Performance Under Pressure, a new animated video from Perkins, provides a unique look into what goes on inside a typical 4.4 litre engine and why it is so important to protect the critical components with genuine products designed by the engineers who know what’s needed. A diesel engine is a truly amazing piece of engineering that creates, contains and harnesses immense internal forces to power many of the machines that make modern life possible. 

The same pressure experienced at 1,500 metres under the ocean

Starting in the combustion chamber, the pressure exerted on the piston crown is equal to 13 tonnes. The pressure inside the cylinder is 150 to 155 bar which is the same pressure experienced at 1,500 metres under the ocean. All of that force is transmitted via the connecting rod to the crankshaft 750 times a minute. That’s why Perkins’ crankshafts are built to withstand massive and sustained pressures and Perkins’ head gaskets are engineered to keep combustion pressures inside the cylinder bore.

The fuel used to create those pressures must also be exceptionally clean because any particles it contains can cause wear in fuel pumps and injectors that reduces efficiency and increases emissions. Perkins® Ecoplus fuel filters remove particles less than 4 microns in size, about 1/10th of the diameter of an optical fibre so only clean fuel reaches the pump and injectors. 

performance under pressure Perkins

Performance Under Pressure and the importance of the right maintenance

All of the moving parts require clean oil to provide the lubrication that maximises their life in the harsh environment inside an engine, and coolant to maintain the correct temperature and pressure. In just 24 hours of operation the oil filter cleans 80,000 litres of oil, enough to fill two typical tanker trucks, and more than 360,000 litres of engine coolant circulates. 

Saving a small amount of money on a ‘might work’ aftermarket oil filter instead of a ‘designed for the job’ genuine Perkins filter puts the turbocharger and crankshaft, conrod and camshaft bearings at unnecessary risk. 

Highlights

AS Labruna launches the HEVOlution range of hybrid generators

The first model in the range, HEVOlution 80-37, made its world debut at the Metstrade in Amsterdam, the most prestigious international trade fair for nautical components, representing a decisive step towards innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

Diesel of the Year 2025: dawn of the Hyundai DX05 & DX08

The Korean star is also reflected in the Diesel of the Year. South Korea is in the empire of industrial powers, cinema in the author anthology, K-pop in the playlist of teenagers. The 2025 edition is about Hyundai Infracore DX, 4- and 6-cylinder modular (BxS 110x132 mm), which have what it takes to ...

Alternative Engine Award: FPT under the sign of multi-fuel

An award that seems tailor-made for the XC13 by FPT Industrial. It is the Alternative Engine Award. The 13-litre has always been the star of the Cursor family and in the new X version it has been applied since its birth to IVECO trucks and, in the hydrogen version, has been on the ski slopes for thr...

Related articles

Himoinsa at the MEA Convention

The Himoinsa Convention, which took place in Murcia, Spain from the 3rd to the 5th of October 2023, brought together a network of dealers, partners, and industry professionals for an immersive experience showcasing the company's latest industrial projects, factory expansions, and innovative products...

Volvo Penta expands into BESS with OEMs

Volvo Penta is expanding its power generation business into battery energy storage systems (BESS) with OEMs. Volvo Penta’s modular and scalable solution is intended for integration into manufacturers’ BESS applications to accelerate market entry.

Himoinsa: reducing up to 250.000 kg of CO2 per year

Himoinsa is celebrating the results of the installation of photovoltaic plants at its production centres. A prime example is the installation of solar panels on the roof of its Spanish headquarters with a total capacity of 550 kW, enabling it to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 250,000 kg per year. Wat...