T&T: Diesel or Gas

[Ken Bloomfield]

Mark,
You make some good points on the electrical needs of various diesel 
engine types and generations.  I think we can likely all agree that 
going forward that (unfortunately) todays diesels will all need 
electrical power to run thanks to the fuel management systems they 
pretty much all have. 

I would like, however, to point out that you said that Perkins have a 
run solenoid, and in my experience (I have twin T6-354 turbo/aftercooled 
Perkins) that they rather have a stop solenoid and that has been the 
case on all the other Perkins in the area that I am familiar with.  This 
is standard practice on the CAV rotary IP.  To do otherwise, I agree is 
an abomination with the exception of generators, and my Onan has a run 
solenoid and I believe this is a very good thing, since there is not the 
tactile feedback of a motor slowing down, nor a dash RPM gauge, so when 
that engine is in trouble I want it to shut down pronto.
All the best,
Ken

Ken Bloomfield
M/V Tellico Lady, 50' Marine Trader
Maryville, TN