he 6-71 Detroit Diesel is undoubtedly the most widespread diesel engine ever. Introduced in 1938, production ran until 1995. Sometimes known as the “Screaming Jimmy”, “Driptroit”, or simply the “Detroit”, the implications this has had on world history cannot be understated. With 57 years offered, this workhorse found its way into every possible application including marine, industrial, generators, construction, pumps, and on-highway uses, and its reliability has proved to be legendary. It powered the landing craft during D-Day and Valentine tanks in WWII, and was copied by the Russians off of models in the Lend-Lease Program. It was part of the 71 Series, with inline 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 models, and “Vee” 6, 8, 12, 16, and 24 cylinder models. There were also several series, all sharing similar construction and the same parts to ease manufacturing and parts support and to expand to a large range of power requirements.

The 6-71’s name comes from 6 cylinders in an inline configuration (though a “Vee” configuration was also available), with about 71 cubic inches of displacement per cylinder. What made this engine so popular when it was introduced was its high power output for its size and weight. By today’s standard it is a pig in the power department, but at the time it was revolutionary. Before the 6-71 diesels were very large and heavy, which limited them to mostly marine and stationary use, where these aspects had little effect. The secret to its power was 2-stroke operation. 2-Stroke engine technology had been around since about 1905, but GM Diesel Division, an offshoot of General Motors and later became Detroit Diesel, was the first to offer a relatively small engine utilizing its benefits. This put what is now Detroit Diesel in the spotlight and helped it become the most popular company for small diesel engines.

Specifications:

Inline 6

2-Stroke

Mechanical Unit Injection

426 Cubic Inches (6.99 Liters)

18.7:1 Compression Ratio

4.25 Inch Bore

5.00 Inch Stroke

About 2200 lbs, depending on options

Supercharged (All), Turbocharged, Aftercooled (Options to increase power output)

190-485 Horsepower, 238 Horsepower was a common rating.