194 reactions | The sound of a Sulzer Diesel engine in a class 45 locomotive. #dieselengine #sulzer #trains #diesellocomotive #britishrailways #railways #trainspotting #heritagerailway | Adrian Watson | Facebook

Amazing running Sulzer 12RTA96C main engine, at 70 revolutions per minute. A powerful engine

This diesel engine ran nonstop for five years on purpose. Marine diesel engines like the ones used in large cargo ships are designed for ultra-long duty cycles. Some engines, like the Sulzer RTA series, are engineered to run 24/7 for 50,000 hours before needing a major overhaul. That's almost six years straight. How is that possible? Massive oil systems, low RPM operation, and overbuilt components. These engines weigh hundreds of tons and run at just 80 to 100 RPM, but their torque can move enti