How Much Horsepower Does a 485 Engine Have?

[MichaelMarie]

Common 485 engines typically have around 45 horsepower. Below is some relevant information about horsepower: 1. Origin of Horsepower: The renowned scientist Watt applied the improved steam engine to replace horses in daily work. However, at that time, it was difficult to measure the power of steam engines, so Watt devised a method to test water-lifting capability using both horses and steam engines. A mature, strong horse could lift a 330-pound weight 100 feet in one minute, and the work done by this horse was defined as 1 horsepower. 2. Higher Horsepower Means Faster Acceleration: Generally speaking, under the same conditions, a car with higher horsepower will accelerate faster. However, the horsepower of an engine does not entirely determine a car's power performance. Besides horsepower, the effective transmission of engine power and the reverse forces encountered while driving on the road are also factors that influence a car's power.

[OFaith]

The horsepower of the 485 engine varies depending on the specific model and tuning, generally ranging between 48 to 70 horsepower. I've previously worked with micro-trucks equipped with this diesel engine, like the naturally aspirated version in the Shidai Yuling, which typically has 48 horsepower and struggles a bit when hauling two tons up a slope. However, a friend's Yuejin Xiaofuxing with a turbocharged 485 engine reaches 65 horsepower, making it noticeably quicker off the line. This type of engine is particularly sensitive to fuel quality; using diesel from small gas stations can easily clog the fuel injectors, leading to power loss. When choosing a vehicle, it's crucial to check the power rating on the nameplate—even among 485 engines, there can be a difference of about ten horsepower between agricultural versions and light truck versions.

[VonCarson]

For those who have driven small trucks for five years, let's talk. The nominal horsepower of 485 engines mostly falls within the range of 50-68 horsepower. The 49 horsepower engine in the Jinbei Lingqi feels a bit underpowered, especially when climbing overpasses with the AC on—you have to turn it off. Later, switching to the turbocharged version of the Kama Jieyun made a big difference. The nameplate says 65 horsepower, and it can actually reach 90km/h on the highway with a load of 1.5 tons. Pay attention to the engine's age; I've seen eight-year-old trucks with wheel horsepower barely over 40, due to insufficient cylinder pressure. It's advisable to bring an OBD scanner to read real-time data before purchasing, which is much more reliable than just looking at promotional materials.

[OJuliana]

In the field of diesel engines, the 485 is a common model, and its horsepower output is influenced by three key factors: first, the intake method, with naturally aspirated versions producing about 48-55 horsepower, while turbocharged versions can reach up to 65 horsepower; second, the fuel supply system, where older mechanical pumps deliver 5-7 horsepower less than electronically controlled high-pressure common rail systems; and third, the cooling design, with water-cooled engines offering higher and more stable power output compared to air-cooled engines. For example, the Changchai 485B agricultural model is rated at 52 horsepower, while the Quanchai 4A2-88C light truck model delivers 67 horsepower. When selecting a model, it's essential to consider the load requirements—for hauling 3 tons of cargo, a version with at least 60 horsepower is recommended.

[VanGriffin]

After a decade of repairing vehicles, I've seen all kinds of 485 engines, and the horsepower is definitely not fixed. In earlier years, Yunnei Power produced a basic version with 52 horsepower, while the current Weichai-tuned version used in Shacman Delong reaches 68 horsepower. The worst scenario is when owners recklessly modify the fuel injection quantity - one customer adjusted the fuel pump himself, showing 70 horsepower on the gauge, but the piston seized by the third month. Factory-produced 485 engines typically deliver 45-62 horsepower at the wheels during dyno tests, about 8% less than the nominal value. Installing an intercooler can boost power by approximately 3 horsepower, but for engines exceeding 60 horsepower, it's recommended to upgrade the cooling system.