Best engine?

IH built many sized engines to fit the tractors. Detroit built just one for WW11 and it was considered disposable. But the little engine just kept going. That was the 471. As more horse power was required Detroit just added more cylinders to the 71 series. Almost all parts except the crank were interchangeable. The best thing ever to come out of Detroit. I wonder why IH didn't follow their lead. :?: :?: :?:

The 2 Stroke engine from Detroit Diesel was (and probably is) the most produced series of similar design ever. They were powerful and flexible in attachment, rotation, intake exhaust placement front or back powertakeoof, and other great innovations.
They also have issues: poor fuel efficiency, poor ability to hold fluids inside, poor environmental controls, and week kneed torque ar less than wide open throttle.

There were few motivations to follow that lead with engines for all purposes.

IH engines were modern for the times they were in use. OHV for most, Multi Cylinders, Good breathing. Governors that were responsive, and reliable (still are)

The similarity between the engines produced by IHC in each of the series of tractors is pretty amazing. Similarities between F series engines and Letter series are a continum rather than a total change.
The differences between a C-113 and a 450 gasser are mostly in scale rather than layout and design.

I would have wished they used 5 main bearings in the letter series. I also wish they would have used cross flow head design at some point, and 2500rpm operation earlier. I feel they were designed to stay away from the bleeding edge of technology to allow farmers to reasonably care for them.

Nothing is as simple as it seems. Jim

DanR, JimN hit a key issue. The 1930s Depression resulted in a strong habit of wanting to "fix-it-myself" regarding the letter series in 1939. The IHC Sales dept had enough impact to control just how far the engineers can go. More sales is a prime concern,period. Beside that, consider that Turn Around time between design and final product on dealer showroom was not what takes place today. The "Just in Time" way was not invented/used yet. No computers etc.. ag.

Ps: JimN & John T: I am starting a blog to correct mis information by Tom43 and Jmor applied to my comments about sparkplugs back in early Dec. My comments were dumped on due to a typing mistake in which I left out one word. Joh T asked about background on developing a spark. I will try to state the electrical view without any typing mistakes for all to read in my blog.. Got tax papers & short trip South to do first.. I haven't written an engineer report for 46 years.. For old tractors cars & Farmalls, it was an interesting method of using electrical power years ago to fire a plug but is a little outdated now. The action of the ARC is still similar physics.. ag..

Couple of very good answers.

Detroits were good motors as long as there were no hills and you carried a 5 gallon bucket of oil.

jimmy

Must have been some kind of slap if you are still stewing on it. I have posts from JMOR in that great textbook of antique engine repair I like to call "my archives". He is a fixture on the N board and helped me quite a bit with the 2N. Anything Tom said you can completely disregard. He is a notorious troll and you are just stepping into his trap by responding.

The feed mill used to run GMC cabovers with Detroits in them.

Legend has it, the only maintenance required was:

1. Check the fuel
2. Fill the oil

Yes the Detroit's were oil burners. The 671 was used in landing craft and as such were not expected to return to the ship. So much for oil consumption.