MTU 538 DIESEL ENGINE
As a classic product of MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH (Germany) in the mid-to-late 20th century, the MTU 538 series diesel engines became iconic in the field of heavy machinery and marine power at that time, thanks to their robust power output and reliable performance. Among them, the most representative model, the 16V538 TB90, perfectly combined German precision manufacturing with high-power demand, leaving a profound mark in industrial history.
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The application of MTU 538 series models
| Model | Number of cylinders/layout | Power range (approximately) | Main application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V 538 | V12 | ~1,200–1,800 kW | Medium-sized diesel locomotives, minesweepers/small warships, generator sets |
| 16V 538 | V16 | ~2,000–2,500 kW | Mainline railway locomotives, frigates/patrol ships, and main engines of ships |
| 20V538 | V20 | ~3,000–3,500 kW | Large warship propulsion (such as submarine hunters and missile boats), large generator sets |
MTU 538 Parts List
The MTU 538 series adopts a V-type cylinder configuration. Taking the 16-cylinder model (16V5
38 TB90) as an example, its core parameters reflect the technological breakthroughs of the era:
it has a cylinder bore of 185 mm, a piston stroke of 200 mm, a total displacement of 86 liters, a
maximum output power of 3,500 hp (approximately 2,610 kW), and a dry weight of around 6,700 kg.
This design, characterized by large displacement and high power density, enables stable operation
under continuous high-load conditions.