Parts For Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo for Canada - Connecting Rod Section
Loading... Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo – Connecting Rod Section
The Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo engine is part of the legendary 149-series family—massive two-stroke, V-configuration powerplants engineered for marine propulsion, industrial power generation, and heavy equipment service. As one of the most robust diesel engines ever produced, the 12V149 Non-Turbo version relies on its connecting rod assembly to withstand extreme forces created during every combustion cycle. These rods convert linear piston motion into rotary crankshaft movement, forming the backbone of the engine’s power transfer system.
In this catalog section, you’ll find connecting rods, bearings, bolts, nuts, spacers, and related hardware designed specifically for the Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo engine. Each component is built to maintain factory geometry and strength under continuous heavy-load operation, ensuring reliability and consistent performance in demanding environments.
Detroit Diesel Connecting Rod – Rebuilt 12V149 Non Turbo
This rebuilt connecting rod fits Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo engines, as well as 8V149 and 16V149 configurations. Designed for two-piece piston engines, it ensures accurate movement between piston and crankshaft, maintaining balance and stability across all twelve cylinders.
Key Features:
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Rebuilt and inspected connecting rod for Series 149 engines.
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Suitable for two-piece piston configurations.
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Designed to maintain OEM alignment and oil passage tolerances.
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Sold with a refundable core deposit.
When Replacement Is Needed:
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Audible lower-end knock or vibration.
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Bearing failure or journal discoloration.
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Bent or worn connecting rods after overheating or oil loss.
A properly functioning connecting rod assembly prevents piston misalignment, crankshaft wear, and catastrophic lower-end damage—especially important in large, high-displacement V-type engines like the 12V149.
Connecting Rod Bearing Shell Set – Standard
The connecting rod shell set for the Detroit Diesel Series 149 ensures the smooth rotation of each connecting rod around the crankshaft journal. These standard-size shells are critical in maintaining correct oil film clearance and reducing friction.
Specifications:
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Standard bearing thickness.
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Engineered for Series 149 applications (8V, 12V, 16V).
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Precision fit to OEM tolerances.
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Constructed from tri-metal materials for durability.
Signs That Replacement Is Required:
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Metal shavings in oil pan or filter.
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Uneven bearing wear or copper showing through the overlay.
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Drop in oil pressure or persistent knocking sounds.
Replacing bearing shells during overhaul or rod reconditioning prevents further crankshaft wear and ensures the engine maintains proper lubrication across all connecting rods.
Detroit Diesel Connecting Rod Bolts
Each connecting rod in the 12V149 Non-Turbo engine uses two heavy-duty bolts to clamp the cap and rod body together. These bolts must hold their tensile strength under massive cylinder pressures and vibration.
Features:
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OEM-spec connecting rod bolts.
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Two bolts required per connecting rod.
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Precision-machined threads for consistent torque application.
When to Replace:
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Bolt threads show wear, stretching, or galling.
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Previous over-torquing or improper removal has weakened the fasteners.
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Any sign of corrosion or elongation under inspection.
Replacing rod bolts during engine rebuilds is an inexpensive way to protect crankshaft journals and ensure correct clamping force throughout the engine’s lifespan.
Detroit Diesel Connecting Rod Nuts
The connecting rod nuts secure the rod cap bolts and maintain the clamping force essential for the connecting rod’s structural integrity.
Specifications:
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Two nuts per connecting rod.
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Designed for consistent torque retention.
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Hardened finish to resist vibration-induced loosening.
When to Replace:
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Threads are stripped, worn, or stretched.
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Visible damage or deformation after torque application.
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Reusing old fasteners during an overhaul (always install new for reliability).
Replacing both bolts and nuts as a set ensures balanced clamping force across the engine’s connecting rod assemblies.
Detroit Diesel Connecting Rod Spacer
Each connecting rod spacer maintains correct axial positioning between rods on the crankshaft, helping prevent metal contact and ensuring smooth reciprocation.
Key Details:
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Two spacers required per connecting rod.
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Machined to maintain crankshaft end clearance.
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Prevents side-to-side rod movement and journal scoring.
