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Parts for Detroit Diesel 4-71

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Parts for Detroit Diesel 4-71

The Detroit 471 engine will last you for many hours with proper maintenance and care. Diesel Pro can help. We have the right supplies to keep these engines running, year after year. Our parts are made out of high quality materials, and guaranteed to last. That is why we offer a one year warranty on our new parts, so you can shop with confidence. We also have a large and diverse inventory of products, including our popular overhaul kit that can get an older engine back to performing like it was new. We also offer the 471 service manual to help you tackle big projects, an essential for any Diesel mechanic, whether you work on engines full time, or have to make the occasional repair. Unsure which part you need? If you have any other questions, need help finding a part, or to place an order, give us a call at 888-433-4735 and we would be happy to help.

All engines in this series will have a serial number that start with 4A (For example, 4A-12345.) Older engines may have a serial number that starts with 471 (For example, 471-RA63.) The model number, which is an eight digit code, will start with 704, and an example would be 7042-7201.

General Information

This Detroit 471 engine is a two-cycle, 4 cylinder engine with a displacement 284 cubic inches and 5 main bearings.

Normal oil capacity is between 15 to 20 quarts. The oil filter should be changed every 100 hours. The oil should be changed every 100 hours as well, for new engines, though this can be gradually increased. For vehicle use, this translates to every 1000 to 3000 miles, with highway use needing less frequent changes than consistent stop and go conditions.

This engine can be referred to by different names, such as GM 471 or 4-71 Detroit Diesel.

Horsepower and Torque

The information below is based on brake horsepower, and a 471T generator set.

Standby: 180 BHP at 1500 RPM, 210 BHP at 1800 RPM.

Prime: 164 BHP at 1500 RPM, 191 BHP at 1800 RPM.

The information below is for marine pleasurecraft, with N80 injectors. The horsepower is measured as shaft-horsepower. Performance is with paragon 2:1 gear and 12 volt, 25 amp generator.

SHP (Power propeller load): 25 at 1200 RPM, 35 at 1400 RPM, 75 at 1800 RPM, 105 AT 2000 RPM, and a maximum of 160 at 2300.

Fuel Consumption (with propeller) is 2.5 gallons per hour at 1400 RPM, 5 gallons per hour at 1800 RPM and 9 gallons per hour at 2200 RPM.

Other Popular Categories

If you have any other projects, be sure to check out these popular categories.

Detroit 671

Detroit 8V71

Detroit 12V71


Engine Specifications & Applications of the Detroit Diesel 4-71 Engine

(Naturally Aspirated 2-Valve, Naturally Aspirated 4-Valve, and Turbocharged Versions)

Overview: Detroit Diesel 4-71 Series

The Detroit Diesel 4-71 is a powerful, inline four-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engine from the iconic 71 Series. Known for its modular simplicity, rugged performance, and high torque output, the 4-71 has served across marine, military, and industrial markets for decades.

Detroit manufactured the 4-71 in several configurations:

  • Naturally Aspirated with 2-Valve Cylinder Head (2 exhaust valve per cylinder)

  • Naturally Aspirated with 4-Valve Cylinder Head (4  exhaust valves per cylinder)

  • Turbocharged with Roots-style blower and turbo

Each setup offers unique performance advantages. Diesel Pro Power proudly stocks aftermarket parts for all three versions, helping thousands of operators maintain or restore their Detroit 4-71 engines.


Shared Specifications: Detroit Diesel 4-71 Engine

Specification

Value

Engine Configuration

Inline 4-cylinder, two-stroke diesel

Displacement

284 cu in (4.65 liters)

Bore x Stroke

4.25 in x 5.00 in

Cooling System

Water-cooled

Fuel System

Mechanical unit injectors

Oil Capacity

~10–12 quarts

Blower Type

Roots-style blower (all versions)

Dry Weight

~1,200–1,400 lbs (varies by build)

All configurations use scavenged air supplied by the blower. Only exhaust valves are present in the cylinder head—air enters via ports in the cylinder wall.


