Parts for Detroit Diesel 271 for Australia - Cylinder head Section

Detroit Diesel 2-71 Cylinder Head & Top-End Components

The Detroit Diesel 2-71 engine is one of the most compact and reliable two-stroke models from the legendary Series 71 family. Known for its smooth operation and long life in marine, industrial, and generator applications, the 2-71 uses a single inline two-cylinder configuration that delivers consistent power under heavy loads. Maintaining proper cylinder head performance on this model is essential to ensure efficient combustion, compression balance, and valve timing accuracy.

At Diesel Pro Power, you’ll find a complete catalog of Detroit Diesel 2-71 cylinder heads, gaskets, valves, and related top-end components, all designed for precision fit, performance, and longevity. Whether you’re rebuilding an older generator set, marine propulsion unit, or stationary engine, these parts will help you restore original power output and dependability.

Each item listed below is supported by Diesel Pro’s commitment to quality, same-day shipping, and service to over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide.

Rebuilt and New Cylinder Heads for Detroit Diesel 2-71

Rebuilt Bare Cylinder Head for 2-71 Engines

The rebuilt bare cylinder head for the Detroit Diesel 2-71 is a professionally remanufactured unit that restores all essential surfaces, threads, and sealing areas to OEM specifications. It comes bare, allowing you to install your own valves, springs, guides, and seats.

• Designed for direct replacement and easy assembly.

• Ideal for mechanics who want to reuse existing top-end hardware or customize valve components.

• Fully pressure tested and cleaned to ensure reliability.

• Sold with a refundable core charge to support environmentally responsible remanufacturing.

A rebuilt head saves time and money compared to machining an old core. It’s a popular choice for fleets, marine operators, and vintage engine restorers.

New Cylinder Head for 2-71 Engines

The new Detroit Diesel 2-71 cylinder head offers factory-fresh quality with zero prior use or reconditioning. Manufactured to exact OEM tolerances, it ensures perfect fitment for all Series 71 2-valve configurations.

• Ready for immediate installation with all machined surfaces finished to Detroit Diesel standards.

• Suitable for rebuilds requiring new castings due to cracks, corrosion, or warping.

• Ensures consistent compression across both cylinders for optimal fuel efficiency.

A new head provides the peace of mind of using all-new materials—ideal for critical power generation or propulsion applications where downtime is costly.

Cylinder Head Gaskets and Gasket Sets

Head Gasket Kit for Detroit Diesel 2-71

A complete head gasket kit includes all sealing components necessary for reinstalling the cylinder head on a 2-71 engine.

• Includes head gasket, valve cover gasket, exhaust and intake manifold gaskets, injector seals, and other essential seals.

• Designed to resist high combustion pressures typical of Detroit Diesel’s two-stroke design.

• Manufactured from premium composite materials for durability and leak resistance.

Proper gasket sealing is critical for maintaining compression and preventing coolant or oil intrusion. Diesel Pro Power’s gasket kits are engineered specifically for the 71-series combustion chamber geometry.

Rocker Cover Gasket – Black Rubber

The rocker cover gasket keeps oil sealed inside the upper cylinder head while providing flexibility under vibration.

• Black rubber construction for long-lasting elasticity.

• Fits snugly into the valve cover groove, ensuring an even seal without need for excessive sealant.

• A simple but essential component for leak-free operation.

Replacing rocker cover gaskets during any top-end rebuild prevents oil leaks and keeps the engine compartment clean.

Valves, Valve Seats, Guides, and Seals

Exhaust Valve – 2-Valve Engine, 30° Design

The exhaust valve regulates exhaust gas release from each cylinder during the two-stroke cycle.

• 30-degree face design ensures proper seating and flow.

• Hardened steel construction withstands extreme temperatures.

• Ideal for naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 2-71 engines.

Consistent valve seating is vital to maintaining compression and engine balance.

Valve Seat – Series 71

The valve seat insert provides a hard, wear-resistant surface for valve sealing.

• Precision-machined to Detroit Diesel tolerances.

