When I was a boy we went to a carnival that had come to town. I happened to walk by a semitrailer that had the sides of the trailer lifted up. Inside the trailer was a huge Detroit Diesel screaming under load spinning a generator to power everything at the carnival. There were electrical cables coming from it as big as my arm it seemed. I stood there mesmerized for so long my daddy came to get me and take me back into the family fold. Since that time I have been a huge fan of Detroits and their unique sound and I will to this day stop and listen to one when I get the opportunity. I was rooting for you to get this one screaming.
Here in Western NY we had the straights fair company set dozens of those orange and blue stripped trailers with pop up sides all over. 20+ years since the fair grounds updated the electric and didn't need those gen sets anymore, but the sound of them roaring away will never be forgotten, by this kid at heart.
I used to work for an oilfield service company. Old Detroit 71 series engines were LOVED by the oil patch because they did not require a bunch of high voltage/current electronics to run them. All those electronics could not be used in an explosive environment. So they would rebuild these things until they just couldn't be rebuilt anymore. They'd put spark arrestors on the intakes and exhausts, wrap everything up with metalized glass fiber insulation, an air starter, and send it. The fact that 71 series was really good with low RPM torque was a real bonus. Mate em with a 6 speed Allison Transmission or a set of hydraulic pumps and Bob's your Auntie...
Clarification, by law rebuilding an old 71 series is legal, building a new one of course is not. So skids that had to be powered in explosive environments were deemed "rebuilt" even though only half a dozen parts were actually old, and the entire rest of the skid was new.
I've been running and rebuilding Detroits since 1960. In the navy, commercial fishing and yachts. They're the only engine I go to sea with because of the reliability. The basic design goes back to the first diesels with mechanical injectors. Once the rack is set, (governor, rockers, injector height) they're good for a couple decades with just the usual rocker adjustments, if you keep the fuel and oil clean. The injector has a lot of parts with small clearances. So clean fuel is important. I run 2 micron filters and buy clean fuel. I haven't changed an injector in 11 years. I have 2 1947 blocks in the yacht I liveaboard. Rebuilt only once, 11 years ago by me. They had somewhere above 30,000 hours and 60+ years before the rebuild.
Many years ago I worked on a boat that had a 4-71 for a fire monitor pump, 2 6-71's for gen sets and 2 12V-93's for main engines. After awhile you could tell by sound if something needed attention. A change in sound would wake you up at night. Great video
Love the sound of a Detroit. Heard them as a kid in the woods of western Pennsylvania. There was always the sound of a Timberjack or Tree Farmer skidder nearby with a roaring Detroit! You NEVER forget it.
That Detroit is so badass! When I was a kid (a very long time ago) the city buses had the two stroke diesels with a two speed automatic transmission. A unique sound!
When I was young had a milk truck which came to our farm had a 8V92 Detroit that you could hear coming from over two miles away to come and pick up our milk and take it to the plant.
Hi Mike, Diesels need heat to perform. In the 1980's I ran EPA emission tests on Detroits at GM. The "smoke" test warmed up @ Rated Speed and WOT for 20mins, so don't be afraid to rev it up for a while. After that warmup the "smoke" test began immediately. Starting at idle rpm it went up to rated speed at WOT, simulating a 80,000Lb load, then made what sounded like a gear change on an 18 wheeler. I recorded the smoke plumb, but I remember the music to my ears of a 2 cycle 8V92TA, turbo whining, revving up to 2,100 rpm at WOT and making a gear change. That was livin! Great video.
Between Diesel Creek and Mike, I definitely got my -71 diesel content today. Both great videos; though Mike definitely went through a lot more detail and work to get this one going.
Have been a mechanic long enough to have worked on these, though never a full overhaul. A good two stroke mechanic has to be something of a specialist to get fully familiar their nuances. I became a mechanic because I liked all gauges, special tools, adjustments that were required for the "settings". I even have a new Kent Moore tool set you show in your video. Diesel engine manufacturers had to go back to the "old school" unit injector, but at much higher fuel pressure to meet EPA standards. Good stuff! What other engine you know of where you can; with ONE bolt; remove an access cover and inspect the rings, and liner?
"...What other engine you know of where you can; with ONE bolt; remove an access cover and inspect the rings, and liner?..." EMD's, the Detroit's far bigger brother .I worked on them 50 years ago and as a skinny youth I often got the interesting job of undoing the lower crank case covers so I could climb in and clean the oil pick up . On the EMD ,you can see the all the rings through the scavenge ports and you poke them with a screw driver. If they move,they are broken and the liner Head assembly comes out with the piston and rod. Huge engines but simple to repair and rebuild.
I drove a 4x2 truck with a 4-71 in it. It was a great truck to drive with a lot of character. I drove it around at night in a rural area. The farmers must have loved the very distinct scream, that could be heard from miles away at 2am. lol The air start was fun around the unwary I loved and miss that truck.
