OMT Fuel Injection The Durable Choice for Marine Propulsion Systems

Fuel injection is the heart of any diesel engine’s operation, determining how efficiently fuel is delivered, atomized, and burned. In marine engines, where reliability and performance are critical, the OMT Fuel Injection System has established itself as a trusted solution.

This blog explores what the OMT fuel injection system is, how it works, its advantages, and why it is widely used in marine diesel engines.

What is OMT Fuel Injection?

OMT stands for Oiltight Mechanical Timing—a fuel injection system designed for medium-speed and slow-speed marine diesel engines. It is a mechanical, cam-driven injection pump system that controls fuel delivery timing and quantity with high precision.

Developed with robust marine applications in mind, the OMT system ensures optimal combustion by delivering the correct amount of fuel at the precise moment in the engine cycle.

How Does the OMT Fuel Injection System Work?

At its core, the OMT system consists of several key components:

• Camshaft and Cam Followers: The camshaft drives the injection pump via cam followers, mechanically controlling injection timing.

• Plunger and Barrel Assembly: This high-pressure pump element pressurizes the fuel to the necessary injection pressure.

• Delivery Valve: It ensures a clean cutoff of fuel flow, preventing dribbling and ensuring precise fuel metering.

• Rack and Governor: The rack adjusts the fuel quantity by changing the plunger stroke length, while the governor regulates engine speed by modulating fuel delivery.

Fuel is drawn from the supply system, pressurized by the plunger, and injected through fuel nozzles into the combustion chamber. Timing is mechanically synchronized with the engine’s crankshaft, ensuring fuel injection occurs at the optimal crank angle for combustion efficiency.

Advantages of OMT Fuel Injection Systems

• Reliability: Mechanical design with fewer electronic components means high reliability, especially in harsh marine environments.

• Precise Fuel Delivery: Accurate control over injection timing and quantity helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

• Durability: Designed for long service intervals, OMT systems are robust and easy to maintain.

• Simplicity: Mechanical operation makes diagnosis, adjustment, and repair straightforward for trained marine engineers.

• Compatibility: The OMT system is compatible with various marine diesel engines, including those by major manufacturers like Daihatsu and Wärtsilä.

Applications of OMT Fuel Injection

OMT systems are widely used in:

• Medium-speed marine propulsion engines

• Auxiliary generator engines aboard ships

• Industrial diesel engines for power generation and mechanical drives

Their rugged design and proven track record make them suitable for continuous operation in demanding marine environments.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips

Proper maintenance of the OMT fuel injection system is key to reliable engine operation:

• Regular Calibration: Ensure fuel quantity and timing are checked and calibrated according to engine manufacturer guidelines.

• Clean Fuel Supply: Use filtered fuel to avoid nozzle clogging and wear in pump components.

• Inspect and Replace Wear Parts: Plungers, barrels, delivery valves, and cam followers should be inspected for wear and replaced as necessary.

• Monitor Fuel Nozzle Spray Patterns: Irregular spray can lead to incomplete combustion and increased emissions.

• Lubrication: Keep the camshaft and moving parts properly lubricated to avoid premature wear.

Final Thoughts

The OMT fuel injection system remains a cornerstone technology in marine diesel engines, combining mechanical precision with proven durability. Its straightforward design and dependable performance make it a preferred choice for shipowners and marine engineers seeking reliable fuel delivery under challenging operating conditions.