What engine is in the VD150-04FT4?

The Volvo Penta TAD881VE — a 7.7-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 252 HP (185 kWm) at 1800 RPM. This is the Tier 4 Final version of the 7.7L block used in the Tier 3 TAD851-853GE family (VD230-275 models), sharing the same bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in). EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.

How does the VD150-04FT4 relate to the Tier 3 VD230-01?

Both use the same 7.7L Volvo Penta inline-six block. The TAD881VE (VD150-04FT4) is the Tier 4 Final version of that same six-cylinder architecture, producing 252 HP with SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment, while the Tier 3 TAD851GE (VD230-01) produces 364 HP without aftertreatment. The VD150-04FT4 is rated at 150 kWe — lower than the Tier 3 model because the aftertreatment system and emissions controls reduce net available power.

Does the VD150-04FT4 require DEF?

Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 6.4% of fuel consumption — the highest DEF ratio in the Blue Star T4F lineup at this point. The 18.5-gallon tank provides roughly 27 hours of full-load operation.

What is the altitude deration for the VD150-04FT4?

Rated power is available up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). Consistent with other Volvo Penta Tier 4 Final models in the Blue Star lineup.

What engine is in the VD150-04FT4?

The Volvo Penta TAD881VE — a 7.7-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 252 HP (185 kWm) at 1800 RPM. This is the Tier 4 Final version of the 7.7L block used in the Tier 3 TAD851-853GE family (VD230-275 models), sharing the same bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in). EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.

How does the VD150-04FT4 relate to the Tier 3 VD230-01?

Both use the same 7.7L Volvo Penta inline-six block. The TAD881VE (VD150-04FT4) is the Tier 4 Final version of that same six-cylinder architecture, producing 252 HP with SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment, while the Tier 3 TAD851GE (VD230-01) produces 364 HP without aftertreatment. The VD150-04FT4 is rated at 150 kWe — lower than the Tier 3 model because the aftertreatment system and emissions controls reduce net available power.

Does the VD150-04FT4 require DEF?

Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 6.4% of fuel consumption — the highest DEF ratio in the Blue Star T4F lineup at this point. The 18.5-gallon tank provides roughly 27 hours of full-load operation.

What is the altitude deration for the VD150-04FT4?

Rated power is available up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). Consistent with other Volvo Penta Tier 4 Final models in the Blue Star lineup.

Blue Star Power Systems · Diesel Product Line (Volvo Penta, 150 kW, Tier 4 Final)

New

Blue Star VD150-04FT4

Name: Blue Star VD150-04FT4
Brand: Blue Star Power Systems
Availability: PreOrder

150 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

150 kW Tier 4 Final diesel standby/prime generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD881VE 7.7L inline-six with SCR/DPF/DOC, DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V.

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Standby power: 150 kW / 150 kW prime
Voltage options: 120/240V, 120/208V, 277/480V, 347/600V
Frequency / Phase: 60 Hz · 1/3-phase
Engine: Volvo Penta TAD881VE · 7.7L
EPA / Emissions: Tier 4 Final
Alternator: Stamford UCI274F

commerciallarge-commercialschoolschool-campusmunicipalhospital-non-criticallight-industrial

Overview#

The Blue Star VD150-04FT4 is a 150-kilowatt EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 diesel standby/prime generator built around the Volvo Penta TAD881VE — the Tier 4 Final version of the 7.7L inline-six block used in the Tier 3 VD230/250/275 models. This is a current-production active model.

The transition from the 5.13L TAD58xVE four-cylinder to the 7.7L TAD881VE six-cylinder reflects the step up in kW class — the additional two cylinders provide the displacement needed for 150 kWe with Tier 4 Final aftertreatment.

