Yanmar 4LV230 Specifications
| Engine Model: Yanmar 4LV230 |
| Engine Type: 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder turbocharged water-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 168.1 cu.in (2.75 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 230 Hp (169 kW) at 3800 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Common rail direct injection |
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The Yanmar 4LV230 is a 4-stroke, vertical,
water-cooled marine diesel engine that utilizes advanced common rail
fuel injection technology. As part of Yanmar’s 4LV series, this
2.8-liter powerplant was engineered to bridge the gap between
traditional mechanical diesels and modern electronically controlled
marine propulsion systems. Introduced in the late 2010s, the 4LV230 is
specifically designed for high-end sailing yachts, superyacht tenders,
light-duty commercial vessels, and high-performance rigid inflatable
boats (RIBs), offering a combination of high power-to-weight ratio, low
noise emissions, and fuel efficiency.
The engine’s design revolves around a 4-cylinder in-line configuration
with a bore and stroke of 92.0 mm by 103.6 mm - a long-stroke
architecture that prioritizes low-end torque production and rapid
acceleration. The Yanmar 4LV230 employs a Denso common rail direct
injection system, a technology shared with premium automotive diesel
engines but adapted for the marine environment. This system allows for
precise control of injection timing, pressure, and duration across
multiple injection events per combustion cycle, resulting in reduced
combustion noise, lower emissions, and improved fuel economy.
The Yanmar 4LV230 is turbocharged and intercooled, with the charge air
cooler reducing intake air temperatures to increase air density and
combustion efficiency. The engine is fresh water cooled via a
centrifugal pump, with a secondary rubber impeller pump providing raw
seawater circulation for the heat exchanger.
Electronic control is managed through Yanmar’s VC20 or VC30 Vessel
Control Systems, with optional mechanical throttle sensors for
installations requiring simplified interfaces. The engine meets US EPA
Tier 3, EU RCD 2, IMO Tier 2, BSO II, and EMC certification standards,
making it compliant for global use. It is also approved for operation on
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a renewable diesel fuel.
The engine operates on a four-stroke diesel cycle with a turbocharger
and charge air cooler providing forced induction. It is configured for
inboard or sterndrive marine applications with longitudinal
installation. Engine management is controlled by a Yanmar Ecu.integrated
with the Denso common rail system.
Engine Type: Vertical inline-4, water-cooled, 4-stroke diesel.
Displacement: 2.755 liters (168.1 cu.in).
Bore x Stroke: 92.0 mm x 103.6 mm (3.62 in x 4.08 in).
Compression Ratio: 15.0:1.
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2.
Idle Speed: 650 - 750 rpm, electronically governed.
Maximum Output (Crankshaft): 169 kW (230 hp) @ 3,800 rpm.
Maximum Engine Speed: 3,800 rpm; 4,200 rpm (no-load governed max).
Turbocharger: Single turbocharger with integrated wastegate.
Charge Air Cooling: Air-to-water intercooler integrated into the fresh
water cooling circuit.
Rotation Direction: Counter-clockwise when viewed from the flywheel
(stern) side.
Fuel Injection System: Denso common rail direct injection, operating
pressure up to 180 MPa (26,100 psi).
The cylinder block is constructed from high-strength cast iron with a
closed-deck design, providing the structural rigidity required to
withstand the high cylinder pressures of common rail diesel combustion.
The block incorporates five main bearings supporting the crankshaft. The
deep-skirt design extends below the crankshaft centerline, contributing
to reduced noise and vibration transmission to the hull.
Cylinder Bore Diameter: 92.0 mm (3.62 in).
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 70.0 mm (2.76 in).
Piston Material: High-temperature aluminum alloy with a re-entrant
combustion bowl in the crown.
Piston Cooling: Oil jets are mounted in the cylinder block to direct a
continuous spray of engine oil to the underside of each piston crown.
Crankshaft: Forged steel, fully counter-weighted with eight balance
weights.
