Parts for Detroit Diesel 471 Non-Turbo - (4 Valve Head Type) - Cylinder head Section

Parts for Detroit Diesel 471 Non-Turbo (4-Valve Head Type) – Cylinder Head Section

Detroit Diesel Cylinder Heads

Diesel Pro Power offers a full selection of new and rebuilt cylinder heads for the Detroit Diesel 471 engine and its V-block derivatives such as the 8V71 and 16V71. Each 4-71 engine uses a single inline cylinder head that covers all four cylinders, while the V-series models use one cylinder head per bank. These heads are precision-machined to Detroit Diesel’s original specifications and tested for proper coolant passage integrity, valve seat fit, and injector tube sealing.

Rebuilt Bare Cylinder Head – Professionally remanufactured, this version includes all core cast-iron components restored to factory tolerance. Sold bare, it allows technicians to reuse or install new valves and springs according to the application. Every rebuilt head is pressure-tested and resurfaced to ensure proper sealing once mounted to the block.

New Bare Cylinder Head – Ideal for complete rebuilds where all new components are desired, this brand-new casting eliminates any uncertainty from reconditioned parts. It provides a solid foundation for fresh valve gear, guides, and seats, ensuring long-term reliability under marine or industrial operation.

Rebuilt Cylinder Head with Valves and Springs – Fully assembled with valve train components already installed, this option simplifies installation. Each head is fitted with correct intake and exhaust valves, valve guides, seals, and springs. The configuration supports both naturally aspirated and turbocharged 71-series engines, allowing it to serve multiple duty cycles from stationary power units to propulsion engines.

New Complete Cylinder Head Assembly – This fully equipped assembly is the premium solution for performance or endurance applications. It includes all valves, springs, retainers, seats, guides, and injector tube connections, assembled and tested to meet Detroit Diesel’s engineering standards. The complete head is ready to install out of the box and is compatible with high-output or turbo engines using J-style valves.

Cylinder Head Components and Related Parts

Valves and Guides

The intake and exhaust valves regulate airflow in and out of each cylinder, and proper sealing under high temperature is crucial for compression and exhaust efficiency. Diesel Pro Power supplies U-type and J-type valve options depending on engine configuration. Exhaust valves are made of heat-resistant alloy steels designed to maintain hardness under continuous load.

Valve guides maintain valve alignment and provide smooth motion. The bronze or cast-iron guides are manufactured to exact dimensions to prevent oil leakage and ensure consistent lubrication of the valve stems. Each guide can be replaced during an overhaul using standard Detroit Diesel service tools.

Valve seals prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. Detroit Diesel 71- and 92-series engines typically use four valve seals per cylinder. These seals are molded from high-temperature rubber designed for extended durability in both high-load and idle conditions.

Valve seats are precision-machined inserts that provide a durable sealing surface for the valves. Installing new seats during a top-end rebuild helps maintain compression and prevents hot gas erosion around the combustion port.

Valve Springs and Retainers

Valve springs maintain proper closing pressure against the valves throughout the engine cycle. Replacing fatigued springs is essential during head service to prevent valve float at higher RPMs. Spring washers, caps, and retainers are available individually, allowing technicians to replace only worn hardware while preserving correct valve operation.

Spring retainers and washers hold each valve spring in place and distribute the load evenly. These small components play a vital role in maintaining stability in the valve train, and Diesel Pro Power offers replacements manufactured from hardened steel for long service life.

Head Fasteners and Plug Kits

Head bolts secure the cylinder head to the block and must maintain uniform clamping pressure to prevent gasket leaks. Each bolt is heat-treated and machined with rolled threads for strength and longevity. Diesel Pro Power’s head bolts meet or exceed Detroit Diesel torque specifications.

Plug kits include all necessary expansion plugs and coolant port seals required for a complete cylinder head installation. These ensure that every fluid passage is properly sealed to prevent leaks and maintain optimal operating temperature.

Valve Covers and Related Seals

The valve cover protects the rocker arms and valve train components from debris and retains lubrication. Two main types are available:

• Plain Valve Cover (without oil filler hole): Used on engines where oil is added through an alternate fill point. Each cover is inspected, sandblasted, and coated with primer for corrosion resistance.

• Valve Cover with Oil Filler Hole: Includes a built-in filler opening for easy maintenance. Both new and inspected used options are available depending on preference.

Associated parts include valve cover seals, gaskets, and breather seals to ensure airtight fitment. New-style gray rubber gaskets are designed for aluminum covers, while old-style black rubber gaskets fit stamped-steel covers. Each gasket type maintains oil tightness even under vibration and temperature cycling.

Gaskets and Sealing Components

A complete head gasket kit for the 4-71 includes all required sealing elements between the cylinder head, block, and ancillary components such as the water manifold, rocker cover, and governor housing. Diesel Pro Power supplies modern composite gaskets engineered for high sealing strength and heat resistance.

Head Gasket Kit: Includes main combustion gaskets, valve cover seals, and coolant port seals for a single 4-71 engine.
Rocker Cover Gasket Kits: Available in new and old styles for both aluminum and stamped covers.
Water Manifold and Governor Gaskets: Provide a tight seal between the cylinder head and attached cooling or control assemblies, ensuring proper coolant flow and oil control.

