Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo Overhaul Kit Catalog

The Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo is one of the most powerful engines in the Detroit Diesel two-stroke family, built to power vessels, heavy industrial equipment, and stationary power systems where reliability and output are non-negotiable. With a displacement of 39 liters across 16 cylinders, this turbocharged V16 engine is a true workhorse that has proven itself across the globe.

When the time comes for a major service, a complete overhaul is the only way to restore this engine to peak condition. Diesel Pro Power’s Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo Overhaul Kit includes everything required for a full rebuild, ensuring all major components are refreshed at the same time.

Engine Specifications & Applications

Key Engine Specs

• Engine Type: V16, two-stroke turbocharged diesel

• Series: 149 Series

• Bore x Stroke: 5.75 in x 6.375 in (146 mm x 162 mm)

• Displacement: 149 cubic inches per cylinder (total 2,384 in³ / ~39 liters)

• Horsepower Output: 1,400–2,000+ HP depending on setup

• Cooling: Water-cooled with turbocharging and in some cases aftercooling

• Fuel System: Mechanical unit injectors

Typical Applications

• Tugboats and push boats

• Offshore supply and service vessels

• Dredging and construction barges

• Large commercial ships and ferries

• Power generation and standby gensets

• Mining and heavy industrial machinery

The 16V149 Turbo has earned a reputation for endurance in environments where other engines simply cannot keep up.

What’s Included in the 16V149 Turbo Overhaul Kit

This complete overhaul kit covers the major wear points of the Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo engine, providing everything necessary to restore it to factory-level performance and reliability. Each component has been carefully selected and manufactured to meet the demanding requirements of this heavy-duty V16 two-stroke engine. By replacing all critical internals at once, operators ensure consistent operation across all cylinders and protect against uneven wear that can shorten engine life.

Cylinder Kits

• Each cylinder kit includes the piston, piston rings, liner, pins, and retainers needed for a full cylinder refresh.

• Components are precision manufactured to Detroit Diesel specifications, restoring compression and improving combustion efficiency.

• Designed to withstand the extreme cylinder pressures and heat generated by turbocharging.

• Replacing all cylinders at once ensures balanced operation, reducing vibration and extending crankshaft and rod life.

• A full kit for the 16V149 includes 16 complete cylinder kits, one for each cylinder, making it a true engine-wide restoration.

• The liners and pistons are engineered for maximum durability, minimizing oil consumption and maintaining horsepower output for thousands of hours of operation.

Crankshaft Bearings

• Includes a full set of main bearings designed to support the massive crankshaft of the 16V149.

• Maintains smooth crankshaft rotation even under continuous high-horsepower loads.

• Constructed from durable alloy materials designed to reduce friction and prevent premature wear.

• Correct bearing installation ensures crankshaft stability, protecting the rotating assembly from catastrophic failure.

• With fresh bearings, the crankshaft is properly aligned, improving lubrication flow and reducing stress on connecting rods.

Connecting Rod Bearings

• Complete set of rod bearings manufactured to precise Detroit Diesel tolerances.

• Prevents metal-to-metal contact between the connecting rods and crankshaft journals.

• Designed to handle the extreme load cycles created by turbocharged operation.

• Improves the long-term durability of the rotating assembly by ensuring each rod and journal operates within proper clearances.

• Extends the life of both rods and crankshaft, reducing the risk of costly repairs in the future.

Thrust Washers (4 included)

• Includes four thrust washers specifically engineered for the 16V149 Turbo engine.

• Maintains correct crankshaft endplay, preventing damaging forward and backward movement.

• Helps preserve alignment of the rotating assembly, reducing wear on main bearings and block surfaces.

• Essential for protecting against premature crankshaft or block failure caused by misalignment.

• Small but critical components that play a major role in engine longevity.

Head Gaskets

• High-strength gaskets designed to seal cylinder heads against combustion pressures.

• Built to withstand the intense stresses of turbocharged operation.

• Protects against coolant and oil leaks that could compromise combustion efficiency or cause overheating.

• Proper sealing ensures consistent compression across all 16 cylinders, restoring horsepower and performance.

• Manufactured from materials that handle both high pressure and continuous heat cycling, ensuring a reliable long-term seal.

Oil Pan Gasket

• Provides a leak-free seal between the block and the oil pan.

• Resistant to oil, heat, and the constant vibration of the 16V149 Turbo.

• Ensures proper oil containment, preventing pressure drops that could starve bearings or moving parts.