Connecting Rods: Forged steel, fracture-split construction for precise
cap alignment.
Cylinder Block Construction: Cast iron with closed-deck design and
cast-in oil galleries.
The cylinder head is manufactured from aluminum alloy and houses the
DOHC valvetrain. Four valves per cylinder (two intake, two exhaust)
promote high volumetric efficiency across the operating range. The
valvetrain incorporates roller rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters,
maintaining zero valve clearance automatically. Valvetrain: DOHC, gear-
or chain-driven, with 16 valves total (4 valves per cylinder). Hydraulic
lash adjusters maintain zero valve clearance automatically.
Intake Valve Diameter: 30.0 mm (1.18 in).
Exhaust Valve Diameter: 26.0 mm (1.02 in).
Valve Seat Material: High-strength sintered alloy with increased
hardness for diesel application.
Camshaft Drive: Gear-driven from the crankshaft (typical Yanmar
industrial/marine configuration).
The fuel system utilizes a Denso common rail direct injection
configuration with solenoid injectors. A high-pressure pump supplies
fuel to a common accumulator rail, from which the injectors deliver
precisely metered fuel to each cylinder. The system supports multiple
injection events per combustion cycle, including pilot and main
injections, enabling reduced combustion noise and optimized fuel
consumption.
Fuel Injectors: Solenoid-type injectors with multi-hole nozzles,
specific to Denso common rail system. High-Pressure Pump: Single-piston
radial plunger pump driven by the camshaft. Common Rail Pressure: 160 -
180 MPa (23,200 - 26,100 psi) maximum operating pressure.
Low-Pressure Fuel System Pressure: 300 - 500 kPa (43.5 - 72.5 psi).
Intake Manifold: Aluminum or composite resin construction with
integrated charge air cooler mounting.
Throttle Body: Electronically controlled intake throttle valve for
engine shut-down refinement; no conventional throttle plate is used
during normal operation. Fuel Requirement: Diesel fuel meeting EN 590 or
equivalent specifications, minimum cetane rating of 51. HVO
(Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) approved.
The lubrication system is a fully pressurized wet-sump design
incorporating a gear-type oil pump driven by the crankshaft. The system
includes a spin-on full-flow oil filter and a plate-type oil cooler
integrated into the fresh water cooling circuit. Oil change intervals
are determined by the Yanmar electronic control system, which monitors
engine hours, load, oil temperature, and pressure.
Oil Pump Type: Gear-type pump
Recommended Oil Viscosity: 15W-40 (mineral break-in); 5W-30 or 0W-40
(fully synthetic for service), meeting API CJ-4 or ACEA E9
specification.
Oil Capacity (with filter change): 8.5 - 9.5 liters (9.0 - 10.0 qt),
dependent on oil pan configuration.
Oil Pressure (at rated speed, warm): 350 - 450 kPa (50.8 - 65.3 psi).
Oil Pan Material: Cast aluminum with integrated baffling and windage
tray.
Oil Cooler: Plate-type oil-to-water heat exchanger mounted to the
cylinder block.
The cooling system is a pressurized, indirect freshwater (closed loop)
design utilizing a belt-driven centrifugal pump for internal coolant
circulation. A secondary raw water circuit, driven by a flexible
neoprene impeller pump, draws seawater through a strainer and passes it
through the heat exchanger to remove heat from the freshwater loop. The
raw water is then injected into the exhaust elbow.
Coolant Type: Ethylene-glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors
for aluminum components.
Coolant Capacity (freshwater loop, engine only): 6.0 - 7.0 liters (6.3 -
7.4 qt).
Raw Water Pump: Flexible neoprene impeller pump, serviceable impeller
with 200-hour inspection interval.
Thermostat Opening Temperature: 82 - 88 °C (180 - 190 °F).
Heat Exchanger: Tubular type, integrated with the exhaust manifold in
some configurations.
