Parts for Detroit Diesel 471 Non-Turbo - (4 Valve Head Type) for Australia - Camshaft Section

Detroit Diesel 4-71 Non-Turbo (4-Valve) — Camshaft & Related Components

The camshaft on a 4-71 non-turbo (four-valve head) controls valve timing and lift across two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder, so lobe profile accuracy and surface hardness are critical. A worn or mistimed cam can cause hard starts, smoky exhaust, uneven idle, and loss of power. This section focuses specifically on the 4-valve 4-71 configuration—components and guidance here are tailored to this head style and are not intended for the 2-valve variant.

Related Components We Stock for a Proper Top-End Refresh

• Camshaft (4-valve profile) — precision-ground lobes for correct overlap and duration on naturally aspirated setups.

• Cam gear & retainer — maintains correct phasing with the blower/crank gear train.

• Cam bearings/bushings — restore oil film integrity; sized for proper crush and clearance.

• Thrust plate/washer & hardware — controls endplay to protect lobe-to-follower geometry.

• Roller followers (lifters) & pins — matched rolling action reduces scuffing on lobe noses.

• Seals & gaskets — front cover/oil seals to prevent leaks after timing service.

Fitment & Build Notes for the 4-Valve 4-71

• Engine configuration: This section applies to the four-valve head only; geometry differs from 2-valve versions.

• Rotation & timing marks: Verify gear timing and rotation when aligning the cam gear with the crank/blower gears.

• Endplay: Measure and set camshaft endplay within spec using thrust components; improper endplay accelerates lobe wear.

• Follower condition: Replace any pitted or flat-spotted rollers; never mate a new cam with damaged followers.

• Lubrication: Prime oil galleries and use assembly lube on lobes/rollers; check oil pressure immediately on first start.

• Break-in: Hold a steady, slightly elevated idle on initial run-in; re-check lash and listen for abnormal valvetrain noise.

Why Buy Your 4-71 (4-Valve) Camshaft from Diesel Pro Power

• Engine-Specific Accuracy: Components curated for the non-turbo, 4-valve 4-71—no guesswork mixing 2-valve parts.

• Premium Aftermarket Quality: Materials and machining that meet or exceed OEM performance expectations for long service life.

• Matched Components: Camshafts, followers, bearings, thrust parts, and seals designed to work together for correct geometry and oil control.

• Real-World Availability: Deep, ready-to-ship inventory to minimize downtime for fleets, vessels, and industrial sites.

• Global Reach: Fast delivery to 180 countries with clear tracking and export documentation.

• Expert Support: Talk to specialists who know Detroit Diesel—timing alignment, preload, and troubleshooting help included.

• Trusted by Professionals: 40,000+ satisfied customers rely on Diesel Pro Power for legacy Detroit Diesel support.

• Shop with Confidence: Clear product photos, accurate descriptions, and straightforward core guidance when applicable.

• Marine Parts Authority: Recognized by customers as the world’s best website to buy marine diesel engine parts—ideal for 4-71 marine applications, as well as industrial and generator sets.

Maintenance & Installation Checklist

• Inspect cam journals and bearing bores; verify oil holes align when pressing bearings.

• Clean sludge from galleries; replace any questionable followers and pins.

• Time the cam precisely using the factory marks; torque fasteners to spec.

• Measure and set cam endplay; rotate by hand to confirm smooth, non-binding travel.

• Prime the oil system; verify pressure on first start; re-set valve lash after warm-up.

Signs Your 4-71 Camshaft Needs Attention

• Persistent valve lash drift, metallic glitter in oil, roller “tick” or whine, flat-spot wear on lobe noses, misfire under load, or unexplained smoke despite proper injector and blower function.

If you’d like, I can tailor this further to your specific 4-71 serial/CPL details or the exact mix of cam, followers, and thrust parts you plan to stock on the page.