MTU 12 V 2000 M51B User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

L
Laura KennedyAug 16, 2025
What to do if my MTU 12 V 2000 M51B does not turn when starter is actuated?
- L
  Laura CookAug 16, 2025
  If your MTU Engine doesn't turn when the starter is activated, several issues could be the cause. The battery may be discharged or faulty, in which case you should charge or replace it. Check if cable connections are properly secured. Starting-air pressure might not be available, so check the connections and the main valve of the compressed-air system. Other potential causes include a blocked running gear, a missing or defective limit switch, or faulty wiring. For engine wiring or starter issues or problems with starting-air pressure, it is best to contact service.
K
kingchristopherAug 19, 2025
Why my MTU 12 V 2000 M51B Engine turns but does not fire?
- K
  kathleenconnerSep 12, 2025
  If your MTU Engine turns over but doesn't ignite, it could be due to a discharged or faulty battery, so charge or replace the battery. Another potential reason is air in the fuel system, which requires venting. For other issues, it is best to contact service.
A
Anita VillegasAug 22, 2025
How to troubleshoot if MTU 12 V 2000 M51B does not reach rated speed?
- B
  Brandon ThomasAug 22, 2025
  If your MTU Engine isn't reaching its rated speed, it could be due to several reasons. First, ensure the fuel inlet is completely open. Other potential causes include a clogged fuel prefilter, a clogged fuel filter, or a clogged air filter, so replace them accordingly. Also, the injector or injection pump may be faulty. In such cases, replacement might be needed. For other issues or if the engine is overloaded, it is best to contact service.
S
Susan HenryAug 26, 2025
Why my MTU 12 V 2000 M51B Engine produces black exhaust gas?
- M
  mark14Aug 26, 2025
  Black exhaust gas from your MTU Engine can be caused by a few things. The air filter might be clogged. Alternatively, the injector or injection pump could be faulty. Overloading the engine can also cause this issue. For the injector or injection pump issues or overloading, it is best to contact service.
M
Michael LewisAug 28, 2025
What to do if the MTU 12 V 2000 M51B speed is not steady?
- M
  Megan StoneAug 28, 2025
  If your MTU Engine speed is unstable, it could be due to a faulty injector or injection pump. Another possibility is air in the fuel system, which requires venting. For other issues, it is best to contact service.
D
Desiree GarrisonAug 31, 2025
What to do if MTU 12 V 2000 M51B fires unevenly?
- R
  Ronald PattersonAug 31, 2025
  If your MTU Engine is firing unevenly, the injector or injection pump might be faulty. Additionally, air in the fuel system could be the cause, requiring you to vent the system. For other issues, it is best to contact service.
M
Matthew WillisSep 3, 2025
Why is the charge-air temperature too high in my MTU Engine?
- S
  Steven ArnoldSep 3, 2025
  A high charge-air temperature in your MTU Engine can stem from several causes. The engine coolant treatment may be incorrect, so check it using the MTU test kit. The air-intake temperature could also be too high, so check the fans. Also, check the air inlet/outlet ducts. For contaminated components, it is best to contact service.
E
Emma JonesSep 6, 2025
What causes blue exhaust gas from my MTU 12 V 2000 M51B?
- K
  Kenneth BooneSep 6, 2025
  Blue exhaust gas from your MTU Engine can be due to several reasons. The engine oil level might be too high, so drain some oil. The oil separator or oil-preseparator of the crankcase breather could be clogged and need replacement. For other issues, it is best to contact service.
C
Christopher YorkSep 9, 2025
What to do if the charge-air pressure is too low in MTU 12 V 2000 M51B Engine?
- D
  davidreedSep 9, 2025
  If the charge-air pressure in your MTU Engine is too low, the air filter might be clogged, so check the contamination indicator. For contaminated components or other issues, it is best to contact service.
K
Katherine StanleySep 12, 2025
Why my MTU 12 V 2000 M51B Engine produces white exhaust gas?
- J
  Jerry IbarraSep 12, 2025
  White exhaust gas from your MTU Engine can occur for several reasons. The engine might not be at its operating temperature, so run it until it warms up. There could also be water in the fuel, so check the fuel system at the fuel prefilter. Leaking can also cause this issue. For other issues, it is best to contact service.