4-71 Naturally Aspirated – 2-Valve Head

Key Features

  • 2 exhaust valve per cylinder

  • Simpler valve train with fewer parts

  • Horsepower Range: ~110–125 HP @ 2,100 RPM

  • Torque Output: ~280 lb-ft

Applications

  • Marine Auxiliaries (bilge pumps, gensets)

  • Skid-Mounted Industrial Equipment

  • Generators, Air Compressors

  • Construction Machinery

Benefits

  • Fewer moving parts = easier maintenance

  • Ideal for consistent, steady-state workloads

  • Lower-cost rebuilds and faster service cycles


4-71 Naturally Aspirated – 4-Valve Head

Key Features

  • 4 exhaust valves per cylinder

  • Improved airflow and combustion efficiency

  • Horsepower Range: ~130–140 HP @ 2,100 RPM

  • Torque Output: ~300–320 lb-ft

Applications

  • Marine Propulsion (tugboats, utility vessels)

  • Military Utility Equipment

  • Hydraulic Power Units

  • Industrial Generators with Variable Loads

Benefits

  • Higher torque under variable load

  • Cleaner combustion = reduced smoke

  • Preferred for more demanding applications


4-71 Turbocharged Version

Key Features

  • Turbocharger + Roots Blower Combination

  • Higher boost pressure = more air, more power

  • Horsepower Range: ~160–180 HP @ 2,100–2,300 RPM

  • Torque Output: ~350–380 lb-ft

Applications

  • Commercial Marine Propulsion

  • Military Vehicles (APCs, amphibious units)

  • High-RPM Air Compressors

  • Oilfield and Mining Equipment

Benefits

  • Significantly more power than NA versions

  • Better fuel economy under load

  • Strong performance in high-resistance environments


 


Additional Resources


Marine Detroit Diesel 4-71 Component Maintenance Life

Practical Guide To Servicing Your Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline (271, 371, 471, & 671 ) – Part 1

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)

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)

Disassembly Of Throttle Controls For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembling The Starting Motor, Battery-Charging Generator, and Electrical Equipment For Series 71 Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

DISASSEMBLY OF AIR COMPRESSOR (IF USED) FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of The Radiator and Fan Guard or Heat Exchanger For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

DISASSEMBLY OF AIR BOX COVERS FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of Cylinder Head and Valves For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of Governor Control Assembly For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of Water Pump and Coolant System Components (Freshwater and Raw Water Pumps) 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)

Disassembly Of Blower Drive Gear and Support Assembly For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of The Camshaft and Balance Shaft For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of Flywheel and Flywheel Housing For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

DISASSEMBLY OF THE OIL SYSTEM COMPONENTS FOR DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of Cylinder Block End Plates 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)

Disassembly Of Engine Lifter Brackets 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)

Disassembling The Air Cleaner & The Air Shutdown Housing For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Detailed Guidance on How to Properly Reassemble Components For Series 71 Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Torque Specifications Of 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Recommended Sealants and Techniques to Prevent Leaks After Assembly For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Disassembly Of Components For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Function and Operation of the Oil Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (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)

Inspection and Cleaning of Oil Pump Parts For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)

Reassembly of the Oil Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Testing and Troubleshooting the Oil Pump For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Preventive Maintenance Tips For Oil Pumps For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Oil Pump Specifications and Clearances For Oil Pumps 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)

Recommended Oil and Maintenance Intervals For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)

Oil Pump Maintenance For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Troubleshooting Common Lubrication System Issues For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Introduction to the Cooling System and Heat Exchanger For Detroit Diesel 71 Series 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)

COMPARING RADIATOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER COOLING IN DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INLINE ENGINES (271, 371, 471, 671)

Types of Coolant for Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Considerations for High-Temperature and Freezing Conditions for Your Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)

Chemicals & Coolant For Your Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine (271, 371, 471, 671)

Filling and Bleeding the Cooling System For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Routine Cooling System Checks and Maintenance For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (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)

Troubleshooting Common Cooling System Issues For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR DETROIT DIESEL 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)

Importance of Regular Freshwater and Raw Water Pump Maintenance 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)

Ventilation and Crankcase Vapor Collection For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Troubleshooting and Specifications For Cooling & Lubrication In Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline (271, 371, 471, 671)

Overview of Troubleshooting in Lubrication and Cooling Systems In 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)

Torque Specifications for Key Components In The Lubrication & Cooling Systems Of Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

Parts Grading and Condition Assessment 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)
Summary of Troubleshooting and Specifications In Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (271, 371, 471, 671)

 

Detroit Diesel 271,371,471,671 Inline Engine Tune Up Guide

FAQ From Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine Service Manual (271, 371, 471, 671) 

 

Disassembly Turbocharger (If Equipped) For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines (471, 671)

Disassembly Of Turbochargers For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engines – (471, 671)




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