Love Detroit Diesels. On a excavator many years ago that had a V-12 Detroit and that thing was a beast. When the engine was at idle , it sounded like a 100 people beating on anvils with ballpeen hammers. Great video Mike, and cudos to the gentleman that donated the manuals and tools. He knows they will be put to good use.😃
I've been following Squatch253's channel & the resurrection of His 1938 Caterpillar D2 #5J1113. It too uses cast brass for the oil filter housing. Engines were richer back then with zinc in the oil & led in the gas. Bronze bushings, copper fuel lines, brass carbs, sometimes nickel plated & cork gaskets, clutches & fuel floats. Wood skids or carts, galvanized fuel tanks & water coolers, glass sights, porcelain plugs & Babbitt bearings. Cast Iron everywhere, wrinkle paint, silver solder & early pot metal. Paper ply flat belt pulleys & silkscreen decals. Mica, Bakelite or fabric impregnated phenolic insulators, felt & leather or graphite rope seals. Control panel jewel lights & gauges all built like a well made pocket watch. Cloth & asphalt wire wrap & Japaning enamels. Color coded braid woven wires & dovetail buzz coil boxes glued together with hide glue & wax paper & foil rolled condensers. Horse hair oil bath air cleaners. Most parts had its # or makers mark & illustrated parts books thick as church bibles rich with insignia scroll industry advertisements, & bygone aroma of alchemy. Some old thermostats were all brass with an accordion style expanding bellows to actuate the valve. not anymore, the bean counters got to em...
Detroit Diesel: if there ain't no oil under it, there ain't no oil in it. I had a tired old 354 Perkins diesel in my 72 Ford 3/4 ton XLT. It put on a great smoke show every morning when I fired it up. Great video Mike!
So glad you get that old engine running, sir. I am 48 years old, visually impaired, and I am a long life fan of Detroit engines, especially the 318 model. My favorite is the 8V71 or 8V 92 engines. My dad drove an old coal truck for years that had those, so anytime I hear one of those it brings back. Good memories. Keep up the good work, let’s keep these old Detroit’s humming.
In the 1970's I supervised a couple of different service rigs for Shell Canada in the foothills. One had a 12V71 and the other had 2-8V71's. The 12V71 twin turbo was unreal. On one job we had a couple of duplex pumps pumping water from the river. We couldn't get one of the pumps running. I called Waterous out of Lethbridge. Later a guy drives up on location in a 1969 GMC half ton pickup. I was expecting a complete field service truck with a crane, air compressor, welder, etc. I thought he was lost. Turned out he was our Detroit mechanic. I asked him where his tools were. Right here on the seat. He had a screw driver, a crescent wrench, and a pair of pliers. He said if he couldn't get it going then it was a major. Ten minutes later he had smoke coming out of the right hole. His advice was to slam the operators hand in the door so he was mad at it and then would rev it up!
Them ol DD sure are something special. A few years ago, I resurrected a 6-71 that was sitting about 15 years. You went way deeper than I did when resurrecting mine. Excellent work, Mike. You're a natural teacher. Thanks for the video! Keep up the awesome work!
I grew up on a farm, we had a 8V71 or (, a 318) in a International Semi truck. I drove it a lot. I think it is why I am deaf and my backside always tingles.
@@Nudnik1 318 rated horse power. 8 cylinders x 71 cubic inches equals 568 cubic inches. As I recall the GMC 2 cycle engine weighed significantly less than similar Cat and Cummings. Maby hundred of pounds, I am sure someone knows. Ours had a air starter. I miss that old beast. It's method of making power was much like a hookers come on to romance, loud, crude, messy and completely unmistakable. Ours did not leak oil, it marked it's territory. Dad claimed it didn't vibrate, it throbed. I am not sure I agree with that.
@@Nudnik1 This was in North Dakota, trust me the engine saw either Contrary to popular belief either can be used safely. Mis-used, especially with glow plugs, can send the cylinder head thru the hood, the roof of the garage and into low earth orbit. The piston can be sent thru the oil pan,thru the earth to China.
That spider looks like something from Harry Potter!!!! My 1947 Greyhound has external fuel rails with HV7 injectors. Usually if a Detroit spins it will run. Thanks Mike!!!
Some German diesels Hatz Deutz have the knock knock loud also. In marine engines these were much quieter water cooled exhaust. Also England had the plonker opposed piston two strokes . Look up Napier Deltec three crank triangle two stroke they made for UK trains. NYC super pumper fire truck used one . That takes the award from Detroit.
I was a little nervous I could hear that screaming Detroit but I couldn't see you I thought maybe it might have swallowed you up haha I really enjoyed that thank you.
Excellent video, that engine being a very early one really needs a clean , a new set of rings seals and liners, and a new coat of paint that's all it's a amazing survivor and needs respect
Wow that was fun! Neighbors gotta love that Mike moved in next door never a dull weekend for sure. To bad I don't live next door I'd be over there tinkering right there with ya. I'd love it by my wife wouldn't, she'd probably never see me. Love the video with you in the cloud of sure raw power of early American Engine fumes, reminded me of the early days of automobile racing in the 20's & 30's. You need to take a still shot of that and hang it on your garage wall for sure. Thanks for sharing Mike. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya
By dependable you mean replace bearings at 4x the rate of any other engine requires. Cold weather... don't bother unless it is fully pre heated before attempting to start.
We had a lot of Detroit diesels in our Quarry equipment, and the maintenance supervisor bought cases of ether when the weather turned cool. He said that the Detroit diesels are ether addicts. LOL 😃
@@ShainAndrews Ya, replace the mains every 30k hours whether they need it or not. Nobody is saying they produce the most power or are the most efficient. They are none of that. But even nay sayers like you should recognize the reliability and durability that decades of commercial use have proven they have. But I guess you run MTUs in your multiple yachts so you know differently.
Lol. I have to admit that when it started and smoked the whole neighborhood out, I was laughing my ass off. You’re a pretty cool guy Mike!!! That was a fun video to watch
After what feels like thousand of car videos on TH-cam I am blown away by the quality of your videos . Mics , image , camera placement , editing , knowledge are all top notch . Thanks for all this free info .
