When you need to order replacement parts and supplies, or you’re talking to a technician about repairs, it’s essential to be able to provide your accurate Detroit Diesel engine serial number. The items you are ordering are specifically made for your particular engine and can not only vary by make and year but also within the same models.

Knowing where to find Detroit Diesel engine serial numbers is the best way to ensure you get the correct information and the right parts every time.

While the engine ESN is commonly on the data plate of newer models, the process of finding where this information is on slightly older equipment is less routine. In fact, Detroit Diesel is notorious for its apparently random placement of serial numbers on its various models.

If you’ve been wondering, “How do I find my Detroit Diesel engine serial number?” then the experts at Diesel Pro Power, Inc. are here to shed some light on this confusing subject.

Detroit Diesel Engine Serial Number Placements and Formats

Wouldn’t it be great if you could go shopping online or give us a call and find all the parts you need, just by providing information about your make and model? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

While having the number of the part you’re replacing will suffice in some instances, there are many times when supplying the actual Detroit Diesel engine serial number is the only way to identify the correct items definitively.

If you’re searching for where to find the engine serial number for a Detroit Diesel engine, consult the following information on the formatting and placement of ESNs on popular models:

– Inline 53 Series:

You will find the engine serial number starting with “04D” for this series on a flat surface near the deck at the corners of the airbox.

– Inline 71 Series:

Inline 71 engine serial numbers always begin with the number of cylinders and the letter “A.” They are commonly found printed on the small flat area on the front of the cylinder block or the valve cover option label.

– V53 Series:

Found stamped directly on the front right block, V53 ESNs starts with the number of cylinders followed by the letter “D,” as in “8D.”

– V71 Series:

These Detroit Diesel engine serial numbers are usually found on the right rear of the engine and start with the number of cylinders followed by “VA.”

– Series 50 and 60:

You can consistently find the serial numbers of these later model engines on the plate on the valve cover, however it is best to get the number form the block because sometimes valve covers have been change.  They always start with “05R” or “06R,” respectively.

– 92 Series:

The two most likely spots to identify the ESN on this series is on the right rear or right front, and they start with the number of cylinders followed by “VF.”

– 149 Series:

The serial numbers begin with the number of cylinders followed by “E149,” and are visible at the front right bank near the lower corner of the valve cover.

Why Buy Detroit Diesel Parts from Diesel Pro Power

A Trusted Worldwide Supplier

Diesel Pro Power has earned the confidence of more than 40,000 customers across 180 countries, making it one of the most reliable global sources for Detroit Diesel parts. Whether it’s overhaul kits, cylinder heads, water pumps, injectors, or blowers, customers choose Diesel Pro Power because the company consistently delivers dependable service, accurate guidance, and professionally supported products. This worldwide reach reflects decades of experience supplying parts for Detroit Diesel engines of every series and configuration.

Deep Expertise in Detroit Diesel Engines

The Diesel Pro Power team understands Detroit Diesel engines at a level few suppliers can match. Their specialists are trained to identify parts correctly, explain compatibility, and ensure customers receive exactly what their engine requires. From classic 71-series engines to larger 149-series powerplants, Diesel Pro Power provides expertise that helps eliminate ordering mistakes and prevents unnecessary downtime.

Fast Shipping and Reliable Availability

Unlike general parts marketplaces, Diesel Pro Power maintains extensive inventory ready to ship the same day. This ensures that customers receive essential components without delays—an advantage especially important for commercial vessels, industrial equipment, and fleet operations where every hour of downtime matters.

Long-Term Support for Legacy Engines

Detroit Diesel has discontinued many parts over the years, but Diesel Pro Power continues to supply components for older two-stroke and four-stroke engines that remain in service. Their commitment to stocking hard-to-find items allows operators to keep proven equipment running efficiently long after OEM support has faded.

A Company Focused on Customer Success

Ultimately, buying from Diesel Pro Power means partnering with a company that values professionalism, responsiveness, and long-term customer satisfaction—making them the preferred choice for Detroit Diesel engine owners worldwide.

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