Replacement Indicators:
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Excessive rod side play or audible knocking at idle.
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Worn spacer surfaces or uneven wear patterns.
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Rod cap misalignment or oil film loss at the crankshaft journal.
Installing new spacers during a rebuild maintains proper clearance and protects the crankshaft from contact wear.
Detroit Diesel Engine Paint – Detroit Green
Finish your overhaul with authentic Detroit Diesel green paint, the recognizable signature color used on Series 149 engines. This enamel coating resists oil, fuel, and heat, providing both durability and a factory-correct finish.
Features:
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Authentic Detroit Diesel green tone.
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Resistant to heat and solvents.
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Suitable for use on engine blocks, heads, and accessories.
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Available for ground shipping in the U.S. and Canada.
Applying a fresh coat of Detroit Green not only preserves metal surfaces from corrosion but also restores the classic Detroit Diesel look after a rebuild.
Mechanical & Electrical Gauges
For accurate post-rebuild monitoring, mechanical and electrical gauges ensure your 12V149 engine is running at the correct oil pressure, temperature, and voltage. These gauges are ideal for operators performing break-in or ongoing maintenance.
Options Available:
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Standard mechanical gauges.
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Mechanical gauges with alarm function.
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12-volt electrical gauges.
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24-volt electrical gauges.
Proper instrumentation allows you to verify oil pressure and temperature stability, preventing costly damage to new connecting rods and bearings after installation.
Importance of Connecting Rod Maintenance in the Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo
The connecting rod assembly in the 12V149 Non-Turbo engine operates under extreme load and temperature conditions. Each rod transfers immense force during every power stroke, making correct fitment and lubrication vital to long-term reliability. Regular inspection and replacement of bearings, bolts, and spacers protect against crankshaft scoring, bearing seizure, and piston failure.
Maintenance Tips:
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Always torque rod bolts and nuts to factory specifications.
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Replace bolts and nuts during each major overhaul.
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Inspect bearing shells for signs of fatigue or oil starvation.
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Check connecting rod side clearance with spacers installed.
By maintaining proper alignment and lubrication in the rod assembly, you preserve crankshaft integrity and extend engine life—crucial for these large two-stroke V-type engines.
Why Buy Your Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo Connecting Rod Parts from Diesel Pro Power
When you’re servicing or rebuilding a Detroit Diesel 12V149 Non-Turbo engine, every component must meet the highest standards of strength and precision. Diesel Pro Power supplies all major lower-end components for the 149-series engines, combining dependable quality with global availability and expert support.
Quality You Can Trust
Each connecting rod is rebuilt and inspected to ensure dependable service and proper geometry. Bearing shells, bolts, nuts, and spacers are manufactured or sourced to meet OEM-grade durability standards—designed for the extreme loads and oiling requirements of the 12V149 Non-Turbo.
Exact Fitment Across Series 149 Engines
All parts in this section are clearly identified for compatibility with 8V149, 12V149, and 16V149 engines. Diesel Pro Power removes guesswork by listing fitment details, ensuring you receive components that match your engine configuration the first time.
Fast Worldwide Shipping
With an extensive inventory ready to ship globally, Diesel Pro Power helps minimize downtime for marine operators, industrial sites, and maintenance facilities. Orders are processed quickly and packed securely for safe transit.
Supported by Expertise and Experience
Diesel Pro Power has spent decades supplying Detroit Diesel parts to professional rebuilders, shipyards, and equipment operators. Our technical understanding of two-stroke Detroit engines allows us to provide unmatched accuracy and support for every order.
Trusted by Over 40,000 Customers
More than 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide rely on Diesel Pro Power for precision engine parts, rebuild support, and superior customer service. Every order reflects the same attention to quality that has made us a preferred global supplier.
One Source for the Entire Engine
Beyond connecting rods, bearings, and fasteners, Diesel Pro Power stocks complete overhauls kits, cylinder heads, liners, gaskets, and raw water pumps for the Detroit Diesel 149-series. This allows mechanics and operators to handle full rebuilds using a single, verified supplier.



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