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The Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine is a classic, renowned for its reliability, performance, and engineering excellence. One of the engine’s standout features is the 671 blower, a roots-type supercharger essential for its operation. This article dives into the purpose and function of the 671 blower, answering frequently asked questions to help you better understand its role in your engine.
What Does the 671 Blower Do? Why Is It Essential?
The Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine is a two-stroke diesel engine, which means it relies on forced air to operate efficiently. Unlike four-stroke engines, two-stroke engines lack an intake and exhaust stroke to naturally move air and expel exhaust gases. This is where the 671 blower comes in.
The 671 blower:
- Supplies Fresh Air: Forces air into the cylinders for combustion.
- Scavenges Exhaust Gases: Clears out exhaust from the previous cycle, preparing the cylinders for fresh air.
Without the blower, the 6-71 engine cannot function properly. The blower ensures that every combustion cycle gets the air needed for maximum efficiency and power.
How Much Horsepower Can a 671 Blower Produce?
The blower itself doesn’t directly produce horsepower. Instead, it facilitates horsepower generation by delivering the air required for combustion. With the 671 blower functioning as intended, the Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine can produce:
- 190-215 HP in naturally aspirated configurations.
- 250-275 HP in turbocharged or blower-assisted configurations.
In modified high-performance setups, the blower’s contribution to forced air induction may result in even higher outputs, depending on the application.
Why Is It Called a 6-71 Blower?
The term 6-71 blower comes from the naming convention used for Detroit Diesel engines:
- 6: Indicates the engine has six cylinders.
- 71: Refers to the displacement of each cylinder, which is 71 cubic inches.
The blower is designed to match the air volume requirements of the 6-71 engine, making it essential for proper engine operation.
Who Makes 671 Blowers?
The original 671 blowers were manufactured by Detroit Diesel Corporation, a division of General Motors. These blowers were an integral part of the 6-71 engine and were built to meet the rigorous demands of industrial, marine, and automotive applications.
Today, Diesel Pro Power is the #1 rebuilder of 671 blowers in the world. With decades of experience and expertise, Diesel Pro Power has become the industry leader in rebuilding and remanufacturing 671 blowers. Their rebuilt blowers meet or exceed OEM standards, ensuring reliability and performance that matches or surpasses the original.
When sourcing a 671 blower, trust Diesel Pro Power for unparalleled quality and global leadership in Detroit Diesel part rebuilding.
Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 2-Valve Engines)
Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 4-Valve Engines)
Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Turbo Engines)
How Powerful of a Blower Do I Need?
The Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine’s blower requirements are specific to its design. The factory-designed 671 blower is typically sufficient for standard applications, whether industrial or marine.
Key considerations:
- Stick to OEM Specifications: Always use a blower that matches the original specifications of your engine.
- Consider Engine Configuration: Turbocharged engines may have slightly different airflow needs compared to naturally aspirated models.
Contact The Diesel Pro Team If You Need Help Selecting Your Blower!
How Much Horsepower Does a Detroit Diesel 6-71 Have?
The horsepower of a Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine depends on its configuration:
- 190-215 HP: Naturally aspirated engines with a blower.
- 250-275 HP: Turbocharged engines with a blower.
The blower plays a vital role in achieving these power outputs by maintaining optimal airflow for the two-stroke cycle.
Why Do Detroit Diesels Have Blowers?
Two-stroke engines like the Detroit Diesel 6-71 require forced air to:
- Expel exhaust gases from the cylinders (scavenging).
- Supply fresh air for the next combustion cycle.
The blower is essential for these processes, making it an integral part of the engine’s operation. Without it, the engine would not perform efficiently, if at all.
Marine Applications of the 671 Blower
In addition to its industrial uses, the 671 blower is widely used in marine applications, such as:
- Auxiliary Power: Providing electricity for onboard systems in fishing vessels, tugboats, and workboats.
- Propulsion Systems: Assisting in main engine operations for smaller vessels and ferries.
- Emergency Power: Serving as backup power for larger ships.
Its robust design and reliability make it a trusted choice for maritime operators worldwide.
Detailed Blower Configurations for the Detroit Diesel 6-71
The Detroit Diesel 6-71 blower is an essential component of this two-stroke engine, delivering the air needed for combustion and scavenging exhaust gases. The blower comes in various configurations, tailored to specific engine setups and operational requirements. Below, we focus on right-hand vs. left-hand blowers, blowers for 2-valve vs. 4-valve engines, and turbo-assisted setups—with a particular emphasis on the blower itself.
Right-Hand vs. Left-Hand Blowers
The rotation direction of the blower—right-hand or left-hand—must match the engine’s rotation for proper performance. This ensures the blower delivers air in sync with the engine’s operation.
Right-Hand Blower
Right Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 2-Valve)
Right Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 4-Valve)
Right Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Turbo)
- Rotation: Clockwise (CW) when viewed from the flywheel.
- Blower Design:
- The rotors are configured to optimize airflow for engines rotating clockwise.
- Common Applications:
- Standard on most on-road vehicles, industrial generators, and construction equipment.
- Standard on most on-road vehicles, industrial generators, and construction equipment.
Left-Hand Blower
Left Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 2-Valve)
Left Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 4-Valve)
Left Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Turbo)
- Rotation: Counterclockwise (CCW) when viewed from the flywheel.
- Blower Design:
- The rotor configuration is reversed to handle counterclockwise rotation.
- Common Applications:
- Often used in specialty industrial setups or customized configurations.
Key Consideration: Selecting the correct rotation (right-hand or left-hand) ensures the blower synchronizes with the engine’s operation, preventing airflow inefficiencies and mechanical damage.
Blowers for 2-Valve vs. 4-Valve Engines
The Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine is available with either 2-valve or 4-valve cylinder heads, which influence the airflow requirements of the engine. However, the blower itself remains the same for both configurations.
2-Valve Engine Blower
Left Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 2-Valve)
Right Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 2-Valve)
- Engine Design:
- Features one intake valve and one exhaust valve per cylinder.
- Requires standard airflow provided by the blower.
- Blower Design:
- There are no specific differences in the blower for 2-valve engines compared to 4-valve engines.
- The same rotor design and housing are used, as the blower can handle the airflow demands of both configurations.
4-Valve Engine Blower
Right Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 4-Valve)
Left Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Non Turbo 4-Valve)
- Engine Design:
- Features two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder.
- Increased airflow demand due to the enhanced intake and exhaust flow.
- Blower Design:
- While the engine has greater airflow requirements, the blower itself remains the same as in the 2-valve configuration.
- Any additional airflow needed is managed through optimized engine tuning, not changes to the blower.
Key Takeaway: The blower used in 2-valve and 4-valve Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines is identical. The engine’s design determines the airflow requirements, but the blower is capable of meeting these demands in both configurations without modification.
Turbo-Assisted Blower Configurations
Left Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Turbo)
Right Hand Blower For Detroit Diesel 671 (Turbo)
In turbo-assisted setups, the blower works alongside a turbocharger to maximize engine performance.
Blower Functionality
- The blower handles low-end air delivery, ensuring smooth operation at startup and idle speeds.
- At higher RPMs, the turbocharger boosts air intake, reducing the blower’s workload and increasing overall efficiency.
Blower Design for Turbo Setups
- The blower design remains largely unchanged, but additional seals and reinforcements may be included to handle the increased pressures generated by the turbocharger.
- Designed to operate efficiently alongside a turbocharger without sacrificing reliability.
Applications
- High-performance industrial and on-road engines that require sustained power across a wide RPM range.
Key Consideration: Turbo-assisted setups rely on the blower for initial airflow delivery, making it a critical component even when paired with a turbocharger.
Conclusion
The Detroit Diesel 671 blower is an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time. Essential for the operation of the two-stroke 6-71 engine, it ensures proper airflow, efficient combustion, and reliable performance in both industrial and marine settings.
Whether you need a replacement blower or a rebuilt unit, Diesel Pro Power is your trusted source. As the #1 rebuilder of 671 blowers in the world, Diesel Pro Power guarantees the highest quality and compatibility for your Detroit Diesel engine. Visit Diesel Pro Power to find the parts you need to keep your engine running at its best.
