ALCO 251 ENGINE BLOCKS

JohnC · **Joined:** Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:20 pm **Posts:** 217

The ALCO locomotives that remain are "Grandfathered" as far as emissions. If you recondition an ALCO locomotive built in 1975, You do NOT have to meet the emissions of 2016.

On the other hand, If you build a BRAND NEW or re manufactured locomotive using a 251 engine, you will in fact have to meet those new emissions.

filmteknik · **Posted:** Thu Mar 03, 2016 9:59 pm

Which is why I stipulated "new."

How is remanufactured defined? I would think sidestepping the tiers would be very attractive.

JohnC · **Joined:** Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:20 pm **Posts:** 217

Re manufactured means that the existing locomotive was completely rebuilt using NEW parts from the trucks upwards. This differs that most railroads use re-conditioned or rebuilt used parts.

PCook · **Joined:** Sat Jul 02, 2005 7:16 am **Posts:** 2127

It is helpful to get and read 40CFR1033.610 and particularly paragraph (a) which helps to explain which older locomotives are and are not redefined as a "new" product if they are being rebuilt.

PC

dinwitty · **Joined:** Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:18 pm **Posts:** 2226

I think its good someone out there shows support and supply for the engine, maybe some preserved engines get a chance for ressurection or preservation, so good for them.

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 2876

I wonder if a new 251 could be brought into compliance if DEF were used, in building new units for say Brookville. I don't know if that makes sense financially I'm just curious about the technical standards. I have always questioned the railroads' fear of DEF, it is cheap and is used slowly. Probably not necessary in a preserved unit like the PA according to the discussion above, but one never knows what the future holds.

CREEPING DEATH · **Joined:** Sun Oct 24, 2010 6:22 pm **Posts:** 275

The Indians, long users of Alco 251 engines, got power WAY up - and emissions down to near-EPA levels - by using 251F+ parts, EFI, and new Hispano-Suiza turbochargers. NS has used the same turbos on at least one GE DASH-8 that was upgraded.

CD

MARK DAVID · **Joined:** Thu Mar 03, 2016 12:26 pm **Posts:** 3

Problem with Hispano Suiza turbos is that the company making them is not reliable
supplying of parts.

The 251 plus boosts the power a bit and reduces emissions a bit but as the ALCOS
are going down , the present owners are reluctant to invest in new technology.

They prefer the old standard parts that cost less and do not need replacement for the whole engine.