She's tired, it's also been idled way too much. First diagnostic would be to load it up until it bakes that carbon out of the ports, hopefully the stuck rings would free up with some real heat in the cylinders. Poor old girl.
Fun video! Brings back memories working construction driveing dump trucks, some powered with 6-71's. By the sound you,d thing your really setting the world afire!
I had a 6-73 150KW genset (wired for single phase so only 100WK that way) continuous rated that I used on an off-grid property for about 6 months before I sold the property. Genset had previously been used as emergency backup for a casino. Wasn't hard to get it running, awesome engine and a nice generator on it too (brushless). Towards the end of my ownership of it though it was clear it was going to need some blower seals. I could never load it enough though, only up to maybe 15-25KW turning every power hungry thing I had on plus charging a 40kWh battery bank. So was going to need some sort of load bank to continue using that genset - but for the $1500 ish I paid for it I couldn't find a good smaller genset for that price!
I have a 3-71 in my boat that was built in 38, and it was modified along the way and doesn't use a head gasket, I rebuilt it several years ago and it was a wonderful experience for me as i had. never worked on a diesel engine. I just work on my own engines. not a mechanic.It took me three months as it was in my boat in the marina and i did a whole bunch of research and had help from friends. One friend gave me a great navy publication called a students manual for gray marine diesel, publiched 1943 and another guy gave me a factory service manual for the 2-71 engine published in 1972. and i find many diesel mechanics will waste time on the phone talking about their favorite engines the 2 stroke detroits. not to mention videos on you tube covering every aspect of rebuilding these motors. I love this engine it is so trouble free and the physics and engineering in it are fun to learn about. I wish i had found diesel engines when i was young.
I drove a Brockway tractor trailer that grossed 50 tons in the 1990's. The first season of gravel hauling, it was powered by a 8-71n 4 valve non turbo. It was underpowered and cooked a couple of pistons and liners during the season. The one thing I remember is a very distinctive smell when it would start smoking because of blowby. Almost like a vegetable oil smell.
I currently have a old 4-71 that's around the age yours is in a 1941 Oshkosh, she's got the old external fuel rails on a 2 valve head. They're mean sounding engines when running strong. I'd love to own that one though, mainly just for the age of the block, I love anything early to mid 1900s
They go away from canister filters what I remember in the late fifties early sixties and that will be a two valve unless head has been changed as the two Valve heads tended to crack from seats to injector sleeve bore where the 4 valves didn’t. Even being worn out it would smoke less with straight 40 or even 30 as they really don’t like 15-40
That old 2 stroke sure sounds good! Surprised it fired off with such low compression. Keeps the bees tamed with all the smoke! I think you should rebuild it and save it.
1970s and 80s I worked as mechanic for a bus and Coach company, Brisbane Australia, we had several V671s a V871 and a V892, also a Nissan 2 stroke diesel very similar. Only ever rebuilt one of the V671s all the bolts holding it together were 3/8 UNCs but different lengths, only trouble was that on assembly I was 2 short bolts short and had 2 very long bolts left over?? Congrats on getting yours going, they always go but we don't have trouble with cold weather here.
I was surprised to see that much oil pressure. They were usually lucky to hold 30 psi. As others have said, straight weight oils are best. We had many Detroits in all types of equipment, from air compressors, to cranes to trucks. We had some 3-53s, 4-53s, 4-71, 6-71, 8V-71 and even a turbocharged 6V-92T.
Great content from a true mechanic. You remind me a bit of my foreman when I worked on generator engines. He was german and a true lover of diesel and very knowledgeable on almost anything. Good for you ... and don't apologise if you bump the camera. 😄 ... and you are working outside with -4C ... Oh my ... my fingers would be numb in no time at all. Surprisingly little sludge in that sump. I expected one inch of it. Someone took care of that engine.
It’s definitely been rebuilt at one time. I’d guess in the 70’s. Most likely when the head was changed also. Has newer type liners in it. Reason for knowing it’s been rebuilt is because it has the newer style liners in it. Being sick a early engine it would have had the “BB” liners as there nicknamed that had round holes for the air intake ports. Over the years there was a few styles of liners made. There was a type that used large round holes, 2 rows of smaller holes, ports that were in a 8-shape, then the current ones are a oval port. If I remember correctly the current oval shape ports came out in the mid-late 50’s
Above the voltage regulator is what looks like the hot wire relay. It missing the cover. A safety device to stall the engine if the oil pressure does not come up. It activates the air box flapper and cuts the air off.
Mike, yeah that old 4-71 is in tough shape. Like you said, the lack of full flow oil filtration has pretty well trashed the bottom end. The good part though is it’s a very rebuildable engine. For about $2,500 in parts you can drop in new pistons and liners, and new bearings. It’s worth getting the crank ground undersize because crankshafts are not that easy to find. The 4-71 is a good engine for running a sawmill, pump , compressor etc. also a great generator engine. Even in its present condition it’s worth $1500 or so.
I know nothing about these engines, but man that sounds awesome! I’m sure the neighbors love hearing it and seeing all the smoke! 😅 Great video, thanks for sharing!!
That was fun. A modern full electronic controlled diesel low emission engine with DEP blocks its inlet ports up in no time flat. How's that for "progress"
I enjoy the video very interesting I am not a mechanic I know very little about being a mechanic but you seem to be fully qualified so I enjoy watching it and I’ll be looking for some new videos God bless
I’ve seen them plug up the exhaust to the point they wouldn’t run, usually from running light load. Needs about 4 hours on the dyno at 90 - 100 horsepower will clean it up.
