40 per cent from that of the predecessor model to 370 kWmech.

Optimisation of the engine specifically for natural gas or biogas gives the operators flexibility, as they can use it to suit the fuel envisaged for the project in hand. The newly developed base engine is in line with the latest technological standards and provides maximum efficiency in operation and in maintenance and service. The E3268 engine generates up to 370 kWmechat 1,500 min-1. Depending on the gas used, its efficiency amounts to up to 42 %mech. As the pressure losses in the coolant circuit of the gas engine have been reduced, a smaller external engine coolant pump can be used. This in turn improves the overall efficiency of the system.

Main technical characteristics:
Cylinder bore -132 mm
Stroke – 157 mm
Cubic capacity – 17.2 litres
Output – 21.5 kW per litre capacity, which is considerably higher than that of the predecessor model, the E2848. Both the natural-gas and the biogas variants of the E3268 comply with the current (German) emission guidelines, TA-Luft.

Flexible – configured specifically for natural gas or biogas
The engine is extremely flexible: it comes as the E3268 LE212 for use with natural gas with a compression ratio of ε 12:1 or as the E3268 LE222 for biogas operation with a compression ratio of ε 14:1. “Both units are ideally configured for their intended purpose with appropriate design of the combustion chamber and specially adapted pistons”, said Hubert Gossner, Head of Power MAN Engines.

Efficient operation: proven reliability and the latest technology
Beside increasing the power output of the new eight-cylinder unit the engineers are consciously counting on the familiar reliability of MAN engines. “The E3268’s base engine has already proved itself for several years in agricultural machinery, in marine engines and in heavy trucks. On this basis MAN has perfected a reliable engine developed using the latest technology and subjected it to comprehensive trials in the field”, said Mr. Gossner. The new technology includes a four-valve cylinder head optimised for the charge cycle and the reduction of friction inside the engine through use of roller tappets or special sliding bearings, for example. A new feature for customers is electronic data recording using sensors for important parameters such as coolant temperature, boost pressure and oil pressure. With a CAN interface these data can be made available in an uncomplicated manner for controlling the system.