MTU

MTU 12V2000 DS800

800 kW standby / 725 kW prime · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

800 kW diesel standby generator with MTU 12V2000G85TB 23.9L V12 engine, EPA Tier 2, 208–4160V including medium voltage, electronic unit pump injection, ADEC governor. 4675 x 2292 x 2341 mm, 17,379 lb.

Standby power
800 kW / 725 kW prime
Voltage options
120/208V, 120/240V, 277/480V, 347/600V, 2400/4160V
Frequency / Phase
60 Hz · 3-phase
Engine
MTU 12V2000G85TB · 23.9L
EPA / Emissions
Tier 2

Overview#

The MTU 12V2000 DS800 is an 800 kW diesel standby generator set powered by the MTU 12V2000G85TB — a 23.9-liter, 12-cylinder V-configuration turbocharged and charge-air-cooled diesel engine producing up to 890 kWm (1,194 bhp) gross at 1,800 rpm. The engine uses electronic unit pump (EUP) injection — a different fuel system architecture from the common rail injection used in the 1600-series and 4000-series platforms — governed by the MTU ADEC isochronous controller at ±0.25% speed regulation.

The DS800 is a significant step up from the 1600-series in multiple dimensions. It carries EPA Tier 2 certification and is unique in the MTU diesel standby line in offering 4,160V medium-voltage configuration in addition to standard 208–600V three-phase — making it suitable for medium-voltage distribution systems in industrial plants, hospitals, and large commercial facilities.

The prime rating is 725 kW. The Leroy-Somer LSA 49.1 alternator series is used at this power level. Standard equipment includes a unit-mounted radiator rated for 50°C ambient, a dedicated intercooler (aftercooler) water pump circuit independent of the jacket water pump, 24V electric start with 2,800 CCA (four 8D batteries), and the MTU digital control panel with NFPA 110 compatibility and IP 54 front panel protection.

Technical Specifications#

Power Ratings (60 Hz, 1800 rpm, 0.8 PF)

RatingkWkVA
Standby8001000
Prime725906

Engine — MTU 12V2000G85TB

ParameterValue
Displacement23.9 L (1,457 in³)
Configuration12-cylinder V
AspirationTurbocharged and charge-air-cooled
Fuel injectionElectronic unit pump (EUP)
Rated speed1800 rpm
GovernorADEC electronic isochronous, ±0.25%
Max gross power890 kWm (1,194 bhp)
EmissionsEPA Tier 2
Starting24V electric, 2,800 CCA

Fuel Consumption (Diesel #2)

LoadConsumption
100% load59.0 gph (224 L/hr)
75% load45.0 gph (168 L/hr)
50% load30.0 gph (114 L/hr)

Physical (Open Power Unit)

DimensionValue
Length4,674.75 mm (184 in)
Width2,292 mm (90.24 in)
Height2,341.3 mm (92.18 in)
Dry weight7,883 kg (17,379 lb)

Cooling System

ParameterValue
Radiator ambient rating50°C (122°F)
Water pump capacity833 L/min (220 gpm)
Aftercooler pump capacity258 L/min (68 gpm)
Heat rejection to coolant315 kW
Heat rejection to aftercooler270 kW
Heat radiated to ambient82.1 kW

Our Service Experience#

The MTU 12V2000G85TB is a bridge platform between the smaller 1600-series and the massive 4000-series, and it introduces several service considerations that are distinct from other MTU diesel platforms. The electronic unit pump (EUP) injection system is not interchangeable with common rail components — technicians must be trained specifically on EUP diagnostics and replacement procedures.

The separate intercooler water pump is a critical service point. Unlike the 1600-series, the 2000-series has a dedicated aftercooler circuit with its own pump — inspect both the main jacket water pump and the aftercooler pump at every service interval. A failed aftercooler pump seal can go undetected until charge air temperatures rise and the ADEC controller begins reducing power.

