The Detroit Diesel 3-71 is a three-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engine that belongs to the renowned 71 Series—named for its 71 cubic inches of displacement per cylinder. With a total displacement of 213 cubic inches (3.5 liters) and a naturally aspirated configuration using a Roots-style blower, the 3-71 delivers strong low-end torque and reliable performance in a compact, easy-to-service package. The engine was produced in two primary configurations: 2-Valve Cylinder Head (Standard) 4-Valve Cylinder Head (High-Performance Variant) Each version offers unique advantages, and Diesel Pro Power supplies aftermarket parts for both types, helping operators keep their 3-71 engines running across marine, industrial, and military applications. Specification Value Engine Configuration Inline 3-cylinder, two-stroke diesel Displacement 213 cu in (3.5 liters) Bore x Stroke 4.25 in x 5.00 in Aspiration Naturally Aspirated (Blower Only) Blower Type Roots-style, gear-driven Cooling System Water-cooled Oil Capacity ~8 quarts Dry Weight ~1,100–1,200 lbs (varies by head type) RPM Range 1,800–2,100 RPM (governed) Valves per Cylinder: 2 (1 intake, 1 exhaust) Horsepower Range: ~85–95 HP @ 2,100 RPM Torque Output: ~230–250 lb-ft Use Case Focus: Simplicity, economy, easier maintenance Fewer moving parts = lower maintenance Lower parts cost for rebuilds and head replacement Well-suited for auxiliary systems and generator sets Marine Generators and Bilge Systems Deck Hydraulics Industrial Pumps and Compressors Field Power Units Support Vehicles and Stationary Equipment This version is ideal for operators who value reliability and minimal complexity over top-end performance. Valves per Cylinder: 4 (2 intake, 2 exhaust) Horsepower Range: ~100–110 HP @ 2,100 RPM Torque Output: ~260–280 lb-ft Use Case Focus: Increased airflow, improved combustion efficiency Enhanced airflow and better fuel burn More torque under load, especially at mid-RPM Preferred in propulsion and load-sensitive applications Marine Propulsion (Trawlers, Workboats) Military Tactical Equipment Construction Loaders and Mobile Machinery Power-Dense Generator Sets Retrofits Requiring Higher Output in Same Footprint This configuration is especially valuable for those upgrading from the standard head without changing the engine block. Engine Components and Their Roles (Covering Detroit Diesel 271, 371, 471, 671 Engines) Key Maintenance Procedures (Covering Detroit Diesel 271, 371, 471, 671 Engines) Assembly and Disassembly Guidelines (Covering Detroit Diesel 271, 371, 471, 671 Engines) Safety Protocols for Technicians (Working On Detroit Diesel 271, 371, 471, 671 Engines) Torque Specifications And Wear Limits (Covering Detroit Diesel 271, 371, 471, 671 Engines) Disassembly Of Throttle Controls For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671) DISASSEMBLY OF AIR BOX COVERS FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671) Disassembly Of The Blower For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671) Removing Air Box Drains For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) REMOVING THE VALVE ROCKER COVER ON A DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINE (271, 371, 471, 671) Torque Specifications Of 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Disassembly Of Components For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Key Components of the Oil Pump and Model-Specific Variations (271, 371, 471, 671) INSIGHTS FROM THE DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINE MANUAL VOLUME 2 (271, 371, 471, 671) LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671) Disassembly of the Oil Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Reassembly of the Oil Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Oil Filters For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271,371, 471, 671) LUBRICATING OIL PRESSURE REGULATOR FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671) Oil Cooler For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Oil Pan For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Ventilating System for Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Oil Pump Maintenance For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Radiator Cooling For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Cooling System and Heat Exchanger For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Cooling System Configurations For 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Types of Coolant for Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Chemicals & Coolant For Your Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671) Maintaining The Heat Exchanger Core For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671) Guidelines for Coolant For Detroit 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Introduction to the Water Pump System for the 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671) Disassembly of the Freshwater Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Reassembly of the Freshwater Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline (271, 371, 471, 671) Freshwater Pump Maintenance For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Raw Water Pump Maintenance (Marine Application) For 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Disassembly of the Raw Water Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Reassembly of the Raw Water Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Water Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Thermostat Operation For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO TROUBLESHOOTING DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671) Cooling System Troubleshooting For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671) Troubleshooting Tips for Improved Efficiency In Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)  Detroit Diesel 271,371,471,671 Inline Engine Tune Up Guide
Parts for Detroit Diesel 371 Non-Turbo - (4 Valve Head Type)
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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Detroit Diesel 3-71 Naturally Aspirated Engine (2-Valve and 4-Valve Versions)
Overview: Detroit Diesel 3-71 Non-Turbo
Detroit Diesel 3-71 Engine Specifications
2-Valve Cylinder Head Version (Standard)
Technical Characteristics
Benefits
Common Applications
4-Valve Cylinder Head Version (High-Performance)
Technical Characteristics
Benefits
Common Applications
Additional Resources
Marine Detroit Diesel 3-71 Component Maintenance Life
Practical Guide To Servicing Your Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline (271, 371, 471, & 671 ) – Part 1
AIR SCAVENGING AND BLOWER SYSTEM FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671)
Best Practices for Keeping Air Intake and Exhaust Systems Clean For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Cleaning and Inspection Processes For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Safe Cleaning Procedures Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)
Critical Inspection Points For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Valve and Injector Maintenance For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Checking Valve Clearance and Injector Timing For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Tools and Equipment For Maintaining Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Detailed Overhaul Process For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)
Common Troubleshooting Tips For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Disassembly Of Fuel Lines For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Disassembly Of Exhaust Manifold For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Disassembling The Air Cleaner & The Air Shutdown Housing For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
Summary of Troubleshooting and Specifications In Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)
FAQ From Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine Service Manual (271, 371, 471, 671)Â