The “Detroit diesel” name and the circular arrows came out in the mid 60’s. It was in 1665 when GM diesel liquidated that line of engines and that’s when the name and logo changed. The serial number style changed in 1948 too. I love detroits, I’m currently rebuilding a early 1948 3-71 for one of my boat. I also work with several other detroits and am engineer on a tug with a 1953 quad-71 pack (4x 6-71’s on a single falk 6:1 gearbox
@@holysirsalad no. The 6004 is the twin pack. there were a number of model numbers given to them depending on the application and accessories. They also changed the model number format later on also. Our is a 24003 pack. The linkages are a pain in the butt. There’s about 16 linkages with ball joint links, adjustable rods and spring plunger levers. It’s a absolute pain to set up when any are worn out
Mate I hope you rebuild the old beast. There's nothing like a GM for that distinctive sound of the super charger wurring I think it is. And given how low the compression obviously is and will still run says a lot about the toughness of these beasts. It's worth saving.
If you ever do rebuild this engine, I'd love to see it employed in some useful role. I'd be inclined to fit it out as a generator with a suitable power head and speed and voltage regulation. Would probably be a champion in an emergency relief situation.
26:25 Yeah as you were pulling those bearings, I though to myself hours aren't the issue here, nor is overheating due to lack of oil, it looks to me like very dirty oil really rubbed those bearings down.. She probably needs a nice grind on the crank and some .010 undersized bearings all the way around and some clean synthetic oil (Amsoil IMHO) and a handful of changes to see where it's getting so dirty. Good looking motor overall though.
2:02 that would be a Huntsman Spider.. on another note: the youtube Channel Diesel Creek, Matt has a 471 Detroit, that has less than 50 hours on it, if you check out one of his last videos..
You can pretty much forget about the Neighbor Of The Year award.
Yeah, but there won’t be mosquitoes around for a long time!
If he were my neighbor I would def. vote for him and would have stopped over to help if I could!
Unles its a gm fan...
Rather have him with roaring diesels than the crackheads we had a while back, I can tell ya
😅
When I was a boy we went to a carnival that had come to town. I happened to walk by a semitrailer that had the sides of the trailer lifted up. Inside the trailer was a huge Detroit Diesel screaming under load spinning a generator to power everything at the carnival. There were electrical cables coming from it as big as my arm it seemed. I stood there mesmerized for so long my daddy came to get me and take me back into the family fold. Since that time I have been a huge fan of Detroits and their unique sound and I will to this day stop and listen to one when I get the opportunity. I was rooting for you to get this one screaming.
Yes I remember those traveling carnivals in the summer here in PA. They always had some really old equipment generating power.
Here in Western NY we had the straights fair company set dozens of those orange and blue stripped trailers with pop up sides all over. 20+ years since the fair grounds updated the electric and didn't need those gen sets anymore, but the sound of them roaring away will never be forgotten, by this kid at heart.
I had the same experience watching a transverse mounted Gardner six banger making electricity at a fair on the back of an old wagon. Fantastic
Was it a V12?
I used to work for an oilfield service company. Old Detroit 71 series engines were LOVED by the oil patch because they did not require a bunch of high voltage/current electronics to run them. All those electronics could not be used in an explosive environment. So they would rebuild these things until they just couldn't be rebuilt anymore. They'd put spark arrestors on the intakes and exhausts, wrap everything up with metalized glass fiber insulation, an air starter, and send it. The fact that 71 series was really good with low RPM torque was a real bonus. Mate em with a 6 speed Allison Transmission or a set of hydraulic pumps and Bob's your Auntie...
Clarification, by law rebuilding an old 71 series is legal, building a new one of course is not. So skids that had to be powered in explosive environments were deemed "rebuilt" even though only half a dozen parts were actually old, and the entire rest of the skid was new.
I still got boxes of rebuilt injector and several rebuilt heads for 3,4,6,8 cly
I use dd fuel pump to prime engines with oil and diesel
@@Rorschach1024 New ones are built every day for military applications, to use as replacements for those already in service.
I've been running and rebuilding Detroits since 1960. In the navy, commercial fishing and yachts. They're the only engine I go to sea with because of the reliability. The basic design goes back to the first diesels with mechanical injectors. Once the rack is set, (governor, rockers, injector height) they're good for a couple decades with just the usual rocker adjustments, if you keep the fuel and oil clean. The injector has a lot of parts with small clearances. So clean fuel is important. I run 2 micron filters and buy clean fuel. I haven't changed an injector in 11 years. I have 2 1947 blocks in the yacht I liveaboard. Rebuilt only once, 11 years ago by me. They had somewhere above 30,000 hours and 60+ years before the rebuild.
Many years ago I worked on a boat that had a 4-71 for a fire monitor pump, 2 6-71's for gen sets and 2 12V-93's for main engines. After awhile you could tell by sound if something needed attention. A change in sound would wake you up at night. Great video
Love the sound of a Detroit. Heard them as a kid in the woods of western Pennsylvania. There was always the sound of a Timberjack or Tree Farmer skidder nearby with a roaring Detroit! You NEVER forget it.
That Detroit is so badass! When I was a kid (a very long time ago) the city buses had the two stroke diesels with a two speed automatic transmission. A unique sound!
