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Parts for Detroit Diesel 371 Non-Turbo - (4 Valve Head Type) - Engine Overhaul Kit Section

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Parts for Detroit Diesel 3-71 Non-Turbo – (4 Valve Head Type) – Engine Overhaul Kit Section

The Detroit Diesel 3-71 is one of the most iconic 2-stroke diesel engines ever produced, known for its durability, straightforward design, and dependable performance in industrial, marine, and heavy-duty applications. The “3-71” designation refers to three cylinders with 71 cubic inches of displacement per cylinder, for a total of approximately 213 cubic inches (3.5 liters). The 3-71’s simple construction, combined with its efficient two-cycle design and the availability of 2-valve and 4-valve cylinder head variants, made it a favorite across multiple industries including marine vessels, stationary power generation, heavy trucks, and construction machinery.

The 4-valve version of the 3-71 engine offers improved airflow, combustion efficiency, and performance over its 2-valve counterpart, allowing for smoother operation, better fuel atomization, and cleaner exhaust characteristics. Diesel Pro Power supplies a complete range of Detroit Diesel 3-71 engine overhaul kits and individual components to help extend the life of these legendary engines. With over 40,000+ satisfied customers worldwide, Diesel Pro Power stands as a trusted source for genuine replacement parts, complete rebuild kits, and professional-grade components built to OEM specifications.


Complete Engine Overhaul Kits for Detroit Diesel 3-71 (4-Valve Head)

When the time comes for a major rebuild, choosing the right overhaul kit ensures that every vital internal component is replaced together, preserving balance, compression, and long-term reliability. Diesel Pro Power offers two main configurations of overhaul kits for the 3-71 non-turbo engine—each tailored to specific piston designs and applications.

Detroit Diesel Rebuild Kit for 3-71 (4-Valve Head, 1-Piece Piston)

This kit is designed for engines that use the 1-piece aluminum piston, commonly found in early 3-71 configurations. It includes precision-machined components matched for proper fit and compression balance.

Kit components typically include:

  • Standard or oversize cylinder liners

  • Piston assemblies (1-piece design)

  • Piston ring sets

  • Wrist pins and retainers

  • Upper and lower main bearings

  • Connecting rod bearings

  • Thrust washers

  • Full gasket set for engine reassembly

Each component is manufactured under strict quality controls and thoroughly inspected to meet OEM standards. The pistons are engineered to maintain proper crown geometry, ensuring consistent compression across all cylinders. Replacing all internal wear parts simultaneously helps maintain even oil control, minimize blow-by, and optimize fuel efficiency.

Detroit Diesel Rebuild Kit for 3-71 CH (4-Valve Head, 2-Piece Piston)

For later engine variants that feature a 2-piece piston design (also known as cross-head pistons), Diesel Pro Power provides a tailored overhaul kit specifically engineered for this configuration. The 2-piece piston offers superior heat resistance, ideal for higher load conditions and continuous-duty applications.

This kit includes:

  • Piston crown and skirt assemblies

  • Floating wrist pins and retainers

  • Precision-fit cylinder liners

  • Piston ring packs

  • Main and rod bearings (available in standard or undersize)

  • Gasket and seal kits

  • Thrust washers and liner shims as required

Both overhaul kits provide everything needed for a complete in-frame rebuild, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent Detroit Diesel reliability.


Supporting Tools and Service Accessories

To perform a complete rebuild properly, having the right tools on hand is essential. Diesel Pro Power carries a wide range of Detroit Diesel service tools compatible with the 3-71 and other Series 71 engines.

Detroit Diesel Service Manual for 3-71, 4-71, 6-71 Engines

The official Detroit Diesel Service Manual provides step-by-step procedures, torque specifications, and diagnostic charts for the 3-71 and related engine models. This comprehensive guide is invaluable for mechanics performing an in-frame or out-of-frame overhaul.

Cylinder Liner Puller

A specialized Detroit Diesel Cylinder Liner Puller allows easy removal of liners from the block without damaging the seating surface. Constructed from durable alloy steel, this tool is compatible with all Series 71 engines and helps maintain alignment during installation of new liners.

Piston Ring Compressor

The Piston Ring Compressor Tool simplifies installation of pistons into liners. Designed for precise compression and even pressure distribution, it prevents ring breakage and ensures correct seating during reassembly.

Tune-Up Kit for Detroit Diesel Series 53, 71, and 92

This professional-grade kit contains specialized gauges, pullers, and adjustment tools required to perform timing calibration, injector synchronization, and other fine-tuning operations. Essential for those who perform multiple Detroit Diesel rebuilds.


Cylinder Liners, Inserts, and Shims

The cylinder liner is at the heart of every overhaul. Diesel Pro Power provides both standard and oversize liners for the Series 71, ensuring optimal wall thickness and heat dissipation.

  • Standard Liner Insert – Used for direct replacements where the block seats are within tolerance.

