
The chart below shows the most common questions asked by owners of Detroit Diesel® engines 2-71 natural 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 2-71 natural Owner's operating or service manual.
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PROBLEM |
POSSIBLE REASON |
CHECK |
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 |