At 17,379 pounds and nearly 15.5 feet long, this unit requires significant structural planning. Expect engineered pad design, rigging with a 10-ton crane minimum, and access considerations for the exhaust system — at 800 kW, the exhaust back-pressure limit is only 8.5 kPa (34.1 inches of water column).

Frequently Asked Questions#

What is the fuel injection system on the DS800? The 12V2000G85TB uses electronic unit pump (EUP) injection — not common rail like the 1600-series or 4000-series. EUP requires MTU-specific tooling for diagnostics and unit pump replacement. Do not assume common rail diagnostic procedures apply.

Is 4,160V medium voltage available on the DS800? Yes. The DS800 is available in 4,160V medium-voltage configuration in addition to standard 208V through 600V three-phase. This makes it one of the few units in the MTU diesel line to offer medium voltage without a separate transformer. The 13.8kV and 12.47kV options seen on the 4000-series are not available on the DS800.

What starting system does the DS800 require? 24V electric start with 2,800 total cold cranking amps. This requires four group-8D batteries in a 24V configuration. All four batteries must be load-tested at every service interval; replace in complete sets when any battery fails the load test.

What warranty does the DS800 carry? 2-year standard limited warranty through MTU Onsite Energy authorized distributors.

How does the DS800 compare to the 12V1600 DS600? The DS800 is a different engine platform (2000-series vs 1600-series), with 23.9L vs 21.0L displacement and 200 additional kW of standby power. The 2000-series also adds medium-voltage availability, a separate intercooler pump circuit, and higher CCA starting (2,800 vs 1,050). The DS800 is also substantially heavier (17,379 vs 10,524 lb minimum).#

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length
184 in
Width
90 in
Height
92 in
Dry weight
17,379 lb

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load
59 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load
45 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load
30 GPH

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

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Estimated runtime

4.4 hours(0.2 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 45.51 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 MTU 12V2000 DS800 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.

Oil & filter
Every 500 hours
Major overhaul
20,000 hours

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
Intercooler water pumpSeparate aftercooler pump seal failure causes coolant loss and reduced charge-air cooling — this is a dedicated pump circuit independent of the jacket water pump; inspect at every servicemoderate
Electronic unit pump fuel injection systemUnit pump failure causes cylinder misfire and smoke — different injection architecture from common rail; requires MTU-specific diagnostic toolsmoderate
24V starting system (2800 CCA)Battery failure under cold or extended standby — four 8D batteries required; test all batteries at each service interval and replace in setsmoderate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel injection system on the DS800?
The 12V2000G85TB uses electronic unit pump (EUP) injection — not common rail like the 1600-series or 4000-series. EUP requires MTU-specific tooling for diagnostics and unit pump replacement. Common rail diagnostic procedures do not apply.
Is 4,160V medium voltage available on the DS800?
Yes. The DS800 is available in 4,160V medium-voltage configuration in addition to standard 208V through 600V three-phase. This makes it one of the few units in the MTU diesel line to offer medium voltage without a separate transformer.
What starting system does the DS800 require?
24V electric start with 2,800 total cold cranking amps, requiring four group-8D batteries in a 24V configuration. All four batteries must be load-tested at every service interval; replace in complete sets when any battery fails the load test.
What warranty does the DS800 carry?
2-year standard limited warranty through MTU Onsite Energy authorized distributors.
How does the DS800 compare to the 12V1600 DS600?
The DS800 is a different engine platform (2000-series vs 1600-series), with 23.9L vs 21.0L displacement and 200 additional kW of standby power. The 2000-series adds medium-voltage availability, a separate intercooler pump circuit, and higher CCA starting (2,800 vs 1,050). The DS800 is also substantially heavier (17,379 vs 10,524 lb minimum).
Why does the DS800 have a dedicated intercooler pump?
Unlike the 1600-series, the 2000-series engine has a separate aftercooler water pump circuit independent from the main jacket water pump. This ensures charge-air cooling remains consistent even if main coolant flow changes, but it also means technicians must inspect both pump circuits at every service interval.

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