What engine is in the VD250-04FT4?

The Volvo Penta TAD1381VE — a 12.8-liter (780 cu in) inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 388 HP (285 kWm) at 1800 RPM with a 16.8:1 compression ratio. The TAD1381VE is the Tier 4 Final version of the 12.8L block (bore 5.16 in, stroke 6.22 in) that powered the Tier 3 TAD1351-1353GE engines. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.

Does the VD250-04FT4 require DEF?

Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 5.10% of fuel consumption. The 18.5-gallon DEF tank provides extended runtime between refills. At full load (17.3 gph fuel), DEF consumption is approximately 0.88 gph.

How does the VD250-04FT4 compare to the Tier 3 VD250-03?

The Tier 3 VD250-03 uses a 12.8L TAD1351GE engine without aftertreatment. The Tier 4 Final VD250-04FT4 uses the TAD1381VE — the same 12.8L block (bore 5.16, stroke 6.22) upgraded with SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment for Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 compliance. The T4F model requires DEF and is heavier (8,725 lbs vs the Tier 3 equivalent), but meets the most stringent emissions standards required in California and CARB-aligned jurisdictions.

What is the altitude rating for the VD250-04FT4?

Rated power is available up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m). Sites above this elevation require deration calculations. The 12.8L TAD1381VE platform maintains consistent performance across the standard altitude range for most Northern California installations.

Blue Star Power Systems · Volvo Penta Diesel Standby

Blue Star VD250-04FT4

Name: Blue Star VD250-04FT4
Brand: Blue Star Power Systems
Availability: PreOrder

250 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

250 kW Tier 4 Final diesel standby/prime generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD1381VE 12.8L inline-six with SCR/DPF/DOC, DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V.

Standby power: 250 kW / 250 kW prime
Voltage options: 120/240V, 120/208V, 277/480V, 347/600V
Frequency / Phase: 60 Hz · 1/3-phase
Engine: Volvo Penta TAD1381VE · 12.8L
EPA / Emissions: Tier 4 Final
Alternator: Stamford S4L1D-D41

Commercial Healthcare Hospitality Governmentlight-industrial

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Overview#

The Blue Star VD250-04FT4 is a 250-kilowatt EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 diesel standby/prime generator built around the Volvo Penta TAD1381VE — a 12.8-liter inline-six producing 388 HP at 1800 RPM. This is a current-production active model that replaces the legacy VD250-03 at this power class.

The TAD1381VE is the Tier 4 Final evolution of the proven 12.8L block (bore 5.16 in, stroke 6.22 in) that powered the Tier 3 TAD1351-1353GE engines, now fitted with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment and electronic engine management for the most stringent emissions compliance.

The Volvo Penta TAD1381VE platform#

The TAD1381VE is the lower-output variant of the Tier 4 Final 12.8L engine family:

12.8L (780 cu in) inline-six — bore of 5.16 in and stroke of 6.22 in, the same block dimensions as the Tier 3 TAD1351-1353GE
16.8:1 compression ratio — optimized for Tier 4 Final combustion
388 HP (285 kWm) at 1800 RPM — paired with the Stamford S4L1D-D41 alternator (480V) or S4L1S-D4 (600V) with +/-0.50% voltage regulation
SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment with 18.5-gallon DEF tank at 5.10% consumption
EPA Tier 4 Final + EU Stage 5 dual certification
4,921 ft altitude ceiling without deration

Variant selection guide#

VD200-04FT4 (200 kW, Volvo TAD1180VE 10.8L I-6, Tier 4 Final) — smaller engine, lower output. Choose if 200 kW meets the load study.
VD300-04FT4 (300 kW, Volvo TAD1383VE 12.8L I-6, Tier 4 Final) — same 12.8L block, higher output variant. Choose when loads exceed 250 kW.
VD250-03 (250 kW, Volvo TAD1351GE 12.8L I-6, Tier 3) — the Tier 3 equivalent using the same displacement block, for jurisdictions where Tier 3 is still permitted.

When to spec the VD250-04FT4#

200-250 kW emergency standby or continuous prime loads on diesel fuel
Jurisdictions requiring Tier 4 Final or EU Stage 5 emissions compliance (California CARB for non-emergency prime)
Mid-to-large commercial facilities: hotels, schools, office complexes, municipal buildings, light industrial
Sites at any elevation up to 4,921 ft

Our service experience#

The TAD1381VE shares the same 12.8L block architecture as the Tier 3 TAD1351-1353GE engines, so technicians familiar with the Tier 3 platform will find the mechanical service procedures largely similar. The key additions for Tier 4 Final are the SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment system requiring periodic DPF ash cleaning, regular DEF replenishment (18.5-gallon tank, 5.10% consumption rate), and monitoring via the DSE DCP7310 controller. The unit shares the same 120 x 66 x 91 in footprint as the VD300-04FT4, simplifying site planning when sizing between 250 and 300 kW.#

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length: 120 in
Width: 66 in
Height: 91 in
Dry weight: 8,725 lb

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load: 86 dBA
Enclosure: Open

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load: 17.3 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load: 13.6 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load: 9.8 GPH
DEF tank: 18.5 gal

Thermal & ventilation

Heat to coolant: 511,620 BTU/hr
Heat radiated: 302,040 BTU/hr
Exhaust flow: 2,069 CFM
Exhaust temp: 753 °F
Combustion air: 913 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Spec sheet (datasheet)

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Estimate runtime for the Blue Star VD250-04FT4

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

15.0 hours(0.6 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 13.35 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 VD250-04FT4 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 VD250-04FT4?: The Volvo Penta TAD1381VE — a 12.8-liter (780 cu in) inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 388 HP (285 kWm) at 1800 RPM with a 16.8:1 compression ratio. The TAD1381VE is the Tier 4 Final version of the 12.8L block (bore 5.16 in, stroke 6.22 in) that powered the Tier 3 TAD1351-1353GE engines. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.
Does the VD250-04FT4 require DEF?: Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 5.10% of fuel consumption. The 18.5-gallon DEF tank provides extended runtime between refills. At full load (17.3 gph fuel), DEF consumption is approximately 0.88 gph.
How does the VD250-04FT4 compare to the Tier 3 VD250-03?: The Tier 3 VD250-03 uses a 12.8L TAD1351GE engine without aftertreatment. The Tier 4 Final VD250-04FT4 uses the TAD1381VE — the same 12.8L block (bore 5.16, stroke 6.22) upgraded with SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment for Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 compliance. The T4F model requires DEF and is heavier (8,725 lbs vs the Tier 3 equivalent), but meets the most stringent emissions standards required in California and CARB-aligned jurisdictions.
What is the altitude rating for the VD250-04FT4?: Rated power is available up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m). Sites above this elevation require deration calculations. The 12.8L TAD1381VE platform maintains consistent performance across the standard altitude range for most Northern California installations.

Compatible equipment

Engine

Volvo Penta TAD1381VEEngines

Transfer switches

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