Volvo Penta TAD731GE Specifications
| Engine Model: Volvo Penta TAD731GE |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder turbocharged liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 436 cu.in (7.15 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 181-208 Hp (133-153 kW) at 1500-1800 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Direct injection |
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0The Volvo Penta TAD731GE is a 7.15-liter,
in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine from the Swedish manufacturer Volvo
Penta. The "GE" designation identifies this model as a Generator Engine,
specifically designed for power generation applications such as gensets
for standby or prime power. Produced between approximately 2008 and
2023, the TAD731GE belongs to the Volvo Penta D7 industrial engine
family and was manufactured in Germany.
Unlike the TAMD series intended for marine propulsion, the TAD731GE is
optimized for stationary operation with a focus on reliability, low fuel
consumption, and precise frequency control. The engine features direct
injection, a turbocharger with an air-to-air charge air cooler
(intercooler), and an electronic control system. It is built with a
cast-iron cylinder block and cylinder head, a seven-main-bearing
crankshaft for stability, and replaceable wet cylinder liners to
facilitate maintenance and overhauls.
The TAD 731 GE is offered in two primary speed configurations: 1,500 rpm
for 50 Hz power generation and 1,800 rpm for 60 Hz applications. At
1,500 rpm, the engine produces 133 kW (181 hp) of prime power and 148 kW
(201 hp) of standby power. At 1,800 rpm, outputs are 134 kW (182 hp)
prime and 153 kW (208 hp) standby. The engine is equipped with an
electronic governor (EDC 4) for isochronous speed control, allowing
stable frequency regulation and easy synchronization for parallel
operation of multiple generator sets.
Engine Type: 4-stroke, in-line 6-cylinder, direct injection diesel.
Displacement: 7.15 L (436 cu.in).
Bore x Stroke: 108 mm x 130 mm (4.25 in x 5.12 in).
Compression Ratio: 18:1.
Aspiration: Turbocharged with air-to-air charge air cooler
(intercooler).
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4.
Rotation: Counter-clockwise when viewed from the flywheel end.
Prime Power (1500 rpm / 50 Hz): 133 kW (181 hp).
Standby Power (1500 rpm / 50 Hz): 148 kW (201 hp).
Prime Power (1800 rpm / 60 Hz): 134 kW (182 hp).
Standby Power (1800 rpm / 60 Hz): 153 kW (208 hp).
Generator Output (1500 rpm): 155 kVA prime / 170 kVA standby.
Generator Output (1800 rpm): 161 kVA prime / 177 kVA standby.
Fuel Consumption at 1500 rpm (Prime Power): 215 g/kWh at 100% load.
Emissions Standard: EU II / Stage II (Tier 2 equivalent).
Electrical System Voltage: 24 V.
Minimum Starting Temperature (Standard): -15 °C (5 °F).
Minimum Starting Temperature (With Cold Start Kit): -30 °C (-22 °F).
The cylinder block is constructed from alloyed cast iron, chosen for its
high rigidity, excellent vibration damping, and dimensional stability
under the substantial cylinder pressures generated by the turbocharged
induction system. The block features an in-line 6-cylinder
configuration. Seven main bearings support the crankshaft, providing
superior stability and contributing to the engine's smooth operation and
long service life.
A defining feature of the TAD731GE block is the use of replaceable
wet-type cylinder liners. These liners are removable without machining
the block, simplifying major overhauls and reducing repair costs. The
wet liner design allows direct contact between coolant and the outer
liner surface, promoting efficient heat transfer away from the
combustion chamber.
The block incorporates a deep-skirt design and is manufactured with
focused rigidity to withstand the stresses of continuous generator
operation. Cast passages for oil and coolant galleries are integrated
into the block structure to minimize external hosing. The camshaft is
positioned in the cylinder block and is driven by a gear train, with
induction-hardened lobes for wear resistance.
The cylinder head is a separate cast-iron unit bolted to the block. The
cross-flow design positions the intake manifold on one side and the
exhaust manifold on the opposite side, improving volumetric efficiency
by separating the hot exhaust gases from the cooler intake air charge.
The valvetrain operates with an overhead valve (OHV) configuration. The
camshaft in the block actuates the valves via pushrods and roller rocker
arms. The use of roller rocker arms reduces frictional losses compared
to sliding-follower designs. Each cylinder is served by four valves (two
intake, two exhaust), maximizing airflow and combustion efficiency.
The combustion chamber is optimized for direct injection. Valve seats
and guides are replaceable components. The valve stem seals are
constructed from high-temperature materials to prevent oil consumption
past the valve guides. The cylinder head is secured to the block using a
multi-stage tightening process, requiring a new head gasket after any
removal. The valve clearance requires periodic manual adjustment.
The fuel system on the TAD 731 GE is a direct injection design with a
robust in-line injection pump and separate unit injectors. A gear-type
feed pump draws fuel from the tank and supplies it to the high-pressure
injection pump. The injection pump is equipped with an electronic
governor, the EDC 4 (Electronic Diesel Control) system. This governor
provides precise isochronous speed control, a requirement for stable
generator frequency output regardless of electrical load variations.