Timing Drive: Gear-driven camshaft. Gears are located at the flywheel
end of the engine, a design that reduces front-end noise and eliminates
belt or chain replacement requirements.
Accessory Drive: Single serpentine belt driving the freshwater
circulation pump and alternator. An automatic spring-loaded tensioner
maintains consistent belt tension.
Starting System: 12V electric starter motor, 2.0 kW power rating.
Charging System: Denso 12V alternator, 130 Ampere output.
Engine Mounts: Flexible rubber-type mounts are supplied as standard
equipment to isolate vibration from the hull structure.
Control Systems: Compatible with Yanmar VC20 (mechanical throttle
sensor) and VC30 (fully electronic) Vessel Control Systems. Direct
connectivity to NMEA2000 and J1939 CAN-bus networks is integrated,
allowing engine data display on multifunction displays (MFDs) and
chartplotters.
Emission Control System: Includes a closed crankcase ventilation (CCV)
system and an oxidation catalyst in the exhaust system for specific
markets. Meets EPA Tier 3, EU RCD 2, IMO Tier 2, BSO II, EMC, and SOLAS
standards.
Engine Management System: Yanmar ECU with integrated boost pressure
control, common rail injection timing, DPF regeneration management
(where fitted), and glow plug control. The ECU utilizes MAP (Manifold
Absolute Pressure), boost pressure, and multiple temperature sensors for
closed-loop control.
Overall Length: 1,151 mm (45.3 in)
Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in)
Overall Height: 772 mm (30.4 in)
Dry Weight (without marine gear): 334 kg (736 lb)
Valve Clearance: Hydraulic lash adjusters.
Engine Oil Change Interval: 250 hours or 12 months (mineral oil
break-in).
Engine Oil Change Interval: 500 hours or 12 months (fully synthetic
oil).
Engine Oil Filter Change Interval: With every oil change.
Fuel Filter Replacement: 500 hours or annually.
Raw Water Impeller Inspection: 200 hours.
Raw Water Impeller Replacement: 500 hours or annually (neoprene).
Coolant Change: 2,000 hours or 3 years.
Drive Belt Inspection: Every 200 hours for cracks, fraying, or glazing.
Air Filter Element: Clean every 500 hours.
Air Filter Element: Replace every 1,000 hours.
Zinc Anode (Heat Exchanger): Inspect every 6 months in saltwater
operation.
Zinc Anode (Heat Exchanger): Replace if 50 percent consumed.
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 1: 40 Nm (30 lb-ft)
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 2: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Intake Manifold Bolts: 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
Exhaust Manifold Nuts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Turbocharger Mounting Nuts: 35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
Injector Clamp Bolts: 15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
High-Pressure Pump Mounting Bolts: 22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
Oil Pan Bolts: 12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
Valve Cover Bolts: 10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: 200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
Flywheel (Flex Plate) Bolts: 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
Marine Gear to Flywheel Housing Bolts: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
The Yanmar 4LV230 engine is utilized across a range of marine platforms,
serving as a compact, high-output diesel powertrain for leisure and
light commercial vessels.
High-Performance Tenders: The 4LV230 is used to power Williams DieselJet
tenders and other superyacht chase vessels, where the high
power-to-weight ratio is critical.
Cruising Yachts (Sail and Power): Installed as auxiliary power in large
sailing yachts and as primary propulsion in displacement power cruisers
(e.g., Nordhavn 41, Fleming 58) and canal boats.
Light Commercial Vessels: Utilized in pilot boats, patrol craft, and
small fishing vessels where reliability and electronic control are
valued.
Sterndrive Applications: Compatible with the Yanmar ZT370 sterndrive,
providing inboard-outboard propulsion for performance sportboats.
Marine Gear Options: KMH50A: Hydraulic multi-disc clutch transmission
with an 8-degree down angle for standard inboard installations. KMH50V:
V-drive transmission with a 12-degree angle for space-constrained engine
rooms.
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