• Compatible with 2-valve cylinder heads.

• Protects against pitting, erosion, and high-heat distortion.

Installing new valve seats during a rebuild restores factory-level sealing performance and valve longevity.

Valve Guide – Series 71

The valve guide aligns the valve stem within the cylinder head to ensure consistent operation.

• Manufactured from wear-resistant bronze alloy.

• Designed for both intake and exhaust valve positions.

• Ensures proper oil control and prevents valve wobble or seat misalignment.

New guides help maintain optimal valve geometry and compression efficiency.

Valve Stem Seal – Old Style

Valve stem seals prevent oil from seeping down the valve guide into the combustion chamber.

• Designed for 71-series 2-valve configurations.

• Helps reduce oil consumption and smoke.

• Old-style seal design compatible with vintage engines still using original retainers.

Replacing seals during a head rebuild helps maintain cleaner combustion and lower emissions.

Valve Spring – Series 71

The valve spring returns the valve to its seat after each combustion cycle.

• Designed for 2-valve heads, providing precise tension.

• Made from high-strength spring steel for durability.

• Tested for consistent compression under operating temperature.

Proper spring pressure is key for valve timing integrity, preventing bounce or float at high RPMs.

Injector Tubes and Installation Tools

Injector Tube for Detroit Diesel 2-71

The injector tube channels fuel directly into the combustion chamber.

• Designed to withstand high fuel pressures and temperatures.

• Corrosion-resistant finish for long service life.

• Fits precisely within Detroit Diesel’s cylinder head design.

Clean injector tubes ensure even fuel delivery and efficient atomization.

Kent-Moore Flaring Die Tool – Injector Tube Installation

A flaring die tool is essential for precision installation of injector tubes.

• Ensures perfect seating of flared tube ends within the head.

• Prevents fuel leaks and misalignment.

• Designed specifically for Detroit Diesel 71-series applications.

Using the correct tool helps avoid costly damage to the injector ports and ensures professional-grade assembly results.

Push Rod Components and Cam Follower Parts

Push Rod Spring and Spring Seat

The push rod spring maintains correct pressure between the cam follower and rocker arm assembly.

• 2⅝" free length with .177" wire diameter and 11 coils.

• Compatible with Detroit Diesel 53, 71, and 92 series engines.

• Prevents valve train noise and ensures consistent lift.

Both upper and old-style spring seats are available to match different generations of Detroit Diesel heads.

Cam Follower Guide

The cam follower guide stabilizes the follower’s motion as it rides on the camshaft lobe.

• Reduces lateral movement and wear.

• Compatible with 53, 71, and 92 series engines.

• Machined for perfect slide fit.

Replacing worn guides helps maintain accurate valve lift timing and minimizes friction.

Cam Follower Assembly

A cam follower assembly transmits motion from the camshaft to the push rod.

• Hardened roller and body construction.

• Restores smooth operation and consistent valve timing.

• Recommended during any head rebuild or full overhaul.

Maintaining correct cam follower function is critical to the two-stroke engine’s distinctive power delivery.

Fuel System Fittings, Connectors, and Accessories

Return and Restriction Connectors

The return connector (R80 ¼ x 5/16 NTP) regulates fuel return pressure, maintaining stable injector performance.

• Precision machined fittings ensure leak-free operation.

• Restriction connectors (1/4 x 3/8 NTP) control fuel backpressure to stabilize injector feed.

• Designed for Detroit Diesel fuel systems requiring specific flow rates.

Restriction Fittings and Discharge Elbows

• Restriction fittings (R80) maintain optimal system pressure for balanced injection.

• Discharge elbows (1/4 x 5/16 NPT) route fuel efficiently without restriction.
  Proper fitting replacement ensures reliable fuel pressure and prevents uneven cylinder fueling.

Fuel Pump Connectors and Suction Elbows

The 45-degree inverted flare elbow and 90-degree suction elbow connect fuel lines between the pump and cylinder head.

• Precision threads ensure secure connections.

• Built to resist vibration and corrosion.

