Detroit Diesel Series 50

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The Detroit Diesel Series 50 is an inline four cylinder diesel engine, that was introduced in 1993 by Detroit Diesel. The Series 50 was developed from the existing block of its sister engine, the Series 60, which itself was initially designed by Detroit Diesel. The cylinder heads were cast by John Deere at one time. Deere is known for quality engines used in highway vehicle applications.

Currently the Series 50 engine is used as a major bus engine in the United States. The power plant is offered for several applications: trucks, buses, motor homes, construction & industrial equipment, and military vehicles. It is unusual to find an inline four cylinder engine propelling heavy duty buses, which traditionally use inline six, V-6 or V-8 diesel engines.

In 2000, in order to better respond to the tougher EPA emissions stardards, Detroit Diesel announced revisions of the Series 50 for diesel appications. The changes included the addition of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and a variable geometry turbocharger system to improve torque.

The Detroit Diesel Series 50 can be fueled by diesel fuel or compressed natural gas (CNG). Several thousand series 50 engines are now in the buses on the streets of major