The electronic management system also facilitates easy synchronization
for parallel operation of multiple generator sets. The fuel system
includes a spin-on type fuel filter and a separate water separator
filter to protect the injection components from contaminants and
moisture. The TAD731GE uses six-hole injectors, which contribute to
efficient fuel atomization and complete combustion. Fuel consumption at
100% prime power load is 215 g/kWh at 1,500 rpm. Low-pressure fuel
system components are designed for reliability in continuous operation.
The lubrication system is a fully pressurized, wet-sump design. A
gear-type oil pump draws oil from the oil pan through a screened pickup
tube and forces it through a full-flow spin-on oil filter. A bypass
filter is also incorporated to provide additional cleaning capacity. The
filtered oil is distributed to the main galleries, supplying the seven
main bearings, six connecting rod bearings, camshaft bearings,
turbocharger bearings, and the valve train components.
A water-cooled oil cooler maintains oil temperature within operational
limits under high-load generator operation. The total oil system
capacity is 20 L (21.1 qt) including filters. The engine may feature
cast aluminum pistons with integrated oil cooling galleries to manage
combustion temperatures. Oil pressure is regulated by a spring-loaded
relief valve to prevent over-pressurization at higher speeds. Oil
consumption at 100% load is approximately 0.1 L per hour.
The cooling system is a pressurized, water-circulation design. A
centrifugal water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine and an
externally mounted radiator. The engine is equipped with a tropical
radiator as standard equipment, designed for high ambient temperature
operation. The air-to-air charge air cooler (intercooler) reduces intake
air temperature after turbocharging, increasing air density for improved
combustion efficiency and power output.
Coolant flows from the water pump into the cylinder block water jacket,
surrounding the wet cylinder liners. The directed coolant flow extracts
heat from the upper cylinder region before moving upward into the
cylinder head to cool the valve seats and combustion chambers. The total
coolant capacity (engine and alternator) is 23.8 L (25.1 qt). A wax-type
thermostat maintains operating temperature, regulating coolant flow to
the radiator. An engine-driven cooling fan draws air through the
radiator core and the charge air cooler to dissipate heat. The system
requires a high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze to prevent freezing,
boiling, and corrosion.
Ignition and Starting System: As a diesel engine, the TAD731GE does not
use spark plugs. Starting is accomplished by a high-torque electric
starter motor with a power output of 3.1 kW or 5.5 kW (depending on
configuration), engaging the flywheel ring gear. The electrical system
operates at 24 V with a 55 A alternator for charging the batteries. Glow
plugs or an intake air heater are installed for cold-start assistance,
reducing to -15 °C standard and -30 °C with an optional kit.
Electrical System (ECU): For versions equipped with the EDC 4 electronic
governor, an engine control unit monitors crankshaft position,
frequency, and other parameters to precisely control fuel injection and
maintain governed speed.
Exhaust System: The exhaust manifold is a cast-iron unit bolted to the
cylinder head. The turbocharger mounts directly to the manifold outlet.
For EU II emissions compliance, the engine relies on internal combustion
optimization without requiring a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.
Engine Mass (Dry): 760 kg (1,675 lb).
Engine Mass (Wet): 790 kg (1,742 lb).
Overall Length: 1,855 mm (73.0 in).
Overall Width: 866 mm (34.1 in).
Overall Height: 1,292 mm (50.9 in).
Engine Oil Grade: Diesel-grade engine oil meeting Volvo Penta
specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity: 20 L (21.1 qt) total system capacity including
filters.
Coolant Capacity (Engine and Alternator): 23.8 L (25.1 qt).
Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors.
Fuel Filter: Spin-on type with separate water separator.
Oil Filter: Full-flow spin-on type with bypass filter.
Alternator Output: 55 A.
Starter Motor Power: 3.1 kW or 5.5 kW (24 V).
Minimum Starting Temperature (Standard): -15 °C (5 °F).
Minimum Starting Temperature (Optional): -30 °C (-22 °F).
Valve Clearance Adjustment: Periodic manual adjustment required.
The Volvo Penta TAD 731 GE engine is engineered exclusively for
stationary and mobile power generation applications, not for vehicle
propulsion.
Generator Sets (Gen-sets):
Stationary prime power generators for construction sites, remote
facilities, and small industrial plants.
Standby (emergency) generators for hospitals, data centers, commercial
buildings, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Mobile generator sets mounted on trailers or within ISO containers for
temporary power requirements.
Open-type and silent (sound-attenuated) generator enclosures.
Generator Set Configurations:
120 kW / 150 kVA at 1,500 rpm (50 Hz) prime power.
148 kW / 170 kVA at 1,500 rpm (50 Hz) standby power.
134 kW / 161 kVA at 1,800 rpm (60 Hz) prime power.
153 kW / 177 kVA at 1,800 rpm (60 Hz) standby power.
Parallel Operation: The electronic governor system allows multiple
TAD731GE-powered generators to be synchronized for parallel operation,
providing increased total power capacity or redundant backup
configurations.
The TAD731GE is commonly paired with alternators from manufacturers such
as Stamford, Marathon, or Leroy-Somer. The engine remains available
through Volvo Penta's global distributor network, with service support
provided under the Volvo Penta Action Plan covering nearly 30 languages
and 24/7 availability.
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