MTU 20V4000M73 series

Questions and Answers

A
antonioturnerAug 17, 2025
What to do if MTU 20V4000M73 Engine does not rotate when starter is actuated?
- M
  masonamberAug 17, 2025
  If the MTU Engine doesn't rotate when the starter is activated, here's what you can check: * Charge or replace the battery. * Ensure cable connections are secure. * Verify the starter power supply and correct the design if necessary. * Inspect the engine cabling visually. * Check plug connections on the Engine Control Unit and Engine Interface Module. * Check the fuse in the engine wiring harness, replace if necessary, and restart the system by actuating the key switch. If these steps don't resolve the issue, the engine might be blocked, or there may be a start interlock problem.
L
lauramarksAug 20, 2025
Why MTU 20V4000M73 Engine does not reach rated speed?
- P
  paula79Aug 20, 2025
  If your MTU Engine isn't reaching its rated speed, consider these possible causes: * Overload: Reduce the load on the engine. * Clogged air filter: Replace the air filter. * Clogged fuel prefilter: Drain water and contaminants, and replace the filter element. * Clogged easy-change fuel filter: Replace the filter. * Faulty engine cabling: Check the cabling. * Defective injector: Replace the injector.
A
Andrew ColonAug 22, 2025
How to fix black exhaust gas from MTU Engine?
- J
  Julia VegaAug 22, 2025
  If your MTU Engine is emitting black exhaust gas, the following could be the reasons: * Overload: Reduce the engine load. * Clogged air filter: Replace the air filter. * Defective injector: Replace the injector.
D
davidscottAug 25, 2025
How to stop water alarm on MTU 20V4000M73?
- J
  Jeffrey RobertsAug 26, 2025
  To stop the water alarm on your MTU Engine: Acknowledge the alarm by pressing the illuminated 'Water alarm' pushbutton. You can also manually drain the water by pressing the illuminated 'Water drain' pushbutton to open the water drain valve. The alarm is initiated because the opening period of the valve exceeds a preset limit (4 minutes) when the maximum water level is reached, and the pump will switch off.
S
Samantha PollardAug 27, 2025
Why MTU 20V4000M73 Engine emits blue exhaust gas?
- C
  Catherine MurphyAug 27, 2025
  Blue exhaust gas from your MTU Engine can be due to: * Too much engine oil: Drain some engine oil. * Contaminated oil separator: Replace the oil separator. * Defective exhaust turbocharger. * Defective cylinder head. * Defective piston rings or cylinder liner.
C
cindy17Aug 30, 2025
Why MTU 20V4000M73 fires unevenly?
- D
  Danielle FuentesAug 30, 2025
  Uneven firing in your MTU Engine can be caused by: * Faulty engine cabling: Check the engine cabling. * Defective injector: Replace the injector. * Faulty Engine Control Unit.
D
Diana ThomasSep 1, 2025
How to stabilize MTU 20V4000M73 Engine speed?
- I
  igilmoreSep 1, 2025
  Unstable engine speed in your MTU Engine could be due to: * Defective injector: Replace the injector. * Faulty speed sensor: Check and replace if necessary. * Faulty Engine Control Unit.
J
John StoutSep 4, 2025
What to do when MTU 20V4000M73 Engine requires to replace filter element?
- R
  Richard GeorgeSep 4, 2025
  When your MTU Engine requires a filter element replacement because the maximum permissible differential pressure has been exceeded, replace the coalescer filter element and acknowledge by pressing the illuminated 'Water alarm' pushbutton. If the filter isn't replaced, pressure will increase, the safety valve will open, and fuel will bypass directly into the overflow tank.
M
Michele CaseSep 6, 2025
Why charge-air temperature is too high in MTU 20V4000M73?
- D
  Daniel SilvaSep 6, 2025
  High charge-air temperature in your MTU Engine can be attributed to: * Engine overload: Reduce the load. * High air inlet temperature: Check fans and air supply/ventilation ducts. * Incorrect engine coolant concentration: Check the coolant level and concentration. * Clogged intercooler.
A
Andre WoodsSep 9, 2025
Why MTU 20V4000M73 emits white exhaust gas?
- K
  Kelsey ShafferSep 9, 2025
  White exhaust gas from your MTU Engine can occur if: * The engine is not at operating temperature: Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. * The intercooler is leaky: Check the condensate drain for coolant discharge and obstruction.

Summary

1 Safety

1.1 Intended use of engines and systems in Marine applications

1.3 Personnel and organizational requirements

Specifies requirements for personnel training, qualifications, and organizational measures for safe operation.

1.4 Initial start-up and operation - Safety regulations

Details safety regulations for initial start-up and ongoing operation, including malfunctions and emergency stops.

3 Technical Data

3.1 Engine data 20 V4000 M73

Presents reference conditions and power-related, general, and model-related data for the 20V4000M73 engine.

3.2 Engine data 20 V4000 M73

Details reference conditions and power-related, general, and model-related data for the 20V4000M73 engine.

3.3 Engine data 20 V4000 M73 L

Lists reference conditions and power-related, general, and model-related data for the 20V4000M73L engine.

