Detroit diesel ?

[Anonymous-0]

I have a 30kw military generator with a detroit diesel in it. I know its not really tractor related but can anyone tell me what size this thing is, I cant find any engine id but do know its a detroit. I believe it is Vietnam era

 

[steveormary]

cj,

Just a guess but around 50hp.

steveormary

 

[Walt Davies]

Most likely a 53 series but having worked on many of these back during the war I don't remember any with Detroit's in them. Having failing memory though I could sure be wrong about that.
What does it look like do have a pic how many cylinders inline or V
Walt

 

[Anonymous-0]

If it is 30 KW it is most likely a 2-71 or maybe a 3-53. Depending on the vintages. The 53's came in in the late 50's. If it is a 2 cylinder it is likely a 2-71. These had a starter that is nearly as long as the engine.

 

[RodinNS]

I wouldn't rule out a 3-71 either. Ther must be something on the engine?

Rod

 

[Anonymous-0]

Sorry I cant post pictures this engine is definately bigger than a 2 71 and I think it is a 3 53.blower seems smaller than the 71's I have seen. I am no expert by any stretch but thought it would be fun to pull the engine and put it in an Oliver 77 770 or 88 880 I also estimate 50 to 60 hp as it is a 30kw generator

 

[VACLee]

The valve cover will tell you if it is a 53 or 71 series. The 53 series have bolts around the perimeter like older style automotive engines. The 71 series will have studs in the middle of the cover with large knobs on them. There probably are other differences, but that is the easiest one to find.

 

[Bob M]

Another quick spotting feature is location of accessory drive pulleys.

The -53 always has (2) counter-rotating combination pulley/balance weights located high at the front of the engine block, above the level of the cooling fan hub. One of these pulleys usually operates the coolant circulating pump via a pair of V-belts. Only exception is the 2-53 - some of these have only a single accessory pulley and a simple counter-rotating balance weight where the second pulley would otherwise be.

OTOH the -71 series will have one (or sometimes none, or occasionally 2) accessory drive pulleys located at the REAR of the engine. Sometimes accessories such as an air brake compressor or generator are direct driven off rear end where the pulley otherwise would reside. Also most (all?) -71's have the coolant pump driven from the same shaft as the blower.

 

[Jerry/MT]

30 Kw would be 40.2 hp so I'd guess the output of the engine was around 42-45 hp. My guess is that it's a 2-71 or a 3-53. I had a 2-53 in a JD 435 and if memory serves me correctly it was rated at about 29 hp which is about 21 KW.

 

[buickanddeere]

Check for numbers stamped into the block near the right side towards the bellhousing.Sometimes a list of numbers is stuck on a valve cover.