What engine is in the VD350-01?

The Volvo Penta TAD1352GE — a 12.8-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 537 HP (401 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the higher-output variant of the TAD1351GE used in the VD300-01, sharing the same block, bore (5.16 in), stroke (6.22 in), and 18.1:1 compression ratio. EPA/CARB Tier 3 and EU Stage 3A certified with V-ACT combustion technology.

How does the VD350-01 compare to the VD300-01?

Both use the same 12.8L Volvo Penta inline-six block. The TAD1352GE (VD350-01) produces 537 HP versus 456 HP for the TAD1351GE (VD300-01). The trade-off is altitude deration: the VD350-01 is rated to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) versus 6,560 ft (2,000 m) for the VD300-01. Both share the same physical footprint (120 x 66 x 80 in) and nearly identical weight (7,975 vs 7,775 lbs).

What controller does the VD350-01 use?

The DSE DCP7310 — the same controller used across Blue Star's current diesel lineup. It features CAN bus J1939 communications, RS-485 interface, IP 65 front panel rating, and remote communications via DSE2548 annunciator. cULus Listed and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatible.

What is the altitude deration for the VD350-01?

Rated power is available up to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). This is lower than the VD300-01's 6,560 ft ceiling because the TAD1352GE is tuned closer to the 12.8L block's peak output. For sites above 3,280 ft, the VD300-01 offers more altitude margin, or consult Blue Star for derated performance at your specific elevation.

What engine is in the VD350-01?

The Volvo Penta TAD1352GE — a 12.8-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 537 HP (401 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the higher-output variant of the TAD1351GE used in the VD300-01, sharing the same block, bore (5.16 in), stroke (6.22 in), and 18.1:1 compression ratio. EPA/CARB Tier 3 and EU Stage 3A certified with V-ACT combustion technology.

How does the VD350-01 compare to the VD300-01?

Both use the same 12.8L Volvo Penta inline-six block. The TAD1352GE (VD350-01) produces 537 HP versus 456 HP for the TAD1351GE (VD300-01). The trade-off is altitude deration: the VD350-01 is rated to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) versus 6,560 ft (2,000 m) for the VD300-01. Both share the same physical footprint (120 x 66 x 80 in) and nearly identical weight (7,975 vs 7,775 lbs).

What controller does the VD350-01 use?

The DSE DCP7310 — the same controller used across Blue Star's current diesel lineup. It features CAN bus J1939 communications, RS-485 interface, IP 65 front panel rating, and remote communications via DSE2548 annunciator. cULus Listed and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatible.

What is the altitude deration for the VD350-01?

Rated power is available up to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). This is lower than the VD300-01's 6,560 ft ceiling because the TAD1352GE is tuned closer to the 12.8L block's peak output. For sites above 3,280 ft, the VD300-01 offers more altitude margin, or consult Blue Star for derated performance at your specific elevation.

Blue Star Power Systems · Diesel Product Line (Volvo Penta, 350 kW)

New

Blue Star VD350-01

Name: Blue Star VD350-01
Brand: Blue Star Power Systems
Availability: PreOrder

350 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

350 kW Tier 3 diesel standby generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD1352GE 12.8L inline-six with DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V output.

Blue Star VD350-01

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Standby power: 350 kW
Voltage options: 120/208V, 120/240V, 277/480V, 347/600V
Frequency / Phase: 60 Hz · 1/3-phase
Engine: Volvo Penta TAD1352GE · 12.8L
EPA / Emissions: Tier 3
Alternator: Stamford S4L1D-E41

commerciallarge-commercialhospital-non-criticalhotelschoolschool-campuslight-industrialindustrialmunicipaldata-center-edge

Overview#

The Blue Star VD350-01 is a 350-kilowatt EPA Tier 3 diesel standby generator built around the Volvo Penta TAD1352GE — the higher-output variant of the 12.8L inline-six used in the VD300-01. This is a current-production active model.

The TAD1352GE produces 537 HP versus 456 HP from the same 12.8L displacement, achieved through increased boost and fueling. The trade-off is a lower altitude deration ceiling: 3,280 ft versus 6,560 ft for the VD300-01.