3.4 Engine data 20 V4000 M73 L

Provides reference conditions and power-related, general, and model-related data for the 20V4000M73L engine.

4 Operation

4.1 LOP controls

4.2 Putting the engine into operation after extended out-of-service periods (>3 months)

Details the steps and preconditions for putting the engine back into operation after extended periods of inactivity.

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

Outlines the procedure and preconditions for putting the engine into operation after a scheduled service period.

4.4 Starting the engine

Covers the preconditions and methods for starting the engine from various control points, including safety warnings.

6 Troubleshooting

6.1 Control cabinet of fuel treatment system - Troubleshooting

Addresses troubleshooting for the fuel treatment system control cabinet, covering alarms and faults.

6.2 Troubleshooting

Covers common engine issues like not rotating, not firing, uneven firing, and not reaching rated speed.

6.3 Engine governor ADEC (ECU 7) fault messages for Series 4000 engines, marine application

Explains fault code numbers generated by the engine governor and transmitted to the display.

6.4 ADEC engine governor - Fault codes

Lists fault codes for the ADEC engine governor, including causes and corrective actions.

7 Task Description

7.1.1 SOLAS shielding as per MTN 5233 - Installation

7.4 Crankcase Breather

7.4.1 Crankcase breather - Oil separator element replacement

7.5.1 Valve gear - Lubrication

7.5.2 Valve clearance - Check and adjustment

Provides steps for checking and adjusting valve clearance at two crankshaft positions, including tools and specifications.

7.6 Injection Pump; HP Pump

7.6.1 HP fuel pump - Filling with engine oil

7.7.1 Injector - Replacement

7.7.2 Injector - Removal and installation (jacketed fuel system)

Outlines the procedure for removing and installing the injector in a jacketed fuel system, including tools and safety.

7.8 Fuel Filter

7.8.1 Fuel filter - Replacement

Details the procedure for replacing the fuel filter, including preconditions and safety warnings.

7.8.2 Fuel prefilter - Differential pressure gage check and adjustment

7.8.3 Fuel prefilter - Draining

7.9 Exhaust Turbocharger

7.9.1 Compressor wheel - Cleaning

7.10.1 Intercooler - Checking condensate drain for coolant leakage and obstruction

Emergency measures prior to engine start for continued operation with leaking intercooler

Outlines emergency measures to take before starting the engine if the intercooler is leaking.

7.11 Air Filter

7.11.1 Air filter - Replacement

Provides steps for replacing the air filter, including removing old and installing new filters, and resetting indicators.

7.11.2 Air filter - Removal and installation

7.12.1 Contamination indicator - Signal ring position check

7.13 Starting Equipment

7.13.1 Starter - Condition check

7.14 Lube Oil System, Lube Oil Circuit

7.14.1 Engine oil level - Check

Details the procedure for checking the engine oil level, both after extended standstill and immediately after engine stop.

7.14.2 Engine oil - Change

Outlines the procedure for changing the engine oil, including draining and refilling steps, with safety warnings.

7.15 Oil Filtration; Cooling

7.15.2 Oil filter element - Removal

7.15.4 Oil filter element - Assembly

7.16 Coolant System, General, High-Temperature Circuit

7.16.2 Engine coolant - Level check

Details how to check the engine coolant level at the filler neck, external cooler, and via the level sensor.

7.16.3 Engine coolant - Change

7.16.4 Engine coolant draining

Details the procedure for draining engine coolant from various points on the engine, including safety warnings.

7.21 Fuel Supply System

7.21.3 Water level probe (3-in-1 rod electrode) - Check

7.21.4 Pump capacity - Check

7.21.5 Coalescer filter element ‒ Replacement

Details the procedure for replacing the coalescer filter element, including closing valves, draining fuel, and cleaning.

7.23 Accessories for (Electronic) Engine Governor; Control System

7.23.1 Limit switch for start interlock - Check

7.23.5 Engine governor plug connections - Check

7.23.2 Engine Control Unit ECU 7 - Checking plug connections

7.23.6 Engine governor ECU 7 - Removal and installation

Details the procedure for removing and installing the Engine governor ECU 7, including cable assignment and resilient mount checks.

7.23.3 Engine Monitoring Unit EMU 8 - Plug connections check

7.23.7 Engine Monitoring Unit EMU 8 - Removal and installation

Provides steps for removing and installing the Engine Monitoring Unit EMU 8, including ECU connections and resilient mount checks.

7.23.4 Interface module EIM plug connections - Check

7.23.8 Engine Interface Module EIM 2 - Removal and installation

Details the procedure for removing and installing the Engine Interface Module EIM 2, including software download.

7.24 Emergency Instrumentation (Local Operating Panel)

7.24.5 Stopping the engine

7.24.2 Local Operating Panel LOP

7.24.6 Engine shutdown

7.24.3 Local Operating Station LOS and Local Operating Panel LOP - Controls and displays

7.24.7 LOP and connectors - Cleaning

7.24.4 Engine - Shutdown

Details the procedure for shutting down the engine from the Local Operating Panel (LOP), including preconditions and results.