Re: Is it Safe to Run Full Throttle?
MSU, Maui Girl,<br /><br />Yes. Detroits are "hybrid" two stokes. Detroit diesels take input air via a blower through ports in the cylinder wall, like an outboard. The difference lies in the fact that these diesels then compress that air, have fuel injected and create power on the down stroke. The exhaust is then pushed out throught exhaust valves, on the next stroke, in the head. All the while, fresh air is being pumped in.<br /><br />There are four valve and two valve Detroit engines-whether they be 53, 71, or 92 series engines. The reason for four valves on a Detroit was simply to improve exhaust scavenging of the cylinder. Detroits, like 2 stroke outboards are notoriously "dirty" that's why Detroit Diesel went to four valves-it bought them some time before emission standards caught up with them. All new Detroits are four stroke-automotive anyway. <br /><br />Detroit still makes "2-strokes" for marine and stationary power only.<br /><br />Also, Detroit diesels were notoriously "peaky" in their torque range. The offered peak torque in a very narrow band, about a 300 rpm range. That was the reason that heavy trucks went to 15 and 18 speed transmissions.<br /><br />Detroits, in boats, work well. However. they were thirsty, like 2-stroke outboards, and had other problems, ie; longevity, leaking oil, noisy.<br /><br />Nothing sounds like a Detroit under load. Once heard, you never forget. Kind of like a Merlin engine in a Mustang.<br /><br />The two stroke technolgy, of today, employed by outboard manufacturers is what I call "bridge" technology. They will perfect them and make them reliable.<br /><br />We're not that far away from internal combustion engines,in total, becoming extinct species.