MTU 12 V 2000 M51B Specifications

General

Engine Type	Diesel
Configuration	V 12
Displacement	23.9 L
Power Output	2000 HP
Fuel Type	Diesel
Rated Speed	1800 rpm
Number of Cylinders	12
Bore	135 mm
Fuel system	Common rail
Cooling system	Water-cooled

Summary

1 Safety

1.1 General conditions

General safety instructions, correct use, modifications, spare parts, and reworking components.

1.2 Personnel and organizational requirements

Requirements for qualified personnel, responsibilities, and protective equipment.

1.3 Transportation

Instructions for transporting engines with and without flange-mounted gearboxes.

1.4 Safety regulations for startup and operation

Requirements for initial operation and safety for operators during engine operation.

1.5 Safety regulations for maintenance and repair work

Safety guidelines for performing maintenance and repair work on the engine.

1.6 Auxiliary materials, fire prevention and environmental protection

Guidelines on auxiliary materials, fire prevention measures, noise, and environmental protection.

1.7 Conventions for safety instructions in the text

Explanation of safety signals (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) and general safety instructions.

2 General Information

2.1 Engine side and cylinder designations

Explanation of engine side (KS) and cylinder designations (A/B banks).

2.2 Product description

Detailed description of the engine, fuel system, exhaust, turbocharging, cooling, service block, and electronic system.

2.3 Engine overview 2000 M50-M61A/B

Overview of functional groups and engine model designation key for 8/12/16V 2000 M50-M61A/B series.

2.4 Sensors, actuators and injectors – Overview

Diagrams showing the top view of sensors and injectors for 12V 2000 M engines.

3 Technical Data

3.1 8V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

Technical data for 8V 2000 M50A engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 25°C intake-air temperature.

3.2 8V 2000 M50A engine data: Remote heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

Technical data for 8V 2000 M50A engine with remote heat exchanger at 25°C intake-air temperature.

3.9 12V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

Technical data for 12V 2000 M50A engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 25°C intake-air temperature.

3.11 12V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

Technical data for 12V 2000 M50A engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 45°C intake-air temperature.

3.13 12V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

Technical data for 12V 2000 M50B engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 25°C intake-air temperature.

3.15 12V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

Technical data for 12V 2000 M50B engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 45°C intake-air temperature.

3.21 16V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

Technical data for 16V 2000 M50A engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 25°C intake-air temperature.

3.23 16V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

Technical data for 16V 2000 M50A engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 45°C intake-air temperature.

3.25 16V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

Technical data for 16V 2000 M50B engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 25°C intake-air temperature.

3.27 16V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

Technical data for 16V 2000 M50B engine with engine-mounted heat exchanger at 45°C intake-air temperature.

4 Operation

4.1 Putting the engine into operation (out-of-service period > 3 months)

Preconditions and steps for putting the engine into operation after an extended out-of-service period.

4.2 Putting the engine into operation after scheduled out-of-service period

Preconditions and steps for putting the engine into operation after a scheduled out-of-service period.

4.3 Operational checks

List of operational checks to perform on the engine, including safety warnings.

4.4 LOP – Controls

Overview of Local Operating Panel (LOP) controls, buttons, and their functions.

4.5 Starting the engine from LOP

Detailed procedure for starting the engine using the Local Operating Panel (LOP).

4.6 Stopping the engine from LOP (without Blue Line automation system)

Procedure for stopping the engine from LOP, including safety precautions for overheating.

4.7 Emergency stop from LOP

Procedure for performing an emergency engine stop from LOP and post-stop actions.

4.8 After stopping the engine

Actions to take after stopping the engine, especially regarding coolant and raw water.

4.9 Plant – Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the plant, including safety precautions for water and compressed air.

5 Maintenance

5.1 Maintenance task reference table [QL1]

Table linking maintenance tasks (Wxxxx) to their respective measures and page references.

5.2 Maintenance task reference table [QL1]

Table linking maintenance tasks (Wxxxx) to their respective measures and page references.

6 Troubleshooting

6.1 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting guide for common engine issues like 'does not turn', 'turns but does not fire', and 'fires unevenly'.

