Parts for Detroit Diesel 4-71

The Detroit 471 engine will last you for many hours with proper maintenance and care. Diesel Pro can help. We have the right supplies to keep these engines running, year after year. Our parts are made out of high quality materials, and guaranteed to last. That is why we offer a one year warranty on our new parts, so you can shop with confidence. We also have a large and diverse inventory of products, including our popular overhaul kit that can get an older engine back to performing like it was new. We also offer the 471 service manual to help you tackle big projects, an essential for any Diesel mechanic, whether you work on engines full time, or have to make the occasional repair. Unsure which part you need? If you have any other questions, need help finding a part, or to place an order, give us a call at 888-433-4735 and we would be happy to help.

All engines in this series will have a serial number that start with 4A (For example, 4A-12345.) Older engines may have a serial number that starts with 471 (For example, 471-RA63.) The model number, which is an eight digit code, will start with 704, and an example would be 7042-7201.

General Information

This Detroit 471 engine is a two-cycle, 4 cylinder engine with a displacement 284 cubic inches and 5 main bearings.

Normal oil capacity is between 15 to 20 quarts. The oil filter should be changed every 100 hours. The oil should be changed every 100 hours as well, for new engines, though this can be gradually increased. For vehicle use, this translates to every 1000 to 3000 miles, with highway use needing less frequent changes than consistent stop and go conditions.

This engine can be referred to by different names, such as GM 471 or 4-71 Detroit Diesel.

Horsepower and Torque

The information below is based on brake horsepower, and a 471T generator set.

Standby: 180 BHP at 1500 RPM, 210 BHP at 1800 RPM.

Prime: 164 BHP at 1500 RPM, 191 BHP at 1800 RPM.

The information below is for marine pleasurecraft, with N80 injectors. The horsepower is measured as shaft-horsepower. Performance is with paragon 2:1 gear and 12 volt, 25 amp generator.

SHP (Power propeller load): 25 at 1200 RPM, 35 at 1400 RPM, 75 at 1800 RPM, 105 AT 2000 RPM, and a maximum of 160 at 2300.

Fuel Consumption (with propeller) is 2.5 gallons per hour at 1400 RPM, 5 gallons per hour at 1800 RPM and 9 gallons per hour at 2200 RPM.

Other Popular Categories

If you have any other projects, be sure to check out these popular categories.

Detroit 671

Detroit 8V71

Detroit 12V71

Engine Specifications & Applications of the Detroit Diesel 4-71 Engine

(Naturally Aspirated 2-Valve, Naturally Aspirated 4-Valve, and Turbocharged Versions)

Overview: Detroit Diesel 4-71 Series

The Detroit Diesel 4-71 is a powerful, inline four-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engine from the iconic 71 Series. Known for its modular simplicity, rugged performance, and high torque output, the 4-71 has served across marine, military, and industrial markets for decades.

Detroit manufactured the 4-71 in several configurations:

Naturally Aspirated with 2-Valve Cylinder Head (2 exhaust valve per cylinder)
Naturally Aspirated with 4-Valve Cylinder Head (4 exhaust valves per cylinder)
Turbocharged with Roots-style blower and turbo

Each setup offers unique performance advantages. Diesel Pro Power proudly stocks aftermarket parts for all three versions, helping thousands of operators maintain or restore their Detroit 4-71 engines.

Shared Specifications: Detroit Diesel 4-71 Engine

Specification	Value
Engine Configuration	Inline 4-cylinder, two-stroke diesel
Displacement	284 cu in (4.65 liters)
Bore x Stroke	4.25 in x 5.00 in
Cooling System	Water-cooled
Fuel System	Mechanical unit injectors
Oil Capacity	~10–12 quarts
Blower Type	Roots-style blower (all versions)
Dry Weight	~1,200–1,400 lbs (varies by build)

All configurations use scavenged air supplied by the blower. Only exhaust valves are present in the cylinder head—air enters via ports in the cylinder wall.