40 mpg Diesel?

[ThrottleJockey]

Anybody see that guy on YouTube with the 4 cylinder Perkins in the F-150? Said it was capable of 40 plus MPG and 97 MPH.



My question is there a thread on here that talks about this guy's conversion and also, what's so special about the Perkins? Would a 4BT have this kind of performance in a light duty pick up or SUV?



Thanks, Brian.

 

[GHarman]

I asked that question about a Perkins conversion some months back. Jeep, in the late 1960's was available with the Perkins Diesel. It was naturally aspirated. The Perkins has been around a long time in automotive applications. Land Rover was available with that motor for decades. A 1/2 ton conversion with that motor(turbo version) would be fantastic (the 4BT Cummins as well). The only fly in the ointment is emissions requirements in many areas of the Nation. GregH

 

[GaryOwen]

I must admit I didn't know a thing about Perkins engines or the guy on YouTube that has put them in several vehicles. I did watch the video, visited the website, and looked at the Perkins website. Perkins lists the 4 cyl engine as having up to 83 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque (about half of a 4BT). Seems like it would be woefully underpowered. While it might be acceptable in a smaller vehicle, I don't see this becoming a viable alternative in a F150 unless we get really desperate. Maybe it could be turned up some. Now a 4BT would be really sweet in a lightweight truck.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I asked that question about a Perkins conversion some months back. Jeep, in the late 1960's was available with the Perkins Diesel. It was naturally aspirated. The Perkins has been around a long time in automotive applications. Land Rover was available with that motor for decades. A 1/2 ton conversion with that motor(turbo version) would be fantastic (the 4BT Cummins as well). The only fly in the ointment is emissions requirements in many areas of the Nation. GregH

Thanks Greg. I agree with you. I wonder what's got that guy so wound up about the Perkins?



Thank you, again.

Brian.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I must admit I didn't know a thing about Perkins engines or the guy on YouTube that has put them in several vehicles. I did watch the video, visited the website, and looked at the Perkins website. Perkins lists the 4 cyl engine as having up to 83 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque (about half of a 4BT). Seems like it would be woefully underpowered. While it might be acceptable in a smaller vehicle, I don't see this becoming a viable alternative in a F150 unless we get really desperate. Maybe it could be turned up some. Now a 4BT would be really sweet in a lightweight truck.

Exactly. A 4bt in an F-150. Ford couldn't keep up with the demand. Do you think the Perkins would still be underpowered even with the supercharger, or maybe even a retrofitted turbo?



Thanks for the info, Gary.

Brian

 

[Skydiver]

Man that brings back memories. Back in 1977 I knew a man who placed a 4-cly Perkins in a early 70s F-150. Every day he would pass my house running about 30 mph. Sounded like the little Perkins was only turning 1500 rpm. Had the automatic behind it. He ran it for many years.

 

[RHestand]

I've know several guys that use the Perkins diesel in fishing and pleasure boats. Inline 4 and 6 cyl. , turbo and non-turbo.

They all say "very reliable and economical".

Just last week, here in WI, I toured two hand-built, all wood, Columbus' replica ships, the Nina and the Pinta. In talking to one of the crewman, he said "They both have 6 cyl. , turbo Perkins, and they use them when not under sail. They do about 7-8 knots, and use around 5 gal. per hour.

Ray

 

[Skydiver]

More old memories,,,LOL

Back around 1992 I got to visit the Nina while docked at Columbus Ga on the Northern most port of the Chattahoochee River. I remember asking the Captain what brand of diesel they used. While I really can't rememeber what brand of diesel he mentioned, he did say that they were having trouble with it.

I just sent him an e-mail to see if he has it it in an old log.



I guess some one will bring up the 2 cylinder super charged Detroit next. LOL

 

[WDixon27]

i have one, but it is on a forklift, little turd runs good and sounds decent for what it is, i started it once when it was left out in the yard in the winter and covered with frost, turned over twice and popped right off without starting fluid, surprised the hell out of me as its big brother a 3-71 wants a puff to start pretty much anytime it was under 70* (that was then now a few years later it wants a puff at anything under 80*) but i kinda knew it was long past rebuild time

I guess some one will bring up the 2 cylinder super charged Detroit next. LOL

 

[hwebster]

Perkins have been running in tractors for years!!!

 

[Little Bill]

I had a '82 Mazda B-2200 with a normally aspirated 4-135 Perkins for years until the frame finally rusted out. It got 50 mpg on the highway. 0-60 with a load of firewood took about 2 minutes.

 

[JLEONARD]

I had a boat with a Perkins T6. 354 (circa 1978) rated at 160 hp. I repowered it with a 1999 Cummins 6BTA at 270 hp.

Hands down the Cummins was quite a bit more efficient. It is a more modern engine built to tighter tolerances than the old Perk. According to the numbers I recorded about 33% more efficient.

The Perkins was reliable but parts were very difficult to get. The marine add on parts were particularly gold plated.

A Cummins will be more efficient.

Jay

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I would think the Cummins is a better engine. So I wonder what this guy is all up in arms about his Perkins powered F-150?



YouTube - Pickup Truck with Tractor Diesel Engine