DETROIT DIESEL 53
3.4
BLOWER
IN-LINE ENGINES
The blower supplies the fresh air required for combustion and scavenging. Its operation is similar to that of a gear-type
oil pump. Two hollow double-lobe rotors revolve in a housing bolted to the side of the in-line engines (Fig. 1)
The revolving motion of the rotors provides a continuous and uniform displacement of air.
The blower rotors are pinned to the rotor shafts. The rotor shafts are steel and the blower end plates are aluminum,
providing for a compatible bearing arrangement.
Gears located on the splined end of the rotor shafts space the rotor lobes with a close tolerance. Since the lobes of the
two rotors do not touch at any time, no lubrication is required.
Lip type oil seaIs are used in both the front and rear end plates on current engines. The seals prevent air leakage past
the blower rotor shaft bearing surfaces and also keep the oil, used for lubricating the blower rotor gears, from entering the
rotor compartment. Former blowers used a ring type oil seal consisting of a fiber washer, "0" ring, retainer and seal
spring in each end of the blower rotors.
Inspect Blower (Attached to Engine)
The blower may be inspected without removing it from the engine. However, the air cleaner and the air inlet housing
must be removed.
When inspecting the blower with the engine running, keep your fingers and clothing away from the
CAUTION:
moving parts of the blower and run the engine at low speeds only.
Fig. 1 - Blower Mounting (3-53 Engine)
July, 1972 SEC. 3.4 Page 1