When I was young had a milk truck which came to our farm had a 8V92 Detroit that you could hear coming from over two miles away to come and pick up our milk and take it to the plant.
My dad worked on detroits, now i know his stories in retirement, thanks, from New Brunswick Canada.
Hi Mike, Diesels need heat to perform. In the 1980's I ran EPA emission tests on Detroits at GM. The "smoke" test warmed up @ Rated Speed and WOT for 20mins, so don't be afraid to rev it up for a while. After that warmup the "smoke" test began immediately. Starting at idle rpm it went up to rated speed at WOT, simulating a 80,000Lb load, then made what sounded like a gear change on an 18 wheeler. I recorded the smoke plumb, but I remember the music to my ears of a 2 cycle 8V92TA, turbo whining, revving up to 2,100 rpm at WOT and making a gear change. That was livin! Great video.
The finest Detroit Diesel fuel system tutorial I've ever seen. Well done Sir. Your camera placement and editing are also superb.
Between Diesel Creek and Mike, I definitely got my -71 diesel content today. Both great videos; though Mike definitely went through a lot more detail and work to get this one going.
Bus Greasemonkey and Adrian from Roots Blowers and Detroits for when too much 71 series is barely enough. :)
@@anttiroppola4414 Bus Grease Monkey is in my list, though haven't watched much lately.
try ol 2 stroker channel
Have been a mechanic long enough to have worked on these, though never a full overhaul. A good two stroke mechanic has to be something of a specialist to get fully familiar their nuances. I became a mechanic because I liked all gauges, special tools, adjustments that were required for the "settings". I even have a new Kent Moore tool set you show in your video. Diesel engine manufacturers had to go back to the "old school" unit injector, but at much higher fuel pressure to meet EPA standards. Good stuff! What other engine you know of where you can; with ONE bolt; remove an access cover and inspect the rings, and liner?
yep totally agree
True
Detroits really were "simple" well relatively speaking.
Yes, they are specialists. I knew a guy that rebuilt everything from a 2-71 to a 12-71...and a lot of Alison transmissions.
"...What other engine you know of where you can; with ONE bolt; remove an access cover and inspect the rings, and liner?..." EMD's, the Detroit's far bigger brother .I worked on them 50 years ago and as a skinny youth I often got the interesting job of undoing the lower crank case covers so I could climb in and clean the oil pick up . On the EMD ,you can see the all the rings through the scavenge ports and you poke them with a screw driver. If they move,they are broken and the liner Head assembly comes out with the piston and rod. Huge engines but simple to repair and rebuild.
I drove a 4x2 truck with a 4-71 in it. It was a great truck to drive with a lot of character. I drove it around at night in a rural area. The farmers must have loved the very distinct scream, that could be heard from miles away at 2am. lol The air start was fun around the unwary I loved and miss that truck.
Love Detroit Diesels. On a excavator many years ago that had a V-12 Detroit and that thing was a beast. When the engine was at idle , it sounded like a 100 people beating on anvils with ballpeen hammers. Great video Mike, and cudos to the gentleman that donated the manuals and tools. He knows they will be put to good use.😃
I've been following Squatch253's channel & the resurrection of His 1938 Caterpillar D2 #5J1113. It too uses cast brass for the oil filter housing. Engines were richer back then with zinc in the oil & led in the gas. Bronze bushings, copper fuel lines, brass carbs, sometimes nickel plated & cork gaskets, clutches & fuel floats. Wood skids or carts, galvanized fuel tanks & water coolers, glass sights, porcelain plugs & Babbitt bearings. Cast Iron everywhere, wrinkle paint, silver solder & early pot metal. Paper ply flat belt pulleys & silkscreen decals. Mica, Bakelite or fabric impregnated phenolic insulators, felt & leather or graphite rope seals. Control panel jewel lights & gauges all built like a well made pocket watch. Cloth & asphalt wire wrap & Japaning enamels. Color coded braid woven wires & dovetail buzz coil boxes glued together with hide glue & wax paper & foil rolled condensers. Horse hair oil bath air cleaners. Most parts had its # or makers mark & illustrated parts books thick as church bibles rich with insignia scroll industry advertisements, & bygone aroma of alchemy. Some old thermostats were all brass with an accordion style expanding bellows to actuate the valve. not anymore, the bean counters got to em...
I'm thinking brass/bronze is a lot more expensive now. I've heard it takes casting really well. I don't like zinc or aluminum which is now the norm.
Detroit Diesel: if there ain't no oil under it, there ain't no oil in it. I had a tired old 354 Perkins diesel in my 72 Ford 3/4 ton XLT. It put on a great smoke show every morning when I fired it up. Great video Mike!
So glad you get that old engine running, sir. I am 48 years old, visually impaired, and I am a long life fan of Detroit engines, especially the 318 model. My favorite is the 8V71 or 8V 92 engines. My dad drove an old coal truck for years that had those, so anytime I hear one of those it brings back. Good memories. Keep up the good work, let’s keep these old Detroit’s humming.
Bridge to engine room - "Make smoke"
"Aye Sir......Start the Detroits!"
Somewhere out there in YT land, someone is looking for 4-71 to replace theirs. Your motor is a good candidate for a rebirth.
I assisted /did many overhauls on them when i was younger ,my father was a detroit mechanic that was all he/we did was 2 cycles .
