In turning our Leopard 45 into a fully functional liveaboard and remote area cruiser we've made quite a few additions. One was installing STEINBAUER PowerModules on our 4JH45 engines, and what a difference it has made!
Based on our experience, we genuinely believe they're a great product with huge potential to benefit cruisers and boaters. As a result, we're going to take you through what there is to know about them, including who STEINBAUER are, our connection to them and what these power modules actually do.
Contents:
Who are STEINBAUER?
STEINBAUER is an Austrian company named for its founder and CEO Hebert Steinbauer, a fellow catamaran owner. In the late 1990's he identified a new opportunity for improving diesel engine tuning, and began developing an intelligent plug and play module centered around fuel injection.
Today, STEINBAUER PowerModules are used within the automotive, construction, agricultural and marine industries, and are available in over 30 countries around the globe. They continue to be made in Austria and Herbert remains a key player in the development process. As well as making modules for a range of diesel motors, STEINBAUER also make modules for electric vehicles including Tesla and a telematics solution called NexOpt.
How STEINBAUER PowerModules work
Put simply, STEINBAUER modules improve your engine tuning by optimising the injector cycle.
Unlike ECU Flash Tuning or Rail Tuning Boxes, it does not increase boost or common rail pressure. It also doesn't override the manufacturers software, deactivate error codes or ignore safety parameters - there's no ECU footprint at all.
Why we installed STEINBAUER PowerModules on our Leopard 45 4JH45 engines
We first became aware of STEINBAUER in our late teens and early 20's because their diesel power modules are a popular choice for 4WD enthusiasts in Australia. Later Trent met Sherie Dooly-Jones, a fellow Aussie who's become a valued friend. She's also the site manager of STEINBAUER Engineering USA and through her we met Herbert.
Herbert was also buying a Leopard 45 and general chats about yacht upgrades evolved into a discussion about having STEINBAUER PowerModules installed on the catamaran engines. The logic of how the system worked and the benefits it should have as a result made sense to Trent, and our Leopard 45 became the second catamaran to have them installed. Trent paid for his modules, installed them with Tynan and our data was used by STEINBAUER for development.
The benefits of marine diesel engine tuning
There are a range of benefits to having a STEINBAUER PowerModule installed on your diesel engine.
Better fuel consumption and performance
Engine fuels as intended
No revving to clear carbon build up
Reach RPM limit faster
No ECU footprint
Easy installation
Optimise engine for a larger prop size - more power with less RPM
Robust construction (dust, vibration, moisture & heat resistant)
Here's what we anecdotally noticed on our Leopard 45, which has Yanmar 4JH45 engines.
The motor was more responsive (quicker to accelerate) during docking and undocking. This made it easier to turn and compensate for the wind, especially when it was blowing towards the dock.
Conditions where we would have needed to run two motors previously, now only need one.
Able to maintain a higher average speed with a single engine.
Faster with the same or less fuel consumption, depending on the conditions.
We don't need to rev the engine to clear carbon build up
Due to our positive experience with the product, Tynan and I are now working with STEINBAUER to promote the modules within the marine industry. Trent's given permission for us to use Liger in advertising and supports us being publicly and financially involved in the company as he believes it is a good product that has made his boat better.
Marine engines STEINBAUER PowerModules are available for
Currently the modules are available for two diesel motors used by boat builders; the Yanmar 4JH45 engine (45 HP) and Volvo Penta D3 (110 HP). Just by optimising the injector cycle, the 4JH45 can perform at 60HP and the Volvo Penta D3 at 145 HP.
If you have a different type of marine engine that you'd like a STEINBAUER PowerModule for, feel free to reach out using the contact details at the bottom of the page as you never know what might be in development.
How do STEINBAUER PowerModules effect my engine warranty?
In short, it shouldn't because the PowerModules operate within the specifications and safety parameters of the OEM manufacturers.
I sat down with Sherie to discuss this topic, covering how STEINBAUER PowerModules impact warranty and what legal protections are offered for the installation of aftermarket engine components.
Things to keep in mind
Here's a few things to keep in mind if you're considering installing a STEINBAUER PowerModule.
For even better performance you can increase the size of your prop.
It's important ensure that your valve clearances remain within the manufacturers specifications. If you're not sure how to do this then Tynan's tutorial might help. He's also an installer for the modules if you happen to be in an anchorage nearby.
STEINBAUER ship worldwide so it's no problem if you're located outside of the United States or Austria.
For more information
For more information head to the STEINBAUER USA website and if you have any questions you can email us or speak to STEINBAUER directly:
Email us: travelsketchsailing@gmail.com
STEINBAUER (USA): info@steinbauerusa.com or +1 (269) 230 0400
STEINBAUER (Austria): info.at@steinbauer.cc or +43 (7236) 218 210
Great article!
Very interesting interview, especially the section about protections. I would have assumed it'd automatically void the Yanmar warranty but guess not - useful info for all yachties to know about...