  • Oversize Liner Insert (.010–.030) – Designed to compensate for worn block counterbores.

  • Liner Shims (.002 and .003 thickness) – Fine-tuning compression height and liner projection ensures correct sealing between the cylinder head and block gasket surfaces.

These precision-machined shims and inserts are vital for achieving proper liner height, which affects compression and gasket longevity. Every engine rebuild should include a full inspection and adjustment of liner seating depth.


Gaskets, Seals, and Bearings

Proper sealing is essential in two-stroke engines like the Detroit Diesel 3-71. Diesel Pro Power provides premium gasket sets and seals that resist oil, coolant, and fuel exposure even under high temperatures.

Engine Overhaul Gasket Kit

The comprehensive gasket kit includes head gaskets, intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, oil pan seals, valve cover gaskets, and miscellaneous O-rings. Each gasket is crafted from modern composite materials for a secure, leak-proof seal.

Inspection Cover Gasket

Used to reseal the crankcase access panel, ensuring that inspection ports remain leak-free after maintenance.

Crankshaft Seals

Diesel Pro offers both front and rear crankshaft seals in single-lip or double-lip configurations. Standard and oversize options are available to fit engines with slight wear at the seal housing.

Seal Sleeves

These protect the crankshaft surface from wear caused by seal contact. Oversize sleeves are available for engines with worn seal surfaces.


Filtration Systems

Clean oil and fuel are vital to maintaining the health of the Detroit Diesel 3-71. Diesel Pro Power supplies OEM-quality filters designed for optimal filtration efficiency and easy replacement.

Fuel Filters

Available in both spin-on and cartridge styles, Detroit Diesel fuel filters ensure proper fuel flow while removing fine particulates and water contamination.

  • Primary Fuel Filters remove large contaminants before fuel reaches the pump.

  • Secondary Fuel Filters provide fine filtration to protect injectors from damage.
    Each filter is built to maintain the flow rates necessary for the 2-stroke Detroit Diesel system, ensuring smooth idle and consistent power delivery.

Oil Filters

Offered in spin-on and cartridge configurations, Diesel Pro’s oil filters provide long-lasting protection against sludge and debris. High-efficiency filtration media maintain oil pressure and cleanliness even in extended-service intervals.

Filter Removal Wrenches

High-grip removal wrenches make replacing spin-on filters fast and safe. Diesel Pro stocks wrenches for both fuel and oil filters across Detroit Diesel and Cummins engines.


Cooling System Components

Maintaining optimal operating temperature is critical to a 2-stroke engine’s performance. Diesel Pro Power offers genuine thermostats, block heaters, and radiator cleaners designed to keep your engine running efficiently under all conditions.

Thermostat (173°F)

Precisely regulates coolant flow to maintain engine temperature, ensuring proper combustion and lubrication.

Block Heaters

Available in both 1500-watt and 750-watt versions, these heaters pre-warm the engine block in cold climates, reducing wear during cold starts and ensuring faster oil circulation.

Radiator Cleaner

An effective solution for removing scale, rust, and deposits from the cooling system. Designed for Detroit Diesel cooling systems and safe for aluminum components.


Electrical and Monitoring Accessories

Temperature Switch

Activates at 205°F to warn or control auxiliary systems, protecting against overheating. Ideal for both Detroit Diesel and Cummins engines.

Gauges

Diesel Pro Power provides a full range of mechanical and electrical gauges in 12-volt and 24-volt configurations. Options include oil pressure, water temperature, RPM, and voltage indicators—essential for monitoring your engine’s health.


Finishing and Aesthetic Components

Engine Paint and Primer

Protective coatings help preserve the Detroit Diesel’s iconic appearance and prevent corrosion.

These coatings are formulated to resist heat, oil, and fuel exposure, keeping your rebuilt engine looking as good as it runs.


Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Detroit Diesel 3-71 Overhaul Kits

Diesel Pro Power has been the go-to source for Detroit Diesel parts for decades. With one of the largest online catalogs dedicated exclusively to legacy two-stroke engines, Diesel Pro Power makes ordering straightforward, transparent, and efficient.

Key advantages include:

  • Global Customer Base: Over 40,000 satisfied customers across 180+ countries.

  • Comprehensive Inventory: From liners and bearings to filters and seals, every part needed for a 3-71 rebuild is available in one place.

  • Quality Assurance: All parts meet or exceed OEM specifications and are inspected before shipping.

  • Fast Shipping: Orders are processed quickly with worldwide delivery options.

  • Expert Support: Knowledgeable staff available to answer technical questions and ensure compatibility with your engine’s serial and model configuration.

Rebuilding your Detroit Diesel 3-71 non-turbo engine with components from Diesel Pro Power ensures that your investment delivers decades of continued performance. Whether you operate marine vessels, industrial generators, or vintage trucks, Diesel Pro Power helps keep these legendary engines alive and performing at their best.

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