Eagle lands ready for Euro-2 by John Kendall • Perkins
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has launched the Euro-2 version of its 122litre Eagle Tx engine, tagged Eagle Tx 2000. Three power ratings will he available (see table) which will eventually replace the Euro-1 335hp, 375hp and 400hp variants.
Peak power is produced 100rpm lower at 1,800rpm for all Euro-2 engine variants. Although power increases are modest, torque improvements are more significant. Apart from the increases of up to 3.5%, peak torque is produced from 1,000rpm and spread over a variable band.
Perkins attributes this torque spread to the K-cam governor fitted to the Bosch fuel pump. The company says that the power and torque improvements have helped contribute to better fuel consumption. The 410 Tx 2000 has shown a 4.5% improvement over the 400Tx in testing, while the 340 Tx 2000 has matched results from the 335Tx.
Other changes to the engine include a composite sump constructed from sheet moulded compound (SMC). Its sound absorbing properties have contributed to a noise reduction of 1.5dB(A) while its light weight has offset increases due to other changes.
Max torque Ibtt(Nm)
Particulate emissions have been reduced by using a low friction piston ring pack to reduce oil consumption. The combustion chamber has also been re-designed. Perkins claims that coldstarting aids are not needed at temperatures down to 15°C.
All variants of the engine will be fitted with Holset turbochargers. The 380 and 410 models will also get wastegates to regulate boost at higher engine speeds. To cope with 1,200 bar injection pressures, the timing gear train has been toughened up and fitted with a rigid cast iron case. Eight-hole injectors are fitted to all variants.
Standard will be an exhaust brake which meets ADR requirements. The Super VPS (Variable Pressure System) is supplied by Hersham Valves.
A twin cylinder air compressor replaces the previous single cylinder model. Output is increased by 44% giving a much quicker air build-up from cold.
As a result of the changes, Perkins claims that smoke emissions and oil consumption have been halved. Oil drain intervals have been extended from 40,000km to 50,0001un with D5 mineral oil.
In meeting Euro-2 Perkins aims for the Eagle Tx were to provide a high torque, low-speed engine that was simple to maintain. Achieving Euro-2 without electronic controls was therefore a priority for the company.
Tx 2000 indicates that the Eagle engine is in its last years for automotive applications. Euro-3 limits at the end of the century will almost certainly mean electronics must he used. Perkins is working on a successor to the Eagle Tx which will replace it after 2000. According to Perkins sales and marketing director for its Shrewsbury and Stafford plants Richard HaIahan: "Perkins is committed to the truck market, we are working on a fiveyear plan to penetrate the market significantly."
Twenty per cent of Perkins' global turnover should be accounted for by trucks by 2000. The company will have to double its current market share to achieve that aim. Tx 2000 production begins in August.