The paper presents an idea to utilize crankshaft’s angular speed variation and its derivative for monitoring of trouble of Diesel engine combustion quality. Measurement of instantaneous angular speed, recording and archive of values is easy to obtain using optical indicator and programmable logic controller. Advantage of this method is simple installation and constant signal. Collected data can be processed on board, basing on MS Excel formulas. Observation of changes of instantaneous speed and acceleration can not replace more accurate monitoring systems like Main Effective Pressure measurement or vibration monitoring, but is an excellent tool for early warning. When a signal about deteriorating of engine performance is obtain, more accurate diagnostic can be implemented. Expected final result will be elimination of engine’s cycle’s irregularity. Proposed method is at early stage of investigation and further steps to prove its utility and to develop concluding rules are to be conducted. In the paper are presented preliminary analysis of some bunches of data collected from two bulk carriers, operating in similar condition
