DETROIT DIESEL 53
General Information
SCOPE AND USE OF THE MANUAL
This manual covers the basic Series 53 Diesel Engines built by the Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General
Motors Corporation. Complete instructions on operation, adjustment (tune-up), preventive maintenance and
lubrication, and repair (including complete overhaul) are covered. The manual was written primarily for persons
servicing and overhauling the engine and, in addition, contains all of the instructions essential to the operators and
users. Basic maintenance and overhaul procedures are common to all Series 53 engines and therefore apply to all
engine models.
The manual is divided into numbered sections. The first section covers the engine (less major assemblies). The
following sections cover a complete system such as the fuel system, lubrication system or air system. Each section is
divided into sub-sections which contain complete maintenance and operating instructions for a specific sub-
assembly on the engine. For example, Section 1, which covers the basic engine, contains sub-section 1.1 pertaining
to the cylinder block, sub-section 1.2 covering the cylinder head, etc. The subjects and sections are listed in the
Table of Contents on the preceding page. Pages are numbered consecutively, starting with a new Page 1 at the
beginning of each sub-section. The illustrations are also numbered consecutively, beginning with a new Figure 1 at
the start of each sub-section.
Information regarding a general subject, such as the lubrication system, can best be located by using the Table of
Contents. Opposite each subject in the Table of Contents is a section number which registers with a tab printed on
the first page of each section throughout the manual. Information on a specific sub-assembly or accessory can then
be found by consulting the list of contents on the first page of the section. For example, the cylinder liner is part of
the basic engine, therefore, it will be found in Section 1. Looking down the list of contents on the first page of
Section 1, the cylinder liner is found to be in sub-section 1.6.3. An Alphabetical Index at the back of the manual
has been provided as an additional aid for locating information.
SERVICE PARTS AVAlLABILlTY
Genuine Detroit Diesel "Factory Engineered" replacement parts are available from authorized Detroit Diesel
Service Outlets conveniently located within the United States, in Canada from the distribution organization of
Diesel Division General Motors of Canada Limited, and abroad through the sales and service outlets of General
Motors Overseas Operations Divisions.
CLEARANCES AND TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Clearances of new parts and wear limits on used parts are listed in tabular form at the end of each section
throughout the manual. It should be specifically noted that the "New Parts" clearances apply only when all new
parts are used at the point where the various specifications apply. This also applies to references within the text of
the manual. The column entitled "Limits" lists the amount of wear or increase in clearance which can be tolerated
in used engine parts and still assure satisfactory performance. It should be emphasized that the figures given as
"Limits" must be qualified by the judgement of personnel responsible for installing new parts. These wear limits
are, in general, listed only for the parts more frequently replaced in engine overhaul work. For additional
information, refer to the paragraph entitled Inspection under General Procedures in this section.
Bolt, nut and stud torque specifications are also listed in tabular form at the end of each section
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