All gaskets are produced from advanced materials to resist oil, coolant, and fuel exposure, reducing the likelihood of maintenance intervals due to leaks.

Valve Train Hardware

The valve bridge, cap, and guide components ensure accurate valve actuation from the rocker arm assembly. The bridge connects paired valves so they open simultaneously under one rocker arm. Precision-machined bridges reduce wear and maintain synchronization between valves.

Valve Bridges: Built from hardened steel and ground for smooth operation.
Valve Caps: Fit atop valve stems to protect them from wear.
Guides and Seats for the Bridge: Maintain alignment, allowing even load distribution.

These parts are critical in four-valve configurations, where valve timing precision directly affects engine breathing efficiency.

Injector Tubes and Fuel System Hardware

Injector tubes channel fuel from the injector body into the cylinder head combustion chamber. Over time, corrosion or pitting can cause leakage. Diesel Pro Power’s injector tubes are manufactured from seamless steel tubing and nickel-plated for corrosion protection. Proper installation using the flaring die tool ensures a leak-free seal and optimal injector performance.

Supporting components include return and restriction connectors, elbows, and fittings. Each fitting is designed for the 71-series engine’s fuel rail system, maintaining correct flow pressure. Restriction fittings are available in multiple pressure ratings to match Detroit Diesel’s fuel specification for naturally aspirated or turbocharged configurations.

Rocker Arms and Related Components

The rocker arms transfer camshaft motion to the valves and injectors. The Detroit Diesel 4-71 four-valve head uses separate rocker arms for intake, exhaust, and injector actuation.

Left-Hand and Right-Hand Rocker Arms: Designed for each side of the head, machined from forged steel, and balanced for equal motion.
Injector Rocker Arm (Middle Arm): Rebuilt or new units are available, assembled with new bushings and bearings for smooth operation.
Rocker Arm Shafts and Brackets: Support the rocker arms and maintain alignment. Replacing worn shafts or brackets restores precision valve timing and reduces valve lash noise.

High-strength bolts are provided for mounting rocker arm brackets. These fasteners maintain the correct preload to secure the rocker assemblies under vibration and heat cycles.

Push Rods and Cam Follower Assemblies

Push rods transmit cam motion through followers to the rocker arms. For the 4-71 engine, push rods are tubular steel with hardened ends. Diesel Pro Power offers new rods, retainers, springs, and spring seats to complete the assembly.

Cam Followers: Guide the motion of the camshaft lobes, ensuring consistent lift and timing. Replacement followers and follower guides are available for both standard and high-output applications.
Push Rod Springs and Seats: Maintain upward pressure on the push rod assembly, keeping it in contact with the cam follower and rocker arm.

Every component is designed to sustain continuous operation under marine or industrial duty cycles, minimizing wear in high-RPM environments.

Fuel Line Components and Connectors

Short and long jumper fuel lines are used to connect injectors within the head. Diesel Pro Power stocks both lengths for Detroit Diesel 71- and 92-series engines. Each line is made from precision-bent steel tubing to maintain proper alignment and fuel delivery.

Associated parts include washers, connectors, elbows, and fittings that complete the high-pressure circuit. Proper replacement ensures balanced fuel distribution across all cylinders and prevents pressure loss during operation.

Specialized tools like the injector fuel line socket simplify removal and installation, preventing thread damage during maintenance.

Cooling and Water Manifold Parts

Cylinder head cooling is vital to engine longevity. Diesel Pro Power provides replacement water manifold gaskets, studs, and outlet plates to maintain coolant flow through the head. Each water outlet plate is machined from corrosion-resistant steel and finished to OEM dimensions for direct fit.

Coolant connection fittings, such as elbows and restricted connectors, are available to match original system specifications. These ensure stable water pressure, even in marine cooling circuits where flow balance is critical.

A gasket for the fresh-water pump and temperature switches compatible with Detroit Diesel and Cummins engines are also available to complete the cooling system assembly.

Engine Finishing and Maintenance Accessories

Diesel Pro Power also supplies accessories that support proper engine reassembly and finishing.

Oil Filler Cap for Head Cover: Fits standard 2-inch openings for valve covers.
Detroit Green Paint: Color-matched enamel paint formulated for Detroit Diesel engines, resistant to oil and heat, providing a professional factory finish.
Feeler Gauge Sets: Range from .002" to .025" to help set valve lash accurately after head installation.
Mechanical and Electrical Gauges: Available for monitoring oil pressure, coolant temperature, and engine RPM once the rebuild is complete.

These accessories allow technicians and operators to finish every job to OEM-quality standards and maintain reliable long-term operation.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Detroit Diesel 4-71 Cylinder Head Parts

Diesel Pro Power has served over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide with premium Detroit Diesel replacement parts. Every cylinder head and component listed in this catalog is backed by detailed inspection, precision machining, and proven field performance. The company maintains one of the industry’s largest inventories of genuine-fit 71-series engine parts, offering fast shipping and expert customer support to assist with technical questions or installation guidance.

Whether you’re overhauling a single 471 inline engine or maintaining a fleet of 71-series power units, Diesel Pro Power provides dependable, high-quality parts engineered for long-term durability and maximum uptime.