Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L Engine Overhaul Kits & Components

The Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L engine is one of the most trusted powerplants for heavy-duty trucking, industrial equipment, and long-haul applications. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability, the 12.7L model has been in service worldwide for decades. Overhauling or rebuilding your Series 60 ensures maximum uptime, reduced operating costs, and restored performance.

Diesel Pro Power offers a complete range of overhaul kits, cylinder kits, gaskets, bearings, and supporting components for Detroit Diesel Series 60 11.1L and 12.7L engines. With more than 40,000 satisfied customers, we are a proven global supplier of genuine and aftermarket solutions that ship within 24 hours.

Complete Inframe Overhaul Kits for Detroit Diesel 12.7L

Inframe overhaul kits (sometimes called rebuild kits) are designed to restore your Series 60 engine’s power and compression. These kits include the major internal components required to rebuild the engine block and cylinder assembly without removing the entire engine from its installation.

Piston-Less Inframe Kits

Ideal for operators who only need liners, gaskets, seals, and bearings without pistons, piston-less inframe kits are a cost-effective way to refresh the engine when pistons are still within serviceable limits. These kits help restore compression, prevent oil consumption, and extend the life of your 12.7L Series 60 without a full piston replacement.

Cast Iron Piston Kits

For those requiring full piston replacement, inframe kits with cast iron pistons are available. These feature a standard dome or elliptical dome design with compression ratios such as 15:1, offering durability for continuous duty cycles. Cast iron pistons are robust and maintain excellent wear resistance under high-load conditions.

Articulated Pistons with Aluminum Skirts

Engines needing higher thermal efficiency benefit from articulated pistons. These combine a steel crown with an aluminum skirt, providing strength in combustion zones and reduced weight for smoother operation. Available in 15:1 and 16.5:1 compression ratios, articulated pistons deliver improved combustion and extended service life.

Cylinder Kits for Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L

Cylinder kits provide an all-in-one solution for operators replacing individual cylinders rather than the entire set. Each kit includes a piston, liner, piston rings, and pins.

Standard Dome Pistons

Cylinder kits with cast iron pistons and standard domes maintain the engine’s original compression ratio of 15:1. These are commonly used in on-highway Series 60 applications, ensuring balanced combustion efficiency and fuel economy.

Elliptical Dome Pistons

Elliptical dome piston designs improve airflow and combustion chamber shape, delivering more efficient fuel burn. Available in 15:1 and 16.5:1 compression ratios, they are ideal for higher-output applications or engines running under heavy load.

Articulated Aluminum Skirt Pistons

Cylinder kits featuring articulated pistons with aluminum skirts provide reduced reciprocating weight, which lessens vibration and increases engine responsiveness. These kits are preferred for operators aiming for extended engine life with modernized piston technology.

Compression Ratios Explained

When choosing the right overhaul or cylinder kit for your Series 60, understanding compression ratios is critical.

• 15:1 Compression Ratio: Standard for many 12.7L engines, balancing fuel efficiency and power.

• 16.5:1 Compression Ratio: Higher compression ratio producing greater combustion efficiency, torque, and fuel burn efficiency—best suited for demanding heavy-haul or industrial use.

The right ratio ensures proper combustion, fuel economy, and overall engine longevity.

Gasket Kits and Sealing Components

No rebuild is complete without a comprehensive gasket kit. Gaskets ensure a proper seal between major engine components, preventing oil, coolant, or combustion leaks.

Overhaul Gasket Kits

These kits include all major seals and gaskets required during a complete inframe overhaul, including head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and seals for liners and bearings.

Liner Seal Rings and Shims

Detroit Diesel Series 60 liner seals are critical for preventing coolant leaks into the cylinder block. Each 12.7L engine requires 12 liner seals. Shims in stainless steel or brass are also used to adjust liner height, ensuring proper fitment and compression balance across all cylinders.

Thermostat Seals

Thermostat gaskets and seals are available to maintain proper coolant system pressure and prevent overheating.

Bearings and Internal Engine Supports

Bearings are one of the most critical elements in any rebuild. Detroit Diesel Series 60 overhaul kits include precision-machined bearings to ensure proper crankshaft and connecting rod support.

Main Bearings

Available in standard and oversized dimensions, main bearings support the crankshaft and ensure smooth rotation under heavy loads. Both standard flange bearings and oversize options are available depending on crankshaft wear.

Connecting Rod Bearings

Available in 1.70" and 1.86" widths, these bearings support the connecting rods. Options include standard and oversized dimensions with lubrication hole configurations to match your engine requirements.

Thrust Washers

Installed at both ends of the crankshaft, thrust washers control axial movement and prevent excessive crankshaft play. Each Series 60 requires two thrust washers for proper operation.

Cooling and Piston Lubrication Components

Piston Cooling Nozzles

The 12.7L Series 60 relies on piston cooling nozzles to spray oil on the underside of pistons, preventing overheating and extending piston life. Replacing worn nozzles during overhaul ensures even piston cooling.

Thermostats

Thermostats regulate engine coolant flow, available in both 180° and 190° options depending on your application.

Cylinder Liner Kits

Top Liner Cooled (TLC) liner kits are available in standard sizes. TLC technology ensures consistent cylinder wall temperatures for optimal combustion and reduced wear.

Filters and Service Components

A proper overhaul also requires replacing all service filters.

Fuel Filters

Both primary and secondary spin-on fuel filters are available. The primary filter protects against large contaminants, while the secondary ensures fine filtration before fuel enters the injectors.

Oil Filters

Spin-on oil filters ensure proper lubrication by trapping particulates that cause premature wear.

Filter Removal Tools

Dedicated filter wrenches are designed for Detroit Diesel Series 60 filter sizes, simplifying maintenance and ensuring a proper seal when installing replacements.

Hardware and Fasteners

Head Bolts

A full set of head bolts is required for every overhaul. Each 12.7L Series 60 uses 38 bolts, ensuring proper torque and clamping force between the cylinder head and engine block.

Connecting Rod Bushings

Bushings provide proper fitment between connecting rods and piston pins, ensuring smooth operation under high loads.

Camshaft Bearings

Cam bearings support the camshaft, allowing for precise valve timing and reduced wear across the engine’s valvetrain.

Service Tools and Manuals

Diesel Pro Power also offers service tools to simplify overhaul procedures.

• Piston Ring Compressors – Essential for compressing piston rings during installation.

• Injector Installation Kits – Ensure correct seating and sealing of injectors.

• Detroit Diesel Service Manuals – Provide detailed overhaul instructions for technicians.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Series 60 Overhaul Kits?

• Global Shipping: Orders ship within 24 hours to over 180 countries.

• Trusted by Professionals: Over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide.

• Complete Coverage: From pistons to bearings, every critical component is available in one place.

• Expert Support: Our team ensures you select the right kit based on your engine’s configuration.

• Industrial & Heavy-Duty Focus: Unlike automotive suppliers, Diesel Pro Power specializes in continuous-duty and heavy-duty diesel engines.