how can i convert a car diesel engine to use in submarine?

Question

apparently the timing has to be changed ( perhaps reshape cams ) so that the engine can cope with the exhaust back pressure before fumes leave the snorkell. Is it true a turbo charged engine copes better with exhaust back pressure? Any other alterations? Any help appreciated in this area.

Answer 1

Another big problem is cooling a car engine when it is installed in a confined space, that unlike a car engine, doesn't have cool air constantly being blown over it like under the bonnet of a car.

A typical marinised car engine in a boat will have at least 3 or four water cooled heat exchangers, and not just for the liquids and gasses (on a forced induction engine) but you will also need to cool the outside of the head and block too or she will go pop.

The 1.7td PAS engine as used in citroen Zx's and pug 405 have been used in a few boats but i suspect thats more for their price, supposed in car reliability and availability, rather than sutibility for marine apps than anything else. To be fair, you are probably better off looking at boat engines and finding one that suits the space you are trying to fit it in and is optimised to work in the rev range you are after.

Answer 2

Like s_kucz said, you obviously do not have the engineering expertise to be doing this, but a submarine does not run on diesel, it runs on electric, and uses a diesel engine to charge it's batteries when it is on the surface. You are partially right, you would want a different cam shape to make the engine more efficient at a specific RPM to run as a Generator, but back pressure would be negligible in that application.

Answer 3

extremely some GM engines have been converted to diesel for the time of the gasoline shortages of the 1970's. the tip result became that they had important mechanical issues. The ingredients used in gasoline engines are designed to have the gasoline ignited with the aid of a spark. they are not solid sufficient to stand up to compressing the diesel until it ignites. It takes extra helpful grade factors for a diesel engine. yet once you nevertheless want to attempt it, scrounge around the previous junk yards, you probable will detect a GM diesel conversion kit.

Answer 4

I'm sorry captain nautilus but if you cant or dint know how to convert an engine to work in a pressurised air system ..then you haven't a chance of understanding the enormous complexities of operating a craft under water ..remember this craft would have to have a certificate of sea worthiness ..don't go broke ..get it out of your system ..book a couple of trips on the isle of wight ferry ..then count your money ..go to bed happy ..sweet dreams ..that s all it was

Answer 5

Just call the Discovery channel before you launch the sub. We would like to see a documentary of this voyage.

Try using an alternate source of power to move the air. ie, create a vacuum on the exhaust to overcome the backpressure of the snorkel.

Answer 6

If you have to ask a question like that then you do not have the necessary engeering back ground or knowledge to build such a project. but if you want to build an electric wet sub that you use scuba equipment with there are web sites of people who have already done this and can answer your serious questions.

Answer 7

Flaming heck m8 getting a deisel engine is no probs, but where the hell u going 2 get a bloody submarine?

Answer 8

there is nothing to convert. just install it. you will need an air intake pipe and an exhaust pipe modification. you will have to make that yourself.

Answer 9

yea, high quality welds and steel that you can't get your hands on, don't get killed being silly.