Why You Should Buy a Complete Cylinder Head for Your Detroit Diesel 6-71 From Diesel Pro Power

Few diesel engines have earned the worldwide reputation of the Detroit Diesel 6-71. For decades, this engine has powered tugboats, fishing vessels, industrial equipment, standby generators, and military craft. Known for its durability, simplicity, and ability to run for thousands of hours, the 6-71 remains one of the most trusted two-stroke engines ever built.

But even these legendary engines eventually require top-end work. When it’s time to replace the cylinder head, the decision you make will determine how long your rebuild lasts — and whether the job is done right the first time.

That’s why operators around the world choose to purchase a brand-new complete cylinder head for their Detroit Diesel 6-71 from Diesel Pro Power. With over 40,000 customers, shipments to 180+ countries, and a 4.9-star Google rating, Diesel Pro Power is recognized globally as the most reliable, trusted source for Detroit Diesel parts.

Here are the top reasons a complete 6-71 cylinder head from Diesel Pro Power is the smartest investment you can make for your rebuild.

See Our Full Catalog Of Cylinder Heads For Detroit Diesel Engines

1. A Brand-New Head Eliminates the Risk of Used or Rebuilt Castings

Many operators try to save money by buying a used cylinder head. While the price may look appealing, the hidden risks are critical:

• Hairline cracks inside combustion chambers
• Warped deck surfaces
• Corroded water jackets
• Worn valve guides
• Seat erosion
• Incorrect spring height
• Damaged or fatigued bridges
• Unknown history (overheating, improper coolant use, etc.)

Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines run hot, run hard, and depend heavily on proper airflow from their 4-valve configuration. A used head may have problems that even a machine shop cannot detect. And considering the labor involved — lifting the head with a crane, cleaning surfaces, setting injectors, aligning pushrods — no operator wants to install a head that fails after only a few hours.

Diesel Pro Power removes that risk entirely by supplying brand-new 6-71 cylinder heads, not welded, resurfaced, or patched used castings. These are new, premium-grade heads built to meet Detroit Diesel specifications.

When the top end of your engine depends on perfect metal integrity, “new” is the only safe option.

2. Fully Assembled Cylinder Heads Save Hours of Labor and Ensure Proper Matching

Every Diesel Pro Power 6-71 cylinder head comes complete and fully assembled with:

• J6 valves
• Valve springs
• Rocker arms
• Push rods
• Cam followers
• Valve bridges

This is a tremendous advantage for operators, mechanics, and fleet managers.

Why a complete head is the best choice

✔ No machine shop delays

No valve grinding, guide replacements, seat cutting, or surface machining. Everything is already correct.

✔ Guaranteed parts compatibility

Springs, bridges, valves, and followers all rely on matching height, tension, and geometry. A complete head ensures everything is installed with the correct Detroit Diesel spec.

✔ Faster installation

Your mechanic simply removes the old head, places the new one, torques it down, sets injectors, and you’re ready to run.

✔ Fewer mistakes

Many top-end failures happen because of incorrect spring height, improper valve seating, or mismatched components. A fully assembled head removes that risk.

✔ Higher reliability

New components are free of fatigue, heat-cycle stress, and wear from decades of use.

If you depend on your 6-71 for daily operation — in a tugboat, a commercial vessel, a generator, or heavy equipment — a complete head is the most reliable path forward.

3. Available in Both Non-Turbo and Turbo High-Performance Models

Diesel Pro Power supplies two complete versions of the 6-71 cylinder head.

A. 6-71 4-Valve Non-Turbo Complete Cylinder Head

Ideal for:

• Marine engines
• Industrial engines
• Generators
• Naturally aspirated applications

This head comes fully assembled with:

• J6 valves
• Springs
• Rockers
• Push rods
• Cam followers
• Valve bridges

Perfect for standard 6-71 engines running blower-only (non-turbo) configurations.

B. 6-71 4-Valve Turbo Complete Cylinder Head (High-Performance)

For turbocharged 6-71 engines — such as 6-71TI or high-performance marine applications — Diesel Pro Power offers a specialized turbo-ready head.

Includes:

• J6 high-performance valves
• Heavy-duty springs
• Rocker and follower assemblies suitable for boosted engines

Turbocharged 6-71 engines operate under higher combustion pressures, higher temperatures, and greater airflow demands. This complete turbo-spec head is built to handle the increased load.

4. Backed by Diesel Pro Power’s Global Reputation, Warranty & Customer Service

When you purchase a cylinder head, you’re not just buying metal — you’re buying support.

Diesel Pro Power provides:

• An industry-leading warranty
• Fast worldwide shipping
• Expert customer service
• Knowledge of every Detroit Diesel variation
• Complete access to related components (gaskets, injectors, head bolts, pumps, and more)

Our global reputation — built across 40,000+ customers — is based on consistency, accuracy, and the reliability of our parts. Operators trust us because our products arrive correct, ready, and dependable.

If a Detroit Diesel 6-71 powers your vessel, yard equipment, crane, generator, or industrial machinery, Diesel Pro Power has the exact knowledge and inventory to support it.

5. The Smartest Long-Term Investment in Your Engine’s Life

Replacing a cylinder head is one of the most labor-intensive top-end jobs on a Detroit Diesel. It requires:

• Crane access
• Multiple technicians
• Cooling system disassembly
• Rocker gear adjustment
• Injector setting
• Head bolt re-torquing
• Airbox and blower inspection

This is not a job you ever want to repeat because of a faulty head.

A brand-new complete 6-71 head from Diesel Pro Power offers:

• Maximum compression
• Proper temperature stability
• Better cold-start performance
• Stronger valve sealing
• Even cylinder temperatures
• Smoother idle and throttle response
• Reduced smoking
• Longer top-end lifespan
• Improved overall engine power and reliability

It’s not just a replacement part — it’s a restoration of the engine’s entire breathing and combustion system.

Conclusion: Diesel Pro Power Is the #1 Source for Complete Detroit Diesel 6-71 Cylinder Heads

Your 6-71 is a workhorse. But even the toughest engines need a properly built top end to continue delivering the performance Detroit Diesel is known for.

A complete cylinder head from Diesel Pro Power provides:

• Brand-new casting (not used or remanufactured)
• Fully assembled internals (valves, springs, rocker gear, bridges, followers)
• Turbo and non-turbo options
• Easy installation
• Long-term reliability
• Industry-leading warranty
• Global shipping and expert support

When you’re investing in a Detroit Diesel 6-71 rebuild, the head is the one component that must be perfect. Choosing a complete cylinder head from Diesel Pro Power ensures that your engine runs strong, starts easily, burns cleanly, and delivers the performance it was designed for — for thousands of hours to come.

See Our Full Catalog Of Cylinder Heads For Detroit Diesel Engines

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