Detroit Diesel 8V71 Supercharger (Natural or Non-Turbo Engines)
If you are having problems with your Detroit Diesel 8V71 supercharger, or if you are looking for a new part, we can help. Our experienced mechanics are knowledgeable and thorough, so if you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please feel free to call, e-mail, or click on the chat button above.
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See Common Problems and Causes
See Recommended Products for Replacing an Old Supercharger
Having Problems with Your Supercharger?
A a poorly performing supercharger or blower can rob your engine of the air it needs, making the entire unit behave poorly. Here are some scenarios which can help if you suspect your 8V71 blower needs to be replaced.
Physical Damage to the Blower’s Lobes
- Possible Cause: Loose rotor shafts or faulty bearings.
- For the Detroit Diesel engines, the amount of space around the supercharger is very limited, and so if anything is off, even by a fraction of an inch, it can have serious consequences. If you see physical damage to the spiral shaped lobes, you should consider replacing the rotor shafts or bearings as well.
Engine Won’t Start But Blower is in Good Condition
- Check the Blower Shaft.
- If the blower itself seems to be in good condition, but the engine still won’t start, it could be the blower shaft. A blower with a malfunctioning shaft will not deliver the fresh air into the engine, which will prevent the engine from starting.
Supercharger is Brown, Black or Oily
- Possible Cause: Bad Seals.
- A supercharger should be relatively clean to function properly. Brown or black coloration could indicate that oil is leaking due to a damaged seal.
Oil Pressure High or Oil Leaking Into Gaskets
- Possible Air Box Breather Valve Problem.
- Though not immediately connected to the blower, if the Air Box Breather Valve malfunctions, the engine’s performance can suffer. In this case, the pressure in the crank case would continue to increase, possibly leading to oil leaking into the gaskets.
Rattling Noise Coming from Blower or Engine
- Possible Cause: Worn Blower Drive Shaft.
- If you hear a rattling noise, the blower drive shaft may be worn. If you try to move the rotor and it moves freely, this can be a further indication of problems as a proper rotor should produce some resistance when moved.
General Maintenance for the 8V71 Supercharger
If you already have the supercharger removed from the rest of the engine, it is a good idea to check the following general items.
Clear Any Dirt from the Blower
Excessive dirt can cause interference between the rotors and the housing.
Inspect the Inlet Screen
This part can be cleaned periodically, but if any part of the screen is broken, it should be replaced.
Check for an Oil Leak from the Lubricating Oil Connection
A small amount may be normal, but large amounts can signal problems with the dry seal connector. Older models may still have an ‘O’ ring seal, which should be replaced with a dry seal.
Installing a New 8V71 Supercharger?
Opening and servicing a V 71 engine can be a huge undertaking. So if you do plan to replace your 8V71 supercharger, we recommend that you also consider purchasing the following products (click on any picture to see more):
8V71 Blower Shaft Retainer
This small, inexpensive piece can save you time later on. This retainer can warp and lose tension over time, and may snap if it is removed and replaced too often.
8V71 Gasket Install Kit
Includes all of the seals, gaskets and clamps you will need for the installation.
Find 8V71 Supercharger Parts For Sale Now
We carry a full line of products for the 8V71 supercharger, so if you want to buy parts now please click here.
Looking for other 8V71 parts? Click here to see our full selection.
At Diesel Pro, we take pride in offering our customers a better shopping experience. Call or email us today at 855-428-8745 and we will be happy to help you find the supercharger that you need.