Detroit pistons in a worn diesel engine

Detroit pistons in a worn diesel engine almost never seize up because of prolonged storage or lack of use, because as they wear they accumulate a lot of oily residue internally.

This greasy buildup is what saves them from seizing up. Detroit diesels are noisy, dirty and thirsty, but they are still the marine contractors' engine of choice even today!

Introduced first in 1938, the Detroit diesel came into being as World War II was just heating up.

The military required a compact, lightweight two cycle diesel that would be simple of design and extremely dependable for powering tanks, landing craft, heavy equipment and generators. The Detroit diesel filled the need and went onto become the most popular diesel engine on the planet.

Four-stroke diesel engines are a completely different story. New pollution regulations required Detroit diesel to design a new generation four cycle, heavy duty, cleaner and more fuel efficient diesel engine, the first of its kind with a integrated electronically controlled fuel systems.

These engines run so cleanly that a few weeks unused out in the open with high temperatures and high humidity are enough to seize up their pistons. Click here for information on how to free Detroit pistons if they are seized.