6.2 LOP fault messages

List of Local Operating Panel (LOP) fault messages, their meanings, and recommended measures.

7 Task Description

7.1 SOLAS

Information on SOLAS shielding requirements and installation.

7.1.1 SOLAS shielding as per MTN 5233 – Installation

Installation procedure for SOLAS shielding as per MTN 5233, including special tools.

7.1.2 SOLAS shielding – Installation as per MTN 5233

Installation procedure for SOLAS shielding as per MTN 5233, including special tools.

7.1.3 SOLAS shielding – Installation

Installation of SOLAS shielding for oil filter and fuel filter, including special tools and preconditions.

7.1.4 Installation locations for SOLAS shielding

General information and diagrams showing installation locations for SOLAS shielding on the engine crankcase.

7.2 Engine

General information and tasks related to the engine.

7.2.1 Engine – Barring manually

Procedure for barring the engine manually, including special tools and safety precautions.

7.2.2 Engine cranking on starter

Procedure for cranking the engine on the starter, including special tools and steps.

7.3 Cylinder Liner

Information on cylinder liners, including endoscopic examination procedures.

7.3.1 Cylinder liner – Endoscopic examination

Detailed procedure for endoscopic examination of cylinder liners, including findings and actions.

7.3.2 Cylinder liner – Instructions and comments on endoscopic and visual examination

Terms used for endoscopic examination and interpretation of findings for cylinder liners.

7.4 Crankcase Breather

Information on crankcase breather, including oil separator element replacement and diaphragm check.

7.4.1 Crankcase ventilation – Oil separator element replacement, diaphragm check and replacement

Procedure for replacing the oil separator element and checking/replacing the diaphragm.

7.4.2 Crankcase breather – Cleaning oil separator element

Procedure for cleaning the oil separator element of the crankcase breather.

7.5 Valve Drive

Information on the valve drive system.

7.5.1 Valve clearance – Check and adjustment

Procedure for checking and adjusting valve clearance, including special tools.

7.5.2 Cylinder head cover – Removal and installation

Procedure for removing and installing the cylinder head cover, including special tools.

7.6 Injection Pump / HP Pump

Information on the injection pump and HP pump.

7.6.1 Injection pump – Replacement

Procedure for replacing the injection pump.

7.6.2 Injection pump – Removal and installation

Procedure for removing and installing the injection pump, including special tools and safety.

7.7 Injection Valve / Injector

Information on injection valves and injectors.

7.7.1 Injector – Replacement

Procedure for replacing the injector.

7.7.2 HP fuel line – Pressure pipe neck replacement

Procedure for replacing the pressure pipe neck of the HP fuel line, including tools and safety.

7.7.3 Injector – Removal and installation

Procedure for removing and installing injectors, including special tools and safety precautions.

7.8 Fuel System

Information on the fuel system.

7.8.1 HP fuel line – Pressure pipe neck replacement

Procedure for replacing the pressure pipe neck of the HP fuel line.

7.8.2 Fuel – Draining

Procedure for draining fuel from the system, including safety precautions.

7.8.3 Fuel system – Venting

Procedure for venting the fuel system, including safety precautions.

7.9 Fuel Filter

Information on the fuel filter.

7.9.1 Fuel filter – Replacement

Procedure for replacing the fuel filter, including tools, safety, and engine running/stopped options.

7.9.2 Fuel prefilter – Differential pressure check and adjustment of gauge

Procedure for checking and adjusting the differential pressure gauge for the fuel prefilter.

7.9.3 Fuel prefilter – Draining

Procedure for draining the fuel prefilter, including cutting out the filter and opening plugs.

7.9.4 Fuel prefilter – Flushing

Procedure for flushing a clogged fuel prefilter, including safety precautions.

7.9.5 Fuel prefilter – Filter element replacement

Procedure for replacing the filter element of the fuel prefilter, including safety precautions.

7.10 Charge-Air Cooling General, Left-Hand Side

General information on charge-air cooling on the left-hand side.

7.10.1 Intercooler – Checking condensate drain line for coolant discharge and obstruction

Procedure for checking the intercooler condensate drain line for discharge and obstructions.

