Sign InDetroit Diesel 2-71 Troubleshooting
The chart below shows the most common questions asked by owners of Detroit Diesel® engines 2-71 natural when trying to troubleshoot why their engines underperform. It categorizes areas of possible malfunction, likely cause and recommended action to bring your new, rebuilt or used Detroit Diesel® engine back to proper operation. The chart will give you confidence when speaking with your Detroit Diesel® engine mechanic or ordering parts. As a quick reference guide only, the chart must not be thought of as a substitute for the use of your Detroit Diesel® engine 2-71 natural Owner's operating or service manual.
Email this free printable guide to yourself, your mechanic, or someone helping you.
|
PROBLEM |
POSSIBLE REASON |
CHECK |
| Engine will not start | Lack of air intake or restricted air intake | |
| Broken blower shaft | ||
| Worn out blower shaft | ||
| Defective fuel pump | ||
| Defective starter | ||
| Discharged battery | ||
| High exhaust back pressure | ||
| Black smoke coming out of engine | Defective injector | |
| Contaminated fuel | ||
| Broken or worn cylinder parts | ||
| Engine overloaded | ||
| Faulty intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engines only) | ||
| White smoke coming out of engine | Broken piston ring | |
| Incorrectly installed ring set | ||
| Defective injector | ||
| Fuel quality or grade | ||
| Long idle periods | ||
| Broken or bent push rod | ||
| Injector or governor improperly adjusted | ||
| Low engine oil pressure | Water in engine oil pan | |
| Fuel in engine oil pan | ||
| Defective oil cooler | ||
| Engine overloaded | ||
| Crankcase overfilled | ||
| Low engine RPM | Improperly working injector | |
| Governor calibration | ||
| Hi engine RPM | Governor calibration | |
| Engine overheating | Defective fresh water pump | |
| Defective raw water pump (marine engines only) | ||
| Defective thermostat or thermostat seal | ||
| Clogged radiator or heat exchanger (marine engine only) | ||
| Grey smoke coming out of engine | Long idle periods | |
| Defective intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engine only) | ||
| Restricted air intake | ||
| Defective injector | ||
| Contaminated fuel | ||
| Blower or turbocharger seals leaking | ||
| Geartrain makes noises | Low oil level | |
| Engine driven accesories | ||
| Damage main or rod bearing |