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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Detroit Diesel 6V92 Non-Turbo Engine

Introduction to the 6V92 Non-Turbo Engine

The Detroit Diesel 6V92 non-turbo engine—also known as the 6V92N—is part of the iconic Detroit Diesel 92 Series. Recognized globally for its reliability, simplicity, and long-term serviceability, this naturally aspirated, 6-cylinder V-type engine powered everything from municipal buses and fire trucks to marine vessels and industrial machinery. It has been a mainstay in demanding industries for over 40 years, and while OEM production has ended, the 6V92N remains in active use worldwide thanks to its rugged design and the availability of high-quality aftermarket parts from Diesel Pro Power.


6V92 Non-Turbo Engine Specifications

Base Configuration

  • Engine Type: 2-stroke, V6 diesel

  • Model Code: 6V92N

  • Displacement: 552 cubic inches (9.0 liters)

  • Bore x Stroke: 4.84 in × 5.00 in (123 mm × 127 mm)

  • Compression Ratio: Approximately 19:1

  • Cooling System: Water-cooled, gear-driven pump

  • Lubrication System: Full pressure system with gear-driven oil pump

  • Oil Capacity: Approx. 7–8 gallons depending on pan configuration

  • Cooling Capacity: Approx. 8–10 gallons (varies by radiator or keel-cooled system)

  • Fuel System: Mechanical unit injectors

  • Aspiration: Naturally aspirated (blower only; no turbocharger)

  • Weight (Dry): ~2,150–2,300 lbs

Power Output

  • Horsepower Range:

    • 210 HP (with 9G75 injectors)

    • Up to 275 HP (with 9G90 injectors and tuning)

  • Torque: Approximately 700–800 lb-ft at peak output

  • Operating RPM Range:

    • Rated: 1,800 to 2,100 RPM

    • Idle: 500–600 RPM

This non-turbocharged configuration is favored for its simpler design, lower exhaust temperature, and enhanced durability in harsh conditions. While less powerful than its turbocharged counterpart, the 6V92N offers dependable performance in many commercial and industrial roles.


Popular Applications of the 6V92 Non-Turbo Engine

Despite the lack of forced induction, the 6V92N is more than capable in a variety of roles. Operators often choose it for its ease of maintenance, mechanical simplicity, and low RPM torque curve.

1. Public Transportation & Urban Transit

The 6V92N became a workhorse engine for municipal bus fleets in North America and beyond from the 1970s through the early 1990s. Key reasons included:

  • Smooth torque delivery in stop-and-go traffic

  • Compatibility with Allison automatic transmissions

  • Dependability in extreme weather conditions

  • Easy access to parts and service

Notable bus models that used the 6V92N include:

  • GM RTS (Rapid Transit Series)

  • Flexible Metro series

  • TMC and Eagle coaches

Even today, many restored buses and municipal training programs still use 6V92N-powered vehicles due to their simplicity and abundance of parts.

2. Fire Trucks and Emergency Vehicles

Fire departments favored the 6V92N for:

  • Quick cold-start capability

  • Instant throttle response

  • High reliability with fewer components (no turbo to fail)

Fire pumpers and ladder trucks across the U.S. and Canada relied on this platform, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Many fire departments in rural areas still maintain fleets with these engines and source aftermarket parts from Diesel Pro Power.

3. Marine Propulsion and Auxiliary Power

While more commonly turbocharged in marine settings, the 6V92N is still found in:

  • Auxiliary marine generators

  • Small workboats

  • Canal boats and ferry vessels

  • Keel-cooled tugboat support systems

The naturally aspirated design is ideal for heat-sensitive environments or when operating in tight engine rooms where exhaust backpressure and temperatures must be kept low.

Key advantages in marine use:

  • No turbo = less risk of salt corrosion

  • Simpler rebuilds in the field

  • Long service intervals with clean diesel fuel and good maintenance

4. Industrial Equipment and Construction Machinery

In the industrial sector, the 6V92N was widely deployed in:

  • Cranes and boom trucks

  • Drilling rigs and winches

  • Air compressors and hydraulic pump units

  • Construction and mining vehicles in remote operations

Operators favor the 6V92N for fuel flexibility, rugged performance, and the availability of parts in remote locations. Diesel Pro Power supplies many of these customers in South America, Southeast Asia, and rural North America.

5. Military Applications

The U.S. military and NATO allies used the 6V92N for:

  • Utility trucks

  • Mobile command centers

  • Water purification units

  • Airport fire and rescue vehicles

Its simplicity, along with a mechanical fuel system that does not rely on electronics, makes it ideal for field service in combat zones or austere environments.


Additional Resources


Marine Detroit Diesel 6V92 Component Maintenance Life

The Legacy of the Detroit Diesel Marine 6V92 Engine & Its Use Today

Detroit Diesel 6V92 Marine Engine Specifications (Turbo & Non-Turbo)

Practical Guide To Servicing Your Detroit Diesel Series 92 Engine (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Introduction to the Detroit Diesel Series 92 Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

General Specifications and Engine Identification For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Safety Precautions for Service and Repairs for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Daily Maintenance (Before Each Operation) Intervals for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Weekly Maintenance for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Monthly Maintenance for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Quarterly Maintenance for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Annual Maintenance for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Recommended Best Practices for Maintaining Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Safety and Maintenance Guidelines For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Cylinder Block and Components For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Fuel System For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Lubrication System For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Cooling System For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Electrical Equipment For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Operation and Troubleshooting For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Fuel Injector Timing and Exhaust Valve Clearance for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Mechanical and Electronic Governor Settings for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Preventive Maintenance for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Tune-Up and Adjustments for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Common Repairs and Overhauls for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Technical Data and Specifications for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Appendices and Additional Resources For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Air Intake and Exhaust Systems For Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Storage and Preservation for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Advanced Governor Systems for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Hydraulic Systems for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Introduction To Part 2 Of Servicing Your Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engine (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Air and Exhaust Systems for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Fuel Systems for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Cooling Systems for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Electrical Systems for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Overhaul and Component Rebuild for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Advanced Diagnostics for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Engine Tuning and Calibration for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Reference Data and Charts for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Introduction To Part 3 - Advanced Operation, Maintenance, and Diagnostics for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Preparation for First-Time Engine Start for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Starting Procedures for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Operating Conditions for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Performance Optimization for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Index for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Stopping Procedures for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Engine Run-In Procedures for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Appendices for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

Detroit Diesel 6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92 Engine Tune Up

Comprehensive Guide For Camshafts In Detroit Diesel 92 Series Engines (6V92, 8V92, 12V92, 16V92)

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