The blower plays a key role in the two-stroke cycle of the Detroit Diesel Series 71 engine by supplying air for combustion. Proper disassembly of the blower is essential for maintenance, repairs, or overhaul. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the blower housing, rotors, or drive system, which are critical for efficient engine operation.
Safety Precautions:
- Ensure the Engine is Cool: Before working on the blower, ensure the engine has fully cooled down to avoid burns or accidental damage to hot components.
- Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the battery before starting work on the blower or any other engine components to prevent accidental engine start-up or electrical short circuits.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from debris, oil, or dust during disassembly.
Disassembly Steps For Detroit Diesel 71 Series Inline Engine Blower (271, 371, 471, 671):
1. Disconnect the Air Intake System
The blower is connected to the engine’s air intake system. Before removing the blower, the intake system must be disconnected.
- Remove the Air Silencer or Cleaner:
- The air silencer or air cleaner is typically mounted on the blower inlet. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the fasteners securing the air cleaner or silencer, and carefully lift it off the blower. Set it aside in a clean area.
- The air silencer or air cleaner is typically mounted on the blower inlet. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the fasteners securing the air cleaner or silencer, and carefully lift it off the blower. Set it aside in a clean area.
- Disconnect Intake Piping:
- If intake piping is connected to the blower, loosen and remove the clamps or bolts securing the piping. Carefully disconnect the intake piping and inspect it for wear, cracks, or obstructions. Replace any damaged parts during reassembly.
- If intake piping is connected to the blower, loosen and remove the clamps or bolts securing the piping. Carefully disconnect the intake piping and inspect it for wear, cracks, or obstructions. Replace any damaged parts during reassembly.
2. Disconnect the Fuel Lines and Linkages
If the blower is integrated with the engine’s fuel system or governor, disconnecting those systems is necessary to remove the blower.
- Disconnect Fuel Lines:
- If any fuel lines run near or over the blower, disconnect them to ensure they don’t get in the way during removal. Be sure to label the fuel lines for easy reassembly later.
- If any fuel lines run near or over the blower, disconnect them to ensure they don’t get in the way during removal. Be sure to label the fuel lines for easy reassembly later.
- Remove Throttle and Governor Linkages:
- If the throttle or governor linkages connect to the blower assembly, disconnect them. Use pliers to remove any retaining clips, and label the linkages to ensure proper reinstallation.
- If the throttle or governor linkages connect to the blower assembly, disconnect them. Use pliers to remove any retaining clips, and label the linkages to ensure proper reinstallation.
3. Loosen the Blower Drive System
The blower is driven by the engine’s gear train or a belt system. Proper disconnection of the drive system is critical to safely removing the blower.
- Locate the Blower Drive:
- Depending on the specific configuration of your engine, the blower may be gear-driven or belt-driven. Identify the drive mechanism connected to the blower.
- Depending on the specific configuration of your engine, the blower may be gear-driven or belt-driven. Identify the drive mechanism connected to the blower.
- Disconnect the Drive Gear or Belt:
- For gear-driven systems: Remove the cover of the blower drive gear and carefully disengage the gear from the blower shaft. Ensure that the gear teeth are not damaged during removal.
- For belt-driven systems: Loosen the tensioner pulley and remove the belt from the blower pulley. Inspect the belt for wear and replace it if necessary.
- For gear-driven systems: Remove the cover of the blower drive gear and carefully disengage the gear from the blower shaft. Ensure that the gear teeth are not damaged during removal.
4. Remove the Blower from the Engine
With the intake system, fuel lines, linkages, and drive system disconnected, the blower can now be removed from the engine.
- Remove the Blower Mounting Bolts:
- The blower is secured to the engine block with a series of mounting bolts. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts, supporting the blower to prevent it from falling as the last bolts are removed.
- The blower is secured to the engine block with a series of mounting bolts. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts, supporting the blower to prevent it from falling as the last bolts are removed.
- Lift the Blower Off the Engine:
- Once the mounting bolts are removed, carefully lift the blower off the engine. It may be heavy, so it’s advisable to have assistance when lifting. Be cautious of any remaining gaskets or seals that may still be attached.
- Once the mounting bolts are removed, carefully lift the blower off the engine. It may be heavy, so it’s advisable to have assistance when lifting. Be cautious of any remaining gaskets or seals that may still be attached.
5. Inspect the Blower and Housing
After removing the blower, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly for wear, damage, or buildup of debris.
- Inspect the Blower Rotors:
- Check the rotors inside the blower for any signs of wear, damage, or buildup of carbon or debris. Rotors must be free of cracks or chips for optimal performance.
- Inspect the Blower Housing:
- Inspect the blower housing for cracks or damage, particularly around the mounting points and the air intake. Ensure there are no obstructions in the housing that could block airflow.
- Inspect the Blower Seals:
- Check the seals around the blower for signs of oil leakage or wear. Worn seals should be replaced during reassembly to ensure proper sealing and prevent air or oil leaks.
Reassembly Notes:
- Replace Gaskets and Seals:
- Always install new gaskets and seals when reassembling the blower. Reusing old gaskets or seals can lead to air or oil leaks, which can affect engine performance.
- Always install new gaskets and seals when reassembling the blower. Reusing old gaskets or seals can lead to air or oil leaks, which can affect engine performance.
- Reinstall the Blower Drive System:
- If the blower is gear-driven, ensure the drive gear is properly aligned with the blower shaft and re-engage the gear. For belt-driven systems, reinstall the belt and adjust the tension to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Ensure the drive system is properly secured to prevent misalignment or slippage during engine operation.
- Reconnect the Air Intake System:
- Reattach the intake piping and air cleaner or silencer to the blower. Ensure all clamps and bolts are securely tightened to prevent air leaks.
- Reattach the intake piping and air cleaner or silencer to the blower. Ensure all clamps and bolts are securely tightened to prevent air leaks.
- Reconnect Fuel Lines and Linkages:
- Reconnect the fuel lines and throttle or governor linkages that were disconnected during disassembly. Ensure the linkages are properly adjusted and free from binding to allow smooth engine operation.
- Reconnect the fuel lines and throttle or governor linkages that were disconnected during disassembly. Ensure the linkages are properly adjusted and free from binding to allow smooth engine operation.
- Test the Blower Operation:
- After reassembly, manually turn the blower shaft or pulley to ensure it moves freely without obstruction. Run the engine and listen for any unusual noises from the blower. Monitor for proper air intake and check for leaks around the blower housing.
Inspection Tips:
- Check for Smooth Rotor Operation:
- Spin the blower rotors manually to ensure they rotate smoothly without resistance or noise. If the rotors bind or rub against the housing, there may be internal damage or misalignment that needs to be addressed.
- Spin the blower rotors manually to ensure they rotate smoothly without resistance or noise. If the rotors bind or rub against the housing, there may be internal damage or misalignment that needs to be addressed.
- Look for Oil or Air Leaks:
- After reassembly, inspect the blower housing and surrounding areas for signs of oil or air leaks. Leaks could indicate a problem with the gaskets, seals, or installation.