Detroit Diesel — Install Cylinder Head
Repair & overhaul
From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Before you start
- DDC does not recommend reusing cylinder head bolts at major overhaul; use new bolts.
- Never install used compression gaskets or seal rings.
- Seals must drop into position without forcing or bending.
Procedure
- Place a new compression gasket on top of the cylinder liner.
- Install a new seal in each block counterbore or on each end of the sleeve and spacer assemblies.
- Install two guide studs (set J 28511-A) at approximately the 9:30 and 2:30 positions in the block.
- Lubricate a new cylinder head seal ring with clean engine oil and install it in the upper seal ring groove.
- Attach cylinder head lifting tool J 24232 or lifting handles.
- Wipe the bottom of the head clean and lower it over the guide studs into place; rap the top with a plastic or rubber mallet.
- Apply International Compound No. 2 to the threads and underside of each bolt and install bolts and washers finger tight.
- Remove the guide studs and lifting tool and install the remaining bolts and washers, running them down snug to 15-20 lb-ft.
- Tighten every other bolt in 50 lb-ft increments to 140-150 lb-ft torque.
- Assemble two seal rings to the water outlet tube and coat with Crisco.
- Install the water outlet elbow seal and tube; secure elbow with two bolts to 13-17 lb-ft.
- Install the upper camshaft bearing inserts and place the bearing caps over the camshaft.
- Place the fuel injector in the head and secure with the retainer clamp and bolt to 46-50 lb-ft.
- Position the two exhaust valve bridges over the bridge guides.
- Place the rocker arm mechanism in position and tighten all four camshaft bearing cap bolts to 90-100 lb-ft.
Tools required
- Guide stud set J 28511-A Amazon
- Cylinder head lifting tool J 24232 Amazon
- Adaptor J 21545 Amazon
- Fuel line wrench set J 26617 Amazon
- Primer tool J 5956 Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Cylinder head bolts 140-150 lb-ft (190-204 N·m)
- Injector clamp bolt 46-50 lb-ft (62-68 Amazon eBay N·m)
- Camshaft bearing cap bolts 90-100 lb-ft (122-136 N·m)
- Fuel pipe nuts 18-22 Amazon eBay FridayParts $45.30 lb-ft (24-30 N·m)
- Injector rack control tube 13-17 FridayParts $14.38 lb-ft (18-23 Amazon eBay N·m)
Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.