The chart below shows the most common questions asked by owners of Detroit Diesel® engines 8V53 Turbo when trying to troubleshoot why their engines underperform.  It categorizes areas of possible malfunction, likely cause and recommended action to bring your new, rebuilt or used  Detroit Diesel® engine back to proper operation.  The chart will give you confidence when speaking with your Detroit Diesel® engine mechanic or ordering parts.  As a quick reference guide only, the chart must not be thought of as a substitute for the use of your Detroit Diesel® engine 8V53 Turbo Owner's operating or service manual.

Click Here To Send You This Free Guide

Detroit Diesel 8V53 Usefull Information 

We have an extensive inventory of products for the 8V53 Detroit Diesel at lowest prices with fast shipping. That is the Diesel Pro difference. Whether you need a new head, new supercharger, starter or anything else, we carry parts that you can rely on. Plus, you can rest assured with the peace of mind that comes with a one-year warranty on new items. Simply put, you will not find a warranty like this at many other places, especially not when buying from a classified ad. We want to make ordering parts online to be fast, easy and inexpensive. Fast because we offer many shipping options, and process orders quickly, within one business day. We can also send packages by next-day air to many locations, so you can get a part anywhere in the country, and even internationally, in a very short amount of time. We make the ordering process easier too, because we designed our website to work without the hassle of needing part numbers. We keep costs down by offering you manufacturer direct pricing, so you can get the right part without the huge markup you will find at many stores. Simply select any part below to get started. Try us and you will agree: Diesel Pro is an easier way to get Diesel parts online.

If there is any doubt as to which type of engine you have, look for the model number or the serial number on the engine block. The model number will always be an eight digit code, such as 5081-3000. Parts on this page work with engine models that start with 508. It is important to note that if you have a model number that has a 3 for the eight digit, such as 5081-3300 then you have a turbo engine.

These engines also have a serial number associate with them. This number will start with an 8D followed by numbers, such as 8D 123456.

This engine is also called the V8-53 or the 8V-53.


Horsepower, Torque and General Information

The 8V53 is a 2 cycle, 8 cylinder engine with displacement of 6.96 liters or 424 cubic inches. It has 5 main bearings, a stroke of 4.5 inches and a bore of 3.875 inches.

The cooling system has a capacity of 5 gallons.

All values below for the Detroit 8V53 engine are based on 85 degree F ambient temperature, at an elevation of 500 feet. Horsepower is measured as brake horsepower or shaft horsepower for marine use.

Basic Engine

• Torque with N40 or N45 injectors: 473 LB FT at 1500 RPM, 461 LB FT at 2000 RPM, 444 LB FT max at 2400 RPM.

• Brake Horsepower with N40 or N45 injectors: 135 at 1500 RPM, 176 at 2000 RPM, 203 at 2400 RPM.

Industrial Engine

• Torque with N45 injectors: 541 LB FT at 1500 RPM, 515 LB FT at 2000 RPM, 475 LB FT at 2500 RPM.

• Brake Horsepower (Rated): 155 at 1500 RPM, 195 at 2000 RPM, 226 at 2500 RPM.

• Brake Horsepower (Continuous): 128 at 1500 RPM, 159 at 2000 RPM, 173 max at 2400 RPM.

Marine Engine

• Shaft Horsepower (Rated): 158 at 1500 RPM, 210 at 2000 RPM, 240 at 2500 RPM.


Other Popular Engine Categories

If you need parts for other engines, be sure to check out our other engine pages. Click Here To Go Back To 8V53 Turbo Categories