• Key for maintaining clean, efficient fuel delivery in older Detroit engines.

Replacing these fittings reduces the risk of leaks and pressure loss during operation.

Fasteners, Washers, and Hardware

Fuel Pipe Connector Washers

Small but critical, fuel pipe connector washers prevent leakage at injector and fuel line unions.

• Sold individually (two per injector required).

• Made from durable copper for heat and pressure sealing.

Head and Valve Train Hardware

Diesel Pro offers all essential hardware for cylinder head installation, including:

• Valve bridge nuts and regulators.

• Head nuts, washers, and locking fasteners.

• Push rod adjustment nuts for fine tuning valve clearance.

Every piece is built to Detroit Diesel grade strength and finish.

Specialized Tools & Accessories

Injector Fuel Line Socket Wrench

A special socket wrench designed specifically for Detroit Diesel Series 53, 71, and 92 engines.

• Facilitates safe removal and installation of injector fuel lines.

• Prevents damage to fittings during service.

• Professional-grade tool used by Detroit specialists worldwide.

Feeler Gauge (.002" to .025")

A feeler gauge set allows precise valve and injector height adjustments.

• Range from .002" to .025" fits Detroit Diesel specifications.

• Stainless steel blades for accurate measurements.

• Essential for proper top-end tuning and compression balancing.

Routine use of these tools ensures smooth engine performance and fuel economy.

Additional Head-Related Components

Oil Filler Cap – Head Cover

A durable oil filler cap for Detroit Diesel cylinder head covers.

• 2" diameter for quick fill access.

• Resistant to oil, heat, and vibration.

• Keeps contaminants out of the engine.

Temperature Switch (205°F, ½" NPT)

This temperature switch is compatible with Detroit Diesel, Cummins, and Caterpillar engines.

• Activates at 205°F to protect against overheating.

• Standard ½" NPT thread for universal fit.

• Ideal for monitoring engine coolant temperature in 2-71 installations.

Finishing Touches and Appearance

Detroit Diesel Green Paint

Maintain authenticity with Detroit Diesel Green paint—the signature color of the Series 71 engines.

• Heat-resistant enamel finish.

• Formulated for cast iron and aluminum surfaces.

• Perfect for restoring marine or industrial 2-71 engines to factory appearance.

A fresh coat of green adds professional value to any rebuild or restoration project.

Gauges and Monitoring Accessories

Diesel Pro also offers a complete line of mechanical and electric gauges for accurate monitoring of vital engine parameters.

• Mechanical gauges: Ideal for vintage setups without electronic interfaces.

• Electrical gauges (12V and 24V): Perfect for marine panels and generator control systems.

• Gauges available with or without alarms for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and tachometer readings.

Proper instrumentation ensures your Detroit Diesel 2-71 operates within safe performance ranges.

Why Buy Detroit Diesel 2-71 Cylinder Head Parts from Diesel Pro Power?

Diesel Pro Power is the most trusted online source for Detroit Diesel 2-71 engine parts, offering unmatched expertise, fast delivery, and premium-grade components.

Here’s why professionals and rebuilders choose Diesel Pro:

1. Extensive Inventory – From rebuilt cylinder heads to valves, guides, and hardware, every 2-71 part you need is in stock and ready to ship.

2. Quality You Can Trust – Each rebuilt head undergoes pressure testing, cleaning, and dimensional inspection to meet or exceed OEM standards.

3. Simplified Ordering – Easy online checkout with detailed part listings and real-time inventory.

4. Fast Global Shipping – Diesel Pro ships worldwide with reliable carriers and secure packaging to ensure parts arrive ready for installation.

5. Experienced Support Team – Knowledgeable technicians available to help identify the correct components for your specific 2-71 setup.

6. Proven Customer Satisfaction – Over 40,000 satisfied customers depend on Diesel Pro Power for Detroit Diesel parts and service every year.

Whether you’re maintaining a commercial tugboat, powering a generator, or restoring a classic piece of machinery, Diesel Pro Power provides the right parts—fast, reliable, and backed by decades of industry experience.