Free US Calls: 1-888-433-4735
International: 305-545-5588
The chart below shows the most common questions asked by owners of Detroit Diesel® engines 3-71 natural 2 valves 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 3-71 natural 2 valves Owner's operating or service manual. PROBLEM POSSIBLE REASON CHECK The 371 Detroit Diesel is a relatively small but reliable engine. Finding parts can be difficult, but not with Diesel Pro. We have a huge selection of parts ready to be shipped virtually anywhere in the world. Our website is designed to offer multiple shipping options, including next-day air. We offer fast order processing, less than one business day, to get your parts to you faster than many other sources. We are fully equipped to ship internationally quickly and seamlessly as well, so if you have problems with a generator in the Yukon of Canada, or need to repair a boat in the Caribbean, we can get you what you need. Be sure to check out our cylinder kit, which is one of our best sellers for this engine, and will come with everything you will need for the overhaul, including rings, retainers and liners. Whatever you need, give us a call and we will be happy to get an order started for you. Try us today and you will see, Diesel Pro is a better way to buy parts online. 
Engine will not start
Lack of air intake or restricted air intake
√
Broken blower shaft
Worn out blower shaft
Defective fuel pump
Defective starter
Discharged battery
High exhaust back pressure
Black smoke coming out of engine
Defective injector
Contaminated fuel
Broken or worn cylinder parts
Engine overloaded
Faulty intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engines only)
White smoke coming out of engine
Broken piston ring
Incorrectly installed ring set
Defective injector
Fuel quality or grade
Long idle periods
Broken or bent push rod
Injector or governor improperly adjusted
Low engine oil pressure
Water in engine oil pan
Fuel in engine oil pan
Defective oil cooler
Engine overloaded
Crankcase overfilled
Low engine RPM
Improperly working injector
Governor calibration
Hi engine RPM
Governor calibration
Engine overheating
Defective fresh water pump
Defective raw water pump (marine engines only)
Defective thermostat or thermostat seal
Clogged radiator or heat exchanger (marine engine only)
Grey smoke coming out of engine
Long idle periods
Defective intercooler or aftercooler (for turbo engine only)
Restricted air intake
Defective injector
Contaminated fuel
Blower or turbocharger seals leaking
Geartrain makes noises
Low oil level
Engine driven accesories
Damage main or rod bearing
Detroit Diesel 3-71 Usefull Information
If you are unsure that this is your engine, locate the model and serial number stamped on the engine block. For this series, this number will start with a 3A, and be similar to 3A12345. Older models may have a marking that starts with 371, such as 371-12345 or a serial number that starts with a 3-, such as 3-12345.
This engine is also called the GM 371 in some uses.
General Specs, Information and Horsepower
Listed here are the 3-71 Detroit Diesel specs. Please note that torque is based on rated power at 85 degrees F, and horsepower is based on brake horsepower.
The Detroit Diesel 371 is a 3 cylinder engine with a total displacement of 213 cubic inches and has 4 main bearings.
Normal lubricating oil pressure is 30-60 PSI at 1200 RPM, 38-60 PSI at 1800 RPM and 40-60 PSI at 2000 RPM.
With N60 Injectors:
Horsepower (BHP): 66 at 1200 RPM, 84 at 1600 RPM, 97 at 2000 RPM.
Torque (LB FT): 287 at 1200 RPM, 277 at 1600 RPM, 252 at 2000 RPM.
With N70 Injectors:
Horsepower (BHP): 65 at 1200 RPM, 90 at 1600 RPM, 111 at 2000 RPM.
Torque (LB FT): 272 at 1200 RPM, 294 at 1600 RPM, 288 at 2000 RPM.
Other Popular Categories
If you need parts for any other motor, be sure to check out our other popular categories.