Yep I work for them for 52 years, Great people and fun places
In the 1970's I supervised a couple of different service rigs for Shell Canada in the foothills. One had a 12V71 and the other had 2-8V71's. The 12V71 twin turbo was unreal. On one job we had a couple of duplex pumps pumping water from the river. We couldn't get one of the pumps running. I called Waterous out of Lethbridge. Later a guy drives up on location in a 1969 GMC half ton pickup. I was expecting a complete field service truck with a crane, air compressor, welder, etc. I thought he was lost. Turned out he was our Detroit mechanic. I asked him where his tools were. Right here on the seat. He had a screw driver, a crescent wrench, and a pair of pliers. He said if he couldn't get it going then it was a major. Ten minutes later he had smoke coming out of the right hole. His advice was to slam the operators hand in the door so he was mad at it and then would rev it up!
Them ol DD sure are something special. A few years ago, I resurrected a 6-71 that was sitting about 15 years. You went way deeper than I did when resurrecting mine. Excellent work, Mike. You're a natural teacher. Thanks for the video! Keep up the awesome work!
Insane engine, so ahead of its era
Been about 50 years since I did that! The US Army's fleet of watercraft was dominated by GM 2-strokes back then.
I was on Mike 8 boats at Ft. Eustis and in Viet Nam I would sleep in the engine room with 4 6-71s screaming away. No wonder I can’t hear.
That was awesome! I could almost smell the smoke all the way over here!
Funny thing is my wife would come out of office just to smell it and hear it running
She could hear so much better than me
I grew up on a farm, we had a 8V71 or (, a 318) in a International Semi truck. I drove it a lot. I think it is why I am deaf and my backside always tingles.
I think 6v53 was a 318 cu in.
Nice
Lololo I never drove one but out of shop but I can’t hear crap and it’s 52 years of diesel mechanic life
@@Nudnik1 318 rated horse power. 8 cylinders x 71 cubic inches equals 568 cubic inches.
As I recall the GMC 2 cycle engine weighed significantly less than similar Cat and Cummings. Maby hundred of pounds, I am sure someone knows.
Ours had a air starter. I miss that old beast.
It's method of making power was much like a hookers come on to romance, loud, crude, messy and completely unmistakable.
Ours did not leak oil, it marked it's territory.
Dad claimed it didn't vibrate, it throbed. I am not sure I agree with that.
@@scotthanson7888 Love either on a cloud morning smells like victory..
@@Nudnik1
This was in North Dakota, trust me the engine saw either
Contrary to popular belief either can be used safely.
Mis-used, especially with glow plugs, can send the cylinder head thru the hood, the roof of the garage and into low earth orbit.
The piston can be sent thru the oil pan,thru the earth to China.
That spider looks like something from Harry Potter!!!! My 1947 Greyhound has external fuel rails with HV7 injectors. Usually if a Detroit spins it will run. Thanks Mike!!!
GM Diesel engine = Worlds best converter of fossil fuel to smoke and hearing loss.
Some German diesels Hatz Deutz have the knock knock loud also.
In marine engines these were much quieter water cooled exhaust.
Also England had the plonker opposed piston two strokes .
Look up Napier Deltec three crank triangle two stroke they made for UK trains.
NYC super pumper fire truck used one .
That takes the award from Detroit.
What? I can't hear you!
@@Nudnik1 Deutz are air cooled...and VERY cool engines
.....and we love it!
Exploding dinosaurs...😀😀
That's one angry sounding SOB, I love it!
I have a 1974 4-71 and it looks the same as yours. Sound similar but mine does have a muffler on it. Great work Mike.
I was a little nervous I could hear that screaming Detroit but I couldn't see you I thought maybe it might have swallowed you up haha I really enjoyed that thank you.
Never change man, every video you make are equally informative and entertaining!
Great channel, I have been a mechanic 40 years, this man knows his stuff good mechanic patient and thorough.
"Even with the right tool it's difficult to get it in there" - Said the Actress to the Bishop. Great video as usual :))
What a legendary engine, getting attention from a legend in his own right. ☺️
Excellent video, that engine being a very early one really needs a clean , a new set of rings seals and liners, and a new coat of paint that's all it's a amazing survivor and needs respect
I enjoy it much more than your neighbors did for sure! Thank you.
That was a lot of fun seeing the cylinders get better compression as the revs went up. Glad you're able to get some more content out!
Agreed, but No4 didn`t appear to be pulling its weight!...🤫
I love this channel and I also enjoy watching Scott Crosby on his channel, Bus Grease Monkey. He is a DD specialist. Amazing engines.
Great job, congrats getting it running!
I may have heard the annoying cry of “How dare you!” during start up.
Keep up the good work.
Wow that was fun! Neighbors gotta love that Mike moved in next door never a dull weekend for sure. To bad I don't live next door I'd be over there tinkering right there with ya. I'd love it by my wife wouldn't, she'd probably never see me. Love the video with you in the cloud of sure raw power of early American Engine fumes, reminded me of the early days of automobile racing in the 20's & 30's. You need to take a still shot of that and hang it on your garage wall for sure. Thanks for sharing Mike. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya
I bet if you put this thing under a consistent big load for a few hours it would come out completely mint!
Dunno about that, but reckon it would be *useable*.....
The good old Italian tune up.
One of the most dependable engines made.I've worked on a lot of the 71 and 92 series.They love starting fluid when they get tired.Good video
By dependable you mean replace bearings at 4x the rate of any other engine requires. Cold weather... don't bother unless it is fully pre heated before attempting to start.
