Blue Star Power Systems · Diesel Product Line (Perkins)

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Blue Star PD20-01IT4

17 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

17 kW Tier 4 Interim diesel standby generator built by Blue Star Power Systems. Perkins 404D-22G naturally aspirated engine, Stamford S1L2-J41 alternator, DSE DCP7310 controller.

Standby power
17 kW
Voltage options
120/240V, 120/208V, 277/480V, 347/600V
Frequency / Phase
60 Hz · 1/3-phase
Engine
Perkins 404D-22G · 2.22L
EPA / Emissions
Tier 4 Interim
Alternator
Stamford S1L2-J41
light-commercialsmall-officesmall-retailmulti-familyworshipmunicipaltelecompump-station

Overview#

The Blue Star PD20-01IT4 is a 17-kilowatt Tier 4 Interim diesel standby generator built around the Perkins 404D-22G, a 2.22-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It is the smallest model in Blue Star's Perkins diesel lineup, suited for light-commercial and small-facility standby applications where a compact, quiet footprint matters.

Blue Star Power Systems (North Mankato, Minnesota) pairs the 404D-22G with a Stamford S1L2-J41 alternator and DSE DCP7310 controller. At 66×36 in and 1,275 lbs, the PD20-01IT4 is one of the most compact radiator-cooled standby generators in the Blue Star lineup and is rated for a sound level of 72 dBA at 7 meters — the lowest in the Perkins diesel series.

The 404D-22G at 17 kWe#

The Perkins 404D-22G is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it has no turbocharger or intercooler. This simplifies the drivetrain, reduces maintenance touchpoints, and makes the engine highly reliable for infrequent-start standby duty cycles. The 2.22-liter displacement is sufficient for 17 kWe at 1800 RPM, and fuel consumption is modest at 1.81 gph at full load.

When to spec the PD20-01IT4#

Our service experience#

The naturally aspirated 404D-22G requires fewer service touchpoints than turbocharged engines of similar displacement. There is no intercooler hose system or boost pressure to monitor. We recommend load bank testing at commissioning and standard Perkins 404D industrial service intervals. Parts are available through the Perkins dealer network.

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length
66 in
Width
36 in
Height
48.5 in
Dry weight
1,275 lb

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load
72 dBA
Enclosure
Open

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load
1.81 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load
1.43 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load
1.09 GPH

Thermal & ventilation

Heat to coolant
76,140 BTU/hr
Heat radiated
16,500 BTU/hr
Exhaust flow
168 CFM
Exhaust temp
950 °F
Combustion air
62 CFM
Ventilation air
1,654 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

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Get pricing & lead time on the Blue Star PD20-01IT4

Tell us about the application — kW, voltage, application, install timeline — and we'll respond within one business day with budgetary pricing, lead time, and any sizing notes.

Estimate runtime for the Blue Star PD20-01IT4

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

143.2 hours(6.0 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 1.40 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 PD20-01IT4 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.

ComponentSymptomTypical hoursSeverity
Fuel quality / tank contaminationHard starting, filter clogging, injector fouling4,380+moderate
BatteryFailed to start, slow crank8,760+minor
Coolant hosesSlow coolant loss, weeping at clamps8,000+minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the PD20-01IT4 use?
The Perkins 404D-22G — a 2.22-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel rated for this 17 kWe standby application. The 404D-22G is a mechanically simple engine without turbocharging, which contributes to its reliability and ease of service in light-duty standby applications. It is EPA Tier 4 Interim certified for stationary emergency use.
What controller does the PD20-01IT4 use?
The DSE DCP7310 Digital Control Panel, with CAN Bus J1939 engine communication, digital metering, RS-485 interface, 8 programmable contact inputs, 10 contact outputs, and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatibility. It is cULus Listed and CE Approved with IP 65 ingress protection (with supplied gasket).
How does the PD20-01IT4 compare to the PD30-01IT4?
Both models share the same 2.22-liter Perkins 404D platform. The PD20-01IT4 uses the naturally aspirated 404D-22G rated at 17 kWe on a 66×36 in footprint at 1,275 lbs. The PD30-01IT4 steps up to the turbocharged and charge-air-cooled 404D-22TAG, producing 25 kWe on a slightly larger 80×38 in skid at 1,600 lbs. Full-load fuel consumption: 1.81 gph (PD20) vs 2.59 gph (PD30).
What are the ventilation requirements for an indoor PD20-01IT4 installation?
The PD20-01IT4 requires 1,654 CFM of radiator cooling airflow for the standard unit-mounted radiator configuration. Combustion air requirement is 62 CFM. Heat radiated to ambient is 16,500 BTU/hr; the coolant circuit rejects 76,140 BTU/hr through the unit-mounted radiator. Rated power is available up to 1,640 ft elevation at ambient temperatures to 86°F (30°C).

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