7.11 Air Filter

Information on the air filter.

7.11.1 Air filter – Replacement

Procedure for removing the old air filter and installing a new one.

7.11.2 Air filter – Removal and installation

Procedure for removing and installing the air filter, including clamp and housing steps.

7.12 Air Intake

Information on air intake.

7.12.1 Contamination indicator – Signal ring position check

Procedure for checking the signal ring position on the air filter contamination indicator.

7.13 Starting Equipment

Information on engine starting equipment.

7.13.1 Starter – Condition check

Procedure for checking the condition of the starter, including securing screws and wiring.

7.14 Lube Oil System, Lube Oil Circuit

Information on the lube oil system and circuit.

7.14.1 Engine oil – Level check

Procedure for checking engine oil level prior to and after engine start.

7.14.2 Engine oil – Change

Procedure for changing engine oil, with and without semirotary pump, and filling new oil.

7.15 Oil Filtration / Cooling

Information on oil filtration and cooling systems.

7.15.1 Oil dipstick – Marking

Procedure for marking the oil dipstick for minimum and maximum oil levels.

7.15.2 Engine oil filter – Replacement

Procedure for replacing the engine oil filter, with engine stopped or running.

7.15.3 Centrifugal oil filter – Cleaning and filter-sleeve replacement

Procedure for cleaning the centrifugal oil filter and replacing the filter sleeve.

7.16 Coolant Circuit, General, High-Temperature Circuit

General information on the high-temperature coolant circuit.

7.16.1 Drain and venting points

Identification of drain and venting points for the coolant circuit on the top and left sides.

7.16.2 Engine coolant – Level check

Procedure for checking engine coolant level at the filler neck and remote cooler.

7.16.3 Engine coolant – Change

Procedure for changing engine coolant, including draining and filling steps.

7.16.4 Engine coolant – Draining

Procedure for draining engine coolant from various points, including safety precautions.

7.16.5 Engine coolant – Filling

Procedure for filling engine coolant, including safety and thermal stress precautions.

7.16.6 HT coolant pump – Relief bore check

Procedure for checking the relief bore on the HT coolant pump for oil and coolant discharge.

7.16.7 Engine coolant – Sample extraction and analysis

Procedure for extracting and analyzing engine coolant samples using the MTU test kit.

7.17 Raw Water Pump with Connections

Information on raw water pumps and their connections.

7.17.1 Raw water pump – Relief bore check

Procedure for checking the relief bore on the raw water pump for oil and coolant discharge.

7.18 Belt Drive

Information on belt drives.

7.18.1 Drive belt – Condition check

Procedure for checking the condition of drive belts, identifying findings and actions.

7.19 Battery-Charging Generator

Information on the battery-charging generator.

7.19.1 Battery-charging generator drive – Drive belt check and adjustment

Procedure for checking and adjusting the drive belt tension for the battery-charging generator.

7.19.2 Battery-charging generator drive – Drive belt replacement

Procedure for replacing the drive belt for the battery-charging generator.

7.20 Engine Mounting / Support

Information on engine mounting and support systems.

7.20.1 Engine mounting – Checking condition of resilient mounts

Procedure for checking the condition of resilient mounts for engine mounting.

7.21 Wiring (General) for Engine/Gearbox/Unit

General information on wiring for the engine, gearbox, and unit.

7.21.1 Engine wiring – Check

Procedure for checking engine wiring, including cable clamps, ties, and electrical components.

7.22 Accessories for (Electronic) Engine Governor / Control System

Accessories for the electronic engine governor and control system.

7.22.1 Engine governor and connectors – Cleaning

Procedure for cleaning the engine governor and its connectors using isopropyl alcohol.

7.22.2 Engine monitoring unit and connectors – Cleaning

Procedure for cleaning the engine monitoring unit and its connectors using isopropyl alcohol.

7.22.3 Start interlock limit switch – Check

Procedure for checking the start interlock limit switch, including housing and cover plate.

7.22.4 ECU – Checking plug connections

Procedure for checking plug connections on the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

7.22.5 Engine monitoring unit – Plug connection check

Procedure for checking plug connections on the engine monitoring unit.

