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Introduction
Detroit Diesel engines have been a staple in the marine, trucking, industrial, and agricultural industries for decades. These engines are known for their durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. However, over time, operators, mechanics, and enthusiasts have developed a wide range of slang terms to describe various engines and parts. These unofficial names are commonly used in conversations, forums, and service shops, but they can sometimes create confusion for those unfamiliar with their meanings.
This guide will help bridge the gap between official Detroit Diesel terminology and commonly used slang, ensuring that customers, mechanics, and business owners can communicate effectively when discussing parts, repairs, and upgrades.
Parts Catalog for Detroit Diesel Marine and & Industrial Engines
Section 1: Detroit Diesel Engine Models – Official vs. Slang Names
Official Names vs. Slang Names for Detroit Diesel Engines: A Comprehensive Guide
Detroit Diesel engines have been a powerhouse in marine, trucking, industrial, and agricultural applications for decades. These engines are known for their reliability, durability, and performance. However, many Detroit Diesel models have developed slang names over the years, creating a distinct language among mechanics, truckers, and marine operators.
This guide dives deep into the slang names associated with Detroit Diesel engines, their origins, and how they relate to the official model designations. By understanding these names, you’ll be better equipped to communicate with industry professionals, order the correct parts, and appreciate the history of these legendary engines.
1. Detroit Diesel 71 Series – The Most Iconic
The Detroit Diesel 71 Series is arguably the most well-known family of Detroit Diesel engines. Introduced in 1938, it has been used in a variety of applications, from marine vessels to buses and heavy-duty trucks. Because of its long history and widespread use, it has accumulated a variety of nicknames.
Inline Models
| Official Name | Slang Name(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel 271 | “Baby Jimmy” | The smallest of the 71 Series engines, often found in small industrial and generator applications. |
| Detroit Diesel 371 | “Little Jimmy” | Slightly larger than the 271 but still on the smaller side. Common in marine use. |
| Detroit Diesel 471 | “Four Lunger” / “Four Jimmy” | A four-cylinder inline engine commonly used in marine and industrial applications. The term “lunger” refers to the number of cylinders. |
| Detroit Diesel 671 | “Six Pack” / “Six Jimmy” | The inline six-cylinder model. One of the most popular marine engines in history, widely used in commercial fishing boats and workboats. |
V-Series Models
As demand for more power increased, Detroit Diesel introduced V-configurations for the 71 Series.
| Official Name | Slang Name(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel V6-71 | “Short Block 6-71” / “V-Six Jimmy” | A V6 variant of the 6-71, used in buses, trucks, and boats. |
| Detroit Diesel V8-71 | “Eight Jimmy” / “Double Six Pack” | A V8 version of the 71 Series, commonly used in larger marine and industrial applications. |
| Detroit Diesel V12-71 | “Twelve Pack” | A V12 version used in heavy marine and industrial applications. The nickname references its 12 cylinders. |
| Detroit Diesel V16-71 | “Big Dog” / “Sixteen Pack” | The most powerful in the 71 Series, used in massive industrial setups and some military applications. |
Special 71 Series Slang
- “Screamin’ Jimmy” – This is the most famous nickname for Detroit Diesel two-stroke engines. It comes from their high-RPM operation and distinct, high-pitched whine.
- “Buzzin’ Dozen” – Specifically used for the V12-71 due to its fast-revving nature and twelve cylinders.
- “Green Leaker” – A not-so-flattering nickname referring to early Detroit Diesel engines’ tendency to leak oil.
2. Detroit Diesel 92 Series – The Evolution of Power
The 92 Series was introduced in the 1970s as a high-performance successor to the 71 Series. These engines were designed for higher horsepower applications, particularly in marine and construction settings.
V-Series Models
| Official Name | Slang Name(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel 6V92 | “Six and a Half Jimmy” | A V6 engine slightly larger than the V6-71, often found in marine and transit buses. |
| Detroit Diesel 8V92 | “Eight Pack” / “92 Screamer” | A powerful V8 engine, common in heavy-duty applications. |
| Detroit Diesel 12V92 | “Twelve Pack” | A V12 variant, commonly found in large marine vessels. |
| Detroit Diesel 16V92 | “Big Dog” / “Super Screamer” | The most powerful 92 Series engine, used in industrial and marine settings. |
Special 92 Series Slang
- “92 Screamer” – Refers to the high-RPM and loud nature of these engines.
- “Torque Monster” – Used for the 16V92, as it produces immense low-end torque.
