The Blue Star MD800-01 is an 800-kilowatt Tier 2 diesel standby generator built around a Mitsubishi S12A2-Y2PTAW-2 engine — a 33.9-liter, 12-cylinder V-configuration turbocharged and water/air-intercooled diesel producing 1,207 HP at 1800 RPM. It is the entry point of Blue Star's Mitsubishi MD product line, a series that extends from 800 kWe to 2,000 kWe and covers the upper boundary of industrial standby power.
Blue Star Power Systems (North Mankato, Minnesota; DEUTZ AG subsidiary since 2024) assembles the MD800-01 on a structural steel base with a Stamford S6L1D alternator (voltage-dependent model) and DSE DCP7310 controller. It is a three-phase-only unit available at 208V, 240V, 480V, 600V, and 4160V. The 4160V option — rare below this power class — uses a Stamford MVWI734E medium-voltage alternator and is particularly relevant for large industrial facilities and utility-scale applications that distribute power at medium voltage.
The S12A2 is Mitsubishi's smallest generator-duty V12, distinguished from the larger S12H and S12R by its shorter stroke (6.30 in vs 6.89 in for the S12H). At 33.9 liters, it delivers 1,207 HP at standby rating with a 15.3:1 compression ratio and water-to-air intercooling, a more complex cooling system than the John Deere PowerTech engines used in Blue Star's smaller models. The intercooler runs on a separate coolant circuit, which adds a second fluid system to track at service intervals.
The altitude deration ceiling — 3,280 ft (1,000 m) at 104°F (40°C) — is consistent across the entire MD product line and meaningfully better than the 1,677 ft ceiling of the 6090-series JD models.
At 18,750 lbs OPU, the MD800-01 requires a purpose-engineered structural pad. The two 9,000W 240V jacket water heaters (installed in parallel with isolation valves) reflect the engine's large coolant mass. Fuel at full load (64.3 gph) means a 500-gallon tank provides approximately 7.8 hours of runtime — fuel logistics planning is important for extended outages at this power level. Mitsubishi S12A2 parts are available through industrial engine suppliers, though not as universally as John Deere 4045 or 6090 parts.
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Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.
Estimate runtime on this tank
Estimated runtime
4.0 hours(0.2 days)
Fuel consumption ≈ 49.60 GPH at 75% load. Estimate based on industry-typical 1800 RPM standby curves (≈0.07 GPH/kW at full load). Actual consumption varies by engine, ambient temperature, fuel quality, and tuning.
Service intervals
Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Blue Star MD800-01 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.
Oil & filter
Every 500 hours or 12 months
Coolant change
Every 6000 hours
Air filter
Every 1000 hours
Fuel filter
Every 500 hours
Major overhaul
≈ 20,000 hours
Load bank test
Every 12 months
Common failure modes
What we've seen fail on this platform. Use as a service-planning reference, not a diagnostic — actual failure modes depend heavily on duty cycle and maintenance history.
Component
Symptom
Typical hours
Severity
Turbocharger(s)
Major power loss, heavy exhaust smoke
12,000+
severe
Fuel quality / degradation
Injector fouling, hard starting
4,380+
moderate
Battery bank (24V)
Failed start, slow cranking
8,760+
minor
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the MD800-01 use?
The Mitsubishi S12A2-Y2PTAW-2 — a 33.9-liter (2,071 cu in), 12-cylinder V-configuration turbocharged and water/air-intercooled diesel producing 1,207 HP at 1800 RPM for standby use. It is the smallest of the three 12-cylinder Mitsubishi S-series engines used in Blue Star's MD product line, with a 5.91×6.30 in bore and stroke and a 15.3:1 compression ratio. EPA Tier 2 certified for stationary emergency standby.
What alternator does the MD800-01 use?
The alternator selection is voltage-dependent. At 480V (277/480V wye) and 600V (347/600V wye), Blue Star specifies the Stamford S6L1D-C. At 208V (12-lead wye) and 240V (12-lead delta), the Stamford S6L1D-D is used. For the 4160V configuration, a Stamford MVWI734E medium-voltage alternator is installed. All are 4-pole, brushless single-bearing units.
What controller does the MD800-01 use?
The DSE DCP7310 Digital Control Panel — CAN Bus J1939, digital metering, RS-485, 8 programmable contact inputs, 10 contact outputs, cULus Listed, CE Approved, NFPA 110 Level 1 compatible. Remote monitoring is supported via the DSE2548 annunciator.
Why is the MD800-01 Tier 2 rather than Tier 3 or Tier 4?
Blue Star's Mitsubishi MD product line uses large-displacement V12 and V16 engines that were engineered for Tier 2 certification. For stationary emergency standby generators, EPA Tier 2 remains acceptable in most US jurisdictions because emergency standby units operate infrequently and are exempt from the more stringent requirements applied to prime power or mobile equipment. Buyers in air quality management districts with stricter requirements (particularly in California) should verify local compliance before specifying a Tier 2 unit.
What is the altitude limit for the MD800-01?
Rated power is available up to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) at ambient temperatures to 104°F (40°C). This is notably more generous than the 1,677 ft limit of the Blue Star JD250-02 and JD275-02, and meaningfully better for sites in Denver, Salt Lake City, or other elevated locations. Consult Blue Star for derating above these parameters.
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