7.22.6 Engine control unit – Removal and installation

Procedure for removing and installing the engine control unit, including connectors and caps.

7.23 Emergency Instrumentation (Local Operating Panel)

Information on emergency instrumentation, specifically the Local Operating Panel (LOP).

7.23.1 LOP and connectors – Cleaning

Procedure for cleaning the LOP display, keys, housing, and connectors.

7.23.2 LOP – Visual inspection

Procedure for visually inspecting the LOP housing, internal assemblies, and plug connections.

7.23.3 LOP – Test procedures

Test procedures for the LOP, including switching between Local and Remote modes.

8 Appendix A

8.1 Abbreviations

List of abbreviations used in the manual with their meanings and explanations.

8.2 MTU contacts/service partners

Contact information for MTU service, local support, 24h hotline, and spare parts service.

9 Appendix B

9.1 Special Tools

List of special tools required for various tasks, including part numbers and usage references.

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MTU 12 V 2000 M51B User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

MTU 12 V 2000 M51B Specifications

Summary

1 Safety

1.1 General conditions

1.2 Personnel and organizational requirements

1.3 Transportation

1.4 Safety regulations for startup and operation

1.5 Safety regulations for maintenance and repair work

1.6 Auxiliary materials, fire prevention and environmental protection

1.7 Conventions for safety instructions in the text

2 General Information

2.1 Engine side and cylinder designations

2.2 Product description

2.3 Engine overview 2000 M50-M61A/B

2.4 Sensors, actuators and injectors – Overview

3 Technical Data

3.1 8V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

3.2 8V 2000 M50A engine data: Remote heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

3.9 12V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

3.11 12V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

3.13 12V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

3.15 12V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

3.21 16V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

3.23 16V 2000 M50A engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

3.25 16V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 25 °C

3.27 16V 2000 M50B engine data: Engine-mounted heat exchanger, reference condition: Intake-air temperature 45 °C

4 Operation

4.1 Putting the engine into operation (out-of-service period > 3 months)

4.2 Putting the engine into operation after scheduled out-of-service period

4.3 Operational checks

4.4 LOP – Controls

4.5 Starting the engine from LOP

4.6 Stopping the engine from LOP (without Blue Line automation system)

4.7 Emergency stop from LOP

4.8 After stopping the engine

4.9 Plant – Cleaning

5 Maintenance

5.1 Maintenance task reference table [QL1]

5.2 Maintenance task reference table [QL1]

6 Troubleshooting

6.1 Troubleshooting

6.2 LOP fault messages

7 Task Description

7.1 SOLAS

7.1.1 SOLAS shielding as per MTN 5233 – Installation

7.1.2 SOLAS shielding – Installation as per MTN 5233

7.1.3 SOLAS shielding – Installation

7.1.4 Installation locations for SOLAS shielding

7.2 Engine

7.2.1 Engine – Barring manually

7.2.2 Engine cranking on starter

7.3 Cylinder Liner

7.3.1 Cylinder liner – Endoscopic examination

7.3.2 Cylinder liner – Instructions and comments on endoscopic and visual examination

7.4 Crankcase Breather

7.4.1 Crankcase ventilation – Oil separator element replacement, diaphragm check and replacement

7.4.2 Crankcase breather – Cleaning oil separator element

7.5 Valve Drive

7.5.1 Valve clearance – Check and adjustment

7.5.2 Cylinder head cover – Removal and installation

7.6 Injection Pump / HP Pump

7.6.1 Injection pump – Replacement

7.6.2 Injection pump – Removal and installation

7.7 Injection Valve / Injector

7.7.1 Injector – Replacement

7.7.2 HP fuel line – Pressure pipe neck replacement

7.7.3 Injector – Removal and installation

7.8 Fuel System

7.8.1 HP fuel line – Pressure pipe neck replacement

7.8.2 Fuel – Draining

7.8.3 Fuel system – Venting

7.9 Fuel Filter

7.9.1 Fuel filter – Replacement

7.9.2 Fuel prefilter – Differential pressure check and adjustment of gauge

7.9.3 Fuel prefilter – Draining

7.9.4 Fuel prefilter – Flushing

7.9.5 Fuel prefilter – Filter element replacement