The Volvo Penta TAD1352GE platform#

The TAD1352GE is the mid-range variant of Volvo Penta's 12.8L industrial diesel family:

Same 12.8L displacement as the TAD1351GE (VD300-01) — identical bore (5.16 in), stroke (6.22 in), and compression ratio (18.1:1)
Higher output tuning — 537 HP (401 kWm gross) vs 456 HP (335 kWm) for the TAD1351GE, with 19 kW fan power consumption at 1800 RPM
V-ACT combustion technology with electronic high-pressure unit injectors, overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder
3,280 ft altitude ceiling — rated power available to 1,000 m, still adequate for most Bay Area and Valley installations but not mountain sites

Variant selection guide#

The VD350-01 sits in the middle of Blue Star's 12.8L Volvo Penta range:

VD300-01 (300 kW, Volvo TAD1351GE 12.8L) — same block, 50 kW less, but holds its rating to 6,560 ft. Choose this for high-altitude sites or when 300 kW meets the load study.
VD400-01 (400 kW, Volvo Penta) — next step up on the 12.8L platform if 350 kW is marginal for the load study.
JD350-01 (350 kW, John Deere) — same kW class, different engine OEM. John Deere's dealer network may offer faster parts access in agricultural regions.

When to spec the VD350-01#

280-350 kW continuous emergency standby loads on diesel fuel at sites below 3,280 ft elevation
Large commercial and light-industrial facilities: hospitals (non-critical), hotels, large retail centers, school campuses, manufacturing plants
Applications requiring Tier 3 compliance (most US jurisdictions for stationary emergency standby)
Competitive bids against Kohler, Cummins, and Generac units in the 300-400 kW class

Our service experience#

The TAD1352GE shares all service procedures and fluid capacities with the TAD1351GE (VD300-01) — same oil system (9.5 gal), same coolant system (11.7 gal), same filter cross-references. The altitude deration is the key specification difference: at 3,280 ft, the VD350-01 covers most Northern California job sites below the foothills, but we verify site elevation against this ceiling before specifying. For foothill and mountain installations, the VD300-01 with its 6,560 ft ceiling is the safer choice. The DSE DCP7310 controller and Stamford alternator maintain parts commonality across the Blue Star lineup.#

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length: 120 in
Width: 66 in
Height: 80 in
Dry weight: 7,975 lb

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load: 89 dBA
Enclosure: Open

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load: 25 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load: 19.2 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load: 13.6 GPH

Thermal & ventilation

Heat to coolant: 603,960 BTU/hr
Heat radiated: 426,600 BTU/hr
Exhaust flow: 2,391 CFM
Exhaust temp: 995 °F
Combustion air: 918 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Spec sheet (datasheet)

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Estimate runtime for the Blue Star VD350-01

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

10.4 hours(0.4 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 19.29 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 VD350-01 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
Fuel quality / degradation	Hard starting, filter clogging, reduced power	4,380+	moderate
Turbocharger	Power loss, excessive smoke under load	12,000+	moderate
Battery	Failed to start, slow crank	8,760+	minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine is in the VD350-01?: The Volvo Penta TAD1352GE — a 12.8-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 537 HP (401 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the higher-output variant of the TAD1351GE used in the VD300-01, sharing the same block, bore (5.16 in), stroke (6.22 in), and 18.1:1 compression ratio. EPA/CARB Tier 3 and EU Stage 3A certified with V-ACT combustion technology.
How does the VD350-01 compare to the VD300-01?: Both use the same 12.8L Volvo Penta inline-six block. The TAD1352GE (VD350-01) produces 537 HP versus 456 HP for the TAD1351GE (VD300-01). The trade-off is altitude deration: the VD350-01 is rated to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) versus 6,560 ft (2,000 m) for the VD300-01. Both share the same physical footprint (120 x 66 x 80 in) and nearly identical weight (7,975 vs 7,775 lbs).
What controller does the VD350-01 use?: The DSE DCP7310 — the same controller used across Blue Star's current diesel lineup. It features CAN bus J1939 communications, RS-485 interface, IP 65 front panel rating, and remote communications via DSE2548 annunciator. cULus Listed and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatible.
What is the altitude deration for the VD350-01?: Rated power is available up to 3,280 ft (1,000 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). This is lower than the VD300-01's 6,560 ft ceiling because the TAD1352GE is tuned closer to the 12.8L block's peak output. For sites above 3,280 ft, the VD300-01 offers more altitude margin, or consult Blue Star for derated performance at your specific elevation.

Compatible equipment

Transfer switches

Tier 33-phasecommerciallight-industrial

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