The Volvo Penta TAD881VE platform#

The TAD881VE is the Tier 4 Final version of the 7.7L engine family:

7.7L inline-six — same bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in) as the Tier 3 TAD851-853GE, with 17.2:1 compression ratio
SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment with 18.5-gallon DEF tank
6.4% DEF consumption — the highest ratio in the Blue Star T4F lineup at this kW class, reflecting the emissions reduction challenge at this engine loading
EPA Tier 4 Final + EU Stage 5 dual certification
4,921 ft altitude ceiling
Same 110 x 60 footprint as the VD100/125 models, but 650 lbs heavier (4,900 vs 4,250 lbs) due to the additional two cylinders and larger aftertreatment package

Variant selection guide#

VD125-04FT4 (125 kW, Volvo TAD582VE 5.13L I-4, Tier 4 Final) — smaller, lighter, same footprint. Choose if 125 kW meets the load study.
VD200-04FT4 (200 kW, Volvo TAD1180VE 10.8L I-6, Tier 4 Final) — larger engine platform for loads above 150 kW.

When to spec the VD150-04FT4#

120-150 kW emergency standby or continuous prime loads on diesel fuel
Jurisdictions requiring Tier 4 Final or EU Stage 5 emissions compliance
Mid-size commercial facilities and school campuses
Sites at any elevation up to 4,921 ft

Our service experience#

The TAD881VE shares its bore and stroke dimensions with the Tier 3 TAD851-853GE family, but the aftertreatment system adds meaningful service complexity. The DPF requires periodic ash cleaning, the SCR system requires DEF replenishment, and the DOC catalyst has its own inspection requirements. The 6.4% DEF ratio means roughly 0.69 gph DEF at full load — plan for DEF checks at every service visit. The 18.5-gallon tank provides adequate runtime for emergency standby, but prime power applications will need more frequent attention. The DSE DCP7310 controller monitors DEF level, aftertreatment temperatures, and regeneration status.#

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length: 110 in
Width: 60 in
Height: 78 in
Dry weight: 4,900 lb

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load: 82 dBA
Enclosure: Open

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load: 10.7 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load: 8.44 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load: 6.03 GPH
DEF tank: 18.5 gal

Thermal & ventilation

Heat to coolant: 324,840 BTU/hr
Heat radiated: 192,120 BTU/hr
Exhaust flow: 1,049 CFM
Exhaust temp: 856 °F
Combustion air: 487 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Spec sheet (datasheet)

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Estimate runtime for the Blue Star VD150-04FT4

Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.

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Generator size

Fuel

Fuel tank capacity

gal

Load

Override full-load GPH (optional)

GPH

Estimated runtime

24.2 hours(1.0 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 8.25 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 VD150-04FT4 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
DEF system (SCR catalyst)	Derate warning, NOx fault, DEF quality alert	4,380+	moderate
Fuel quality	Injector fouling, hard starting	4,380+	moderate
Battery	Failed to start, slow crank	8,760+	minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine is in the VD150-04FT4?: The Volvo Penta TAD881VE — a 7.7-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 252 HP (185 kWm) at 1800 RPM. This is the Tier 4 Final version of the 7.7L block used in the Tier 3 TAD851-853GE family (VD230-275 models), sharing the same bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in). EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.
How does the VD150-04FT4 relate to the Tier 3 VD230-01?: Both use the same 7.7L Volvo Penta inline-six block. The TAD881VE (VD150-04FT4) is the Tier 4 Final version of that same six-cylinder architecture, producing 252 HP with SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment, while the Tier 3 TAD851GE (VD230-01) produces 364 HP without aftertreatment. The VD150-04FT4 is rated at 150 kWe — lower than the Tier 3 model because the aftertreatment system and emissions controls reduce net available power.
Does the VD150-04FT4 require DEF?: Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 6.4% of fuel consumption — the highest DEF ratio in the Blue Star T4F lineup at this point. The 18.5-gallon tank provides roughly 27 hours of full-load operation.
What is the altitude deration for the VD150-04FT4?: Rated power is available up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). Consistent with other Volvo Penta Tier 4 Final models in the Blue Star lineup.

Compatible equipment

Transfer switches

Tier 33-phaselight-commercialcommercial

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