• Helps maintain consistent lubrication, a critical factor in extending the lifespan of the rotating assembly.

• Built with long-term durability in mind, ensuring operators don’t face recurring leaks after overhaul.

Rocker Cover Gaskets

• Seals rocker covers to prevent oil leaks in the upper part of the engine.

• Maintains a clean operating environment in the valve train area.

• Protects against oil seepage that could contaminate other engine components or create fire hazards in marine and industrial settings.

• Engineered to withstand high temperatures and vibration, conditions that are constant in the 16V149 Turbo.

• Replacing these gaskets during an overhaul ensures the engine remains clean and efficient throughout its next service cycle.

Why This Overhaul Kit is Essential

A Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo overhaul is not just about replacing worn parts; it’s about resetting the engine’s life cycle. This complete kit ensures:

• All-in-One Solution: Every critical wear component included.

• Uniform Reliability: All cylinders and bearings renewed together.

• Extended Engine Life: Fresh parts mean reduced stress on remaining components.

• Reduced Downtime: No need to source individual parts—everything arrives together.

• Trusted by Professionals: Diesel Pro Power has supplied overhaul kits to more than 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide.

Benefits of a Complete 16V149 Turbo Overhaul

• Restores horsepower and torque lost from worn components.

• Improves fuel efficiency through restored compression.

• Reduces oil consumption by refreshing liners, pistons, and rings.

• Extends crankshaft and rod life with new bearings and thrust washers.

• Ensures reliability in continuous-duty applications.

Marine & Industrial Importance

Because the Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo is most often installed in critical-duty environments such as tugboats, offshore supply vessels, power stations, and mining equipment, keeping the engine in peak condition is essential. Unlike smaller engines, the 16V149 operates under continuous heavy loads where downtime is not just inconvenient—it can directly impact revenue, safety, and operational efficiency.

In the marine industry, an unexpected engine failure can leave a vessel stranded at sea, disrupt shipping schedules, or prevent a tugboat from completing essential towing work. In offshore or dredging applications, downtime can halt multimillion-dollar projects, leading to costly delays and contractual penalties. On land, mining equipment powered by the 16V149 can grind production to a halt if the engine is not properly maintained, resulting in significant financial losses. Power generation units using these engines often supply electricity in remote or offshore locations, where a sudden breakdown could endanger both personnel and equipment.

Planned overhaul cycles are therefore not optional—they are part of responsible asset management. By following an established rebuild schedule and using a complete overhaul kit, operators can restore the engine to factory specifications, ensuring maximum horsepower, efficient fuel consumption, and long-term dependability. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of catastrophic failure but also extends the engine’s overall lifespan.

Installing a complete overhaul kit resets the internal components to a balanced and uniform condition. This consistency ensures smoother operation, reduced vibration, and better reliability under continuous-duty loads. For industries where downtime is unacceptable, an overhaul kit is an investment in uninterrupted performance and operational safety.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Your 16V149 Turbo Kit?

When sourcing parts for an engine as large and mission-critical as the Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo, choosing the right supplier is just as important as performing the overhaul itself. Diesel Pro Power stands out as a trusted source for customers around the globe thanks to our proven track record and commitment to service.

• Global Reputation: Diesel Pro Power proudly serves marine and industrial customers in more than 180 countries. From major ports to remote operations, we provide overhaul kits and parts wherever they are needed, ensuring operators can keep their Detroit Diesel engines running. Our reputation is built on consistent quality and reliability across industries.

• Expert Guidance: Our support staff is not only familiar with Detroit Diesel engines, but also understands the unique challenges of the 149 Series and the 16V149 Turbo in particular. Customers receive access to knowledgeable professionals who can answer questions, recommend best practices, and guide them through the process of preparing for an overhaul.

• Fast Worldwide Shipping: Downtime is costly, which is why we prioritize fast and efficient shipping. Whether your vessel is docked in a major harbor or your equipment is stationed in a remote location, our logistics network ensures that your overhaul kit arrives quickly. Minimizing downtime means saving both time and money.

• Proven Reliability: With more than 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide, Diesel Pro Power has earned the trust of marine operators, fleet managers, and industrial professionals. Each kit is carefully prepared and tested to meet the demands of heavy-duty applications, so customers can purchase with confidence.

By combining global reach, technical expertise, rapid delivery, and a track record of reliability, Diesel Pro Power offers a level of assurance unmatched in the industry. When it comes to overhauling a Detroit Diesel 16V149 Turbo, operators know they can depend on us to deliver not just parts, but peace of mind.