We had a lot of Detroit diesels in our Quarry equipment, and the maintenance supervisor bought cases of ether when the weather turned cool. He said that the Detroit diesels are ether addicts. LOL 😃
@@ShainAndrews Ya, replace the mains every 30k hours whether they need it or not. Nobody is saying they produce the most power or are the most efficient. They are none of that. But even nay sayers like you should recognize the reliability and durability that decades of commercial use have proven they have. But I guess you run MTUs in your multiple yachts so you know differently.
Lol. I have to admit that when it started and smoked the whole neighborhood out, I was laughing my ass off. You’re a pretty cool guy Mike!!! That was a fun video to watch
After what feels like thousand of car videos on TH-cam I am blown away by the quality of your videos . Mics , image , camera placement , editing , knowledge are all top notch . Thanks for all this free info .
Your neighbors have got to love you
She's tired, it's also been idled way too much. First diagnostic would be to load it up until it bakes that carbon out of the ports, hopefully the stuck rings would free up with some real heat in the cylinders. Poor old girl.
Thanks for the interesting video! I like your quiet factual style (no stupid music blaring) - reminds me of Watch Wes Work. Well done.
Fun video! Brings back memories working construction driveing dump trucks, some powered with 6-71's. By the sound you,d thing your really setting the world afire!
I had a 6-73 150KW genset (wired for single phase so only 100WK that way) continuous rated that I used on an off-grid property for about 6 months before I sold the property. Genset had previously been used as emergency backup for a casino. Wasn't hard to get it running, awesome engine and a nice generator on it too (brushless). Towards the end of my ownership of it though it was clear it was going to need some blower seals. I could never load it enough though, only up to maybe 15-25KW turning every power hungry thing I had on plus charging a 40kWh battery bank. So was going to need some sort of load bank to continue using that genset - but for the $1500 ish I paid for it I couldn't find a good smaller genset for that price!
I have a 3-71 in my boat that was built in 38, and it was modified along the way and doesn't use a head gasket, I rebuilt it several years ago and it was a wonderful experience for me as i had. never worked on a diesel engine. I just work on my own engines. not a mechanic.It took me three months as it was in my boat in the marina and i did a whole bunch of research and had help from friends. One friend gave me a great navy publication called a students manual for gray marine diesel, publiched 1943 and another guy gave me a factory service manual for the 2-71 engine published in 1972. and i find many diesel mechanics will waste time on the phone talking about their favorite engines the 2 stroke detroits. not to mention videos on you tube covering every aspect of rebuilding these motors. I love this engine it is so trouble free and the physics and engineering in it are fun to learn about. I wish i had found diesel engines when i was young.
Thank you, when it came to life it put a huge smile on my face.
I drove a Brockway tractor trailer that grossed 50 tons in the 1990's. The first season of gravel hauling, it was powered by a 8-71n 4 valve non turbo. It was underpowered and cooked a couple of pistons and liners during the season. The one thing I remember is a very distinctive smell when it would start smoking because of blowby. Almost like a vegetable oil smell.
I currently have a old 4-71 that's around the age yours is in a 1941 Oshkosh, she's got the old external fuel rails on a 2 valve head. They're mean sounding engines when running strong.
I'd love to own that one though, mainly just for the age of the block, I love anything early to mid 1900s
They go away from canister filters what I remember in the late fifties early sixties and that will be a two valve unless head has been changed as the two Valve heads tended to crack from seats to injector sleeve bore where the 4 valves didn’t. Even being worn out it would smoke less with straight 40 or even 30 as they really don’t like 15-40
That old 2 stroke sure sounds good! Surprised it fired off with such low compression. Keeps the bees tamed with all the smoke! I think you should rebuild it and save it.
This was my first time visiting your shop. Great teaching style, I learned a lot. I'll be back😀
1970s and 80s I worked as mechanic for a bus and Coach company, Brisbane Australia, we had several V671s a V871 and a V892, also a Nissan 2 stroke diesel very similar. Only ever rebuilt one of the V671s all the bolts holding it together were 3/8 UNCs but different lengths, only trouble was that on assembly I was 2 short bolts short and had 2 very long bolts left over?? Congrats on getting yours going, they always go but we don't have trouble with cold weather here.
I was surprised to see that much oil pressure. They were usually lucky to hold 30 psi. As others have said, straight weight oils are best. We had many Detroits in all types of equipment, from air compressors, to cranes to trucks. We had some 3-53s, 4-53s, 4-71, 6-71, 8V-71 and even a turbocharged 6V-92T.
30 min and heat up the oil 40 down south
at 54:16 Mike says, "It's probably a good thing that there is a little bit of wind out". Yeah, I would say so. You are the neighbor I wish I had!
Extremely entertaining. I pmsl when it fired up. I was almost as excited as you. Well done.
It’s ALIVE. Good job Mike, that’s what we came here to watch and you delivered 👍🇺🇸
Great content from a true mechanic. You remind me a bit of my foreman when I worked on generator engines. He was german and a true lover of diesel and very knowledgeable on almost anything. Good for you ... and don't apologise if you bump the camera. 😄 ... and you are working outside with -4C ... Oh my ... my fingers would be numb in no time at all. Surprisingly little sludge in that sump. I expected one inch of it. Someone took care of that engine.
It’s definitely been rebuilt at one time. I’d guess in the 70’s. Most likely when the head was changed also. Has newer type liners in it. Reason for knowing it’s been rebuilt is because it has the newer style liners in it. Being sick a early engine it would have had the “BB” liners as there nicknamed that had round holes for the air intake ports. Over the years there was a few styles of liners made. There was a type that used large round holes, 2 rows of smaller holes, ports that were in a 8-shape, then the current ones are a oval port. If I remember correctly the current oval shape ports came out in the mid-late 50’s
Above the voltage regulator is what looks like the hot wire relay. It missing the cover. A safety device to stall the engine if the oil pressure does not come up. It activates the air box flapper and cuts the air off.
Dang I’ve overhauled a lot of them in 58 years but would do a rebuild in a heartbeat since I have all DD special tools and equipment
Any news on that old forgotten Onan engine that was in the bushes?
Next episode, Mike gets a visit from the EPA!
Prius repellent :D
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I think the neighbors are used to Mike working on engines like this
He keeps them bug free.
How dare you
Mike, yeah that old 4-71 is in tough shape. Like you said, the lack of full flow oil filtration has pretty well trashed the bottom end. The good part though is it’s a very rebuildable engine. For about $2,500 in parts you can drop in new pistons and liners, and new bearings. It’s worth getting the crank ground undersize because crankshafts are not that easy to find.
The 4-71 is a good engine for running a sawmill, pump , compressor etc.
also a great generator engine. Even in its present condition it’s worth $1500 or so.
I know nothing about these engines, but man that sounds awesome! I’m sure the neighbors love hearing it and seeing all the smoke! 😅 Great video, thanks for sharing!!
That was fun.
A modern full electronic controlled diesel low emission engine with DEP blocks its inlet ports up in no time flat. How's that for "progress"
The North East won't have any mosquitos this summer, you took care of them Mike, cool video.
Now there wont be any spiders living for miles lol ! Lot of fun, thanks for sharing !
Good show without the exhaust manifold. Super nice of Mike to gift to Mike some specialty tools.
Thanks for posting. Always enjoy watching you work on these vintage engines.
I turned my head phones to maximum so it was like the real thing....:) That chuckle from Mike at 57:14 I've been there!! Great video Mike
even in a tired state this old detroit still wanted to run! albeit a bit smokey!
👍 Whether it's you or the next person, you just proved that old engine is worthy of an overhaul. Good Work!
Brilliant work, you got her going, unique 2 stroke sound.
I enjoy the video very interesting I am not a mechanic I know very little about being a mechanic but you seem to be fully qualified so I enjoy watching it and I’ll be looking for some new videos God bless
I’ve seen them plug up the exhaust to the point they wouldn’t run, usually from running light load. Needs about 4 hours on the dyno at 90 - 100 horsepower will clean it up.
The “Detroit diesel” name and the circular arrows came out in the mid 60’s. It was in 1665 when GM diesel liquidated that line of engines and that’s when the name and logo changed. The serial number style changed in 1948 too. I love detroits, I’m currently rebuilding a early 1948 3-71 for one of my boat. I also work with several other detroits and am engineer on a tug with a 1953 quad-71 pack (4x 6-71’s on a single falk 6:1 gearbox
It's a top little motor. 1965 was the year of the name change and when you found a GM engine with that on the covers you knew she was a classic
How much attention does all the linkage require to keep the 4 engines in check? I think GM billed that contraption a "6004" right?
@@holysirsalad no. The 6004 is the twin pack.
there were a number of model numbers given to them depending on the application and accessories. They also changed the model number format later on also. Our is a 24003 pack. The linkages are a pain in the butt. There’s about 16 linkages with ball joint links, adjustable rods and spring plunger levers. It’s a absolute pain to set up when any are worn out
Mate I hope you rebuild the old beast. There's nothing like a GM for that distinctive sound of the super charger wurring I think it is. And given how low the compression obviously is and will still run says a lot about the toughness of these beasts. It's worth saving.
Mannn my dads 353 and 453 love to run , and the 6v71 we have with the 3 stroke in our cement truck 😊
At least you are going through it unlike these people who it spins it wins and they mess the engine up one way or another, great job and day to you.
What a legend - great work
Yes. I had fun! You gotta love those 2 strokers.
That was full on Mosquito Abatement Mode! Smoked them little critters into the next county.
Fun, indeed! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad that it is running again, even if it "drinks" more oil than diesel !!! 😄
Thats 100% A wolf spider They are harmless they live secluded and hunt for their food no webs pretty cool spider.
Hi awesome sound Mike, many thanks from UK
If you ever do rebuild this engine, I'd love to see it employed in some useful role. I'd be inclined to fit it out as a generator with a suitable power head and speed and voltage regulation. Would probably be a champion in an emergency relief situation.
What a interesting old motor, I will be interested to see it functional again thanks a lot for another great movie .
*- Good to see it run, Mike. Wish a restore/refit was in the picture...but getting to this point is good.*
26:25 Yeah as you were pulling those bearings, I though to myself hours aren't the issue here, nor is overheating due to lack of oil, it looks to me like very dirty oil really rubbed those bearings down.. She probably needs a nice grind on the crank and some .010 undersized bearings all the way around and some clean synthetic oil (Amsoil IMHO) and a handful of changes to see where it's getting so dirty. Good looking motor overall though.
That appears to be a wolf spider... I see them all the time in the youngstown ohio area and they are mostly seen close to wooded areas around here
Shes a beautiful thing. Great vid!
Awesome and informative as always. Thanks for doing these videos!
2:02 that would be a Huntsman Spider.. on another note: the youtube Channel Diesel Creek, Matt has a 471 Detroit, that has less than 50 hours on it, if you check out one of his last videos..
Did running it clear out the exhaust passages? A pleasure to watch someone enjoy his job/hobby
1:04:42