3. Detroit Diesel 53 Series – The Compact Workhorse
The Detroit Diesel 53 Series was designed for smaller applications while retaining the rugged two-stroke design.
Inline Models
| Official Name | Slang Name(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel 253 | “Quarter Jimmy” | The smallest 53 Series engine, often used in small generators. |
| Detroit Diesel 353 | “Three Lunger” | A three-cylinder version common in industrial and off-road applications. |
| Detroit Diesel 453 | “Four Lunger” | A four-cylinder model used in military and light industrial setups. |
V-Series Models
| Official Name | Slang Name(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel 6V53 | “Six Pack” | A compact but powerful V6. Used in military and commercial vehicles. |
| Detroit Diesel 8V53 | “Mini Eight” | A small but high-output V8. |
Special 53 Series Slang
- “Screamin’ 53” – A nickname used for all engines in the 53 Series due to their high-revving sound.
- “Baby Jimmy” – Used for the 253 and 353 as the smallest Detroit Diesel engines.
4. Detroit Diesel 60 Series – The Modern Legend
The Detroit Diesel 60 Series marked a shift to four-stroke technology and electronic fuel injection.
| Official Name | Slang Name(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 11.1L | “Baby 60” | The smallest displacement of the 60 Series. |
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L | “Standard 60” | The most widely used 60 Series engine in trucking. |
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 14.0L | “Big 60” | The largest and most powerful in the 60 Series. |
Special 60 Series Slang
- “Sixty Screamer” – Less common, but used by some truckers referring to early high-revving models.
- “Million Miler” – A nickname given to the 12.7L Series 60 due to its reputation for longevity.
5. Other Notable Detroit Diesel Nicknames
Over the years, many general slang terms have been applied to Detroit Diesel engines:
- “Jimmy” – A general term for any Detroit Diesel two-stroke engine.
- “Green Machine” – Used for older Detroit Diesel models painted in factory green.
- “Old Reliable” – A nickname for any well-maintained Detroit Diesel engine.
- “Smoke Wagon” – Used for engines that burn oil or have excessive smoke issues.
- “Boat Anchor” – A joke among mechanics referring to worn-out engines.
Detroit Diesel Engine Parts: Official Names vs. Slang Terms
Detroit Diesel engines have been around for decades, powering everything from marine vessels to heavy-duty trucks and industrial equipment. Over time, mechanics and operators have developed a unique vocabulary of slang names and nicknames for different engine parts. Some of these terms are used across all diesel engines (general diesel slang), while others are specific to Detroit Diesel engines (Detroit Diesel mechanic slang).
- General Diesel Slang: These nicknames are used for diesel engines of all brands, including Cummins, Caterpillar, and Volvo Penta.
- Detroit Diesel Mechanic Slang: These slang terms and nicknames are unique to Detroit Diesel mechanics, often referring to quirks or characteristics of Detroit Diesel engines, especially the older two-stroke models.
This guide breaks down the most common nicknames and slang terms for Detroit Diesel engine parts, specifying whether they are general diesel slang or Detroit Diesel-specific mechanic slang.
1. Cylinder Head and Block Components
These are some of the heaviest parts of the engine, responsible for housing combustion and structural integrity. Mechanics have developed plenty of slang terms for them.
| Official Name | Slang/Nickname(s) | Used for Detroit Diesel or General Diesel? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Head | “The Hat” / “Top End” | General Diesel | Sits on top of the engine block, covering the combustion chambers. “Hat” comes from its placement. |
| Head Gasket | “Squeeze Seal” / “Fire Ring” | General Diesel | Seals the cylinder head to the block. “Fire Ring” refers to its role in containing combustion. |
| Valve Cover | “Rock Cover” / “Tin Lid” | Detroit Diesel | Covers the rocker arms and valves. “Rock Cover” is common among Detroit Diesel mechanics. |
| Engine Block | “Big Iron” / “Bottom End” | General Diesel | The heaviest part of the engine, housing the cylinders and crankshaft. |
| Main Bearings | “Bottom End Bearings” / “Crank Holders” | General Diesel | Bearings that support the crankshaft within the engine block. |
2. Pistons and Connecting Rods
These components are responsible for moving power from combustion to the crankshaft, and their nicknames often describe their shape or movement.
| Official Name | Slang/Nickname(s) | Used for Detroit Diesel or General Diesel? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piston | “Slug” / “Can” / “Thumper” | General Diesel | Moves up and down in the cylinder. “Slug” refers to its weight, “Can” to its cylindrical shape, and “Thumper” to its forceful movement. |
| Piston Rings | “Sealers” / “Scrapers” / “Rattle Rings” | General Diesel | Prevent oil and gases from leaking past the piston. “Rattle Rings” describes worn piston rings that cause noise. |
| Connecting Rod | “Rod” / “Swing Arm” / “Bone” | General Diesel | Connects the piston to the crankshaft. “Bone” is sometimes used because of its shape. |
| Wrist Pin | “Gudgeon Pin” / “Piston Hinge” / “Wrist Roller” | General Diesel | Attaches the piston to the connecting rod. “Wrist Roller” describes its movement. |
3. Crankshaft and Camshaft Components
These parts control movement and timing within the engine, and their nicknames often reflect their function or shape.
| Official Name | Slang/Nickname(s) | Used for Detroit Diesel or General Diesel? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft | “The Crank” / “The Twister” / “The Corkscrew” | General Diesel | Converts piston motion into rotational energy. “Corkscrew” describes its shape. |
| Flywheel | “The Spinner” / “Big Wheel” / “Torque Disk” | General Diesel | Stores rotational energy and helps keep the engine running smoothly. |
| Timing Gears | “Chatter Wheels” / “Noise Makers” | Detroit Diesel | Control crankshaft and camshaft timing. “Noise Makers” refers to how worn gears make noise. |
| Camshaft | “The Bump Stick” / “Valve Ticker” | General Diesel | Controls valve movement via lobes, or “bumps.” |
| Lifters | “Tappets” / “Pushers” / “Cam Followers” | General Diesel | Push the rocker arms to open and close the valves. |
4. Valvetrain and Air Intake Components
The valvetrain controls airflow and fuel intake, and slang terms often describe their function.
| Official Name | Slang/Nickname(s) | Used for Detroit Diesel or General Diesel? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake Manifold | “Air Tunnel” / “Snorkel” / “Wind Pipe” | General Diesel | Distributes air into the cylinders. “Snorkel” references its air intake function. |
| Exhaust Manifold | “Hot Pipe” / “Smoke Collector” | General Diesel | Collects exhaust gases from the cylinders. |
| Turbocharger | “Snail” / “Hairdryer” / “The Sucker” | General Diesel | Boosts air intake for combustion. “Snail” comes from its spiral shape. |
5. Fuel System Components
Fuel system nicknames are often based on how they move or inject fuel.
| Official Name | Slang/Nickname(s) | Used for Detroit Diesel or General Diesel? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Injector | “Squirter” / “Juice Shooter” / “The Dripper” | General Diesel | Injects fuel into the combustion chamber. “Dripper” refers to leaking injectors. |
| Fuel Pump | “Juice Pump” / “Fuel Mover” / “Go-Go Pump” | General Diesel | Moves fuel from the tank to the injectors. “Go-Go Pump” is slang for high-performance pumps. |
6. Cooling System Components
These parts prevent overheating, and their slang terms often describe their function.
| Official Name | Slang/Nickname(s) | Used for Detroit Diesel or General Diesel? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiator | “Heat Exchanger” / “Cooler Core” / “The Ice Box” | General Diesel | Transfers heat away from the coolant. “Ice Box” is a joke for oversized radiators. |
| Water Pump | “Coolant Spinner” / “Liquid Mover” | General Diesel | Circulates coolant through the engine. |
| Cooling Fan | “Blower” / “Windmill” | General Diesel | Moves air through the radiator. |
Conclusion
Detroit Diesel engines have developed their own nicknames and slang terms, some of which are unique to Detroit Diesel mechanics, while others are used across all diesel engines. Knowing these terms makes it easier to communicate in a shop, order parts, or troubleshoot engine issues.
If you’re looking for high-quality aftermarket parts for your Detroit Diesel engine, visit Diesel Pro Power to find everything from “Juice Pumps” (fuel pumps) to “Snails” (turbochargers). Whether you’re working on a Screamin’ Jimmyor a modern Series 60, we’ve got you covered!
Parts Catalog for Detroit Diesel Marine and & Industrial Engines
For Diesel Pro customers, this guide ensures clarity when purchasing parts and seeking support. By recognizing both official and slang terminology, you can avoid confusion and get the right components the first time.
If you’re looking for premium aftermarket parts for your Detroit Diesel engine, check out Diesel Pro Power for high-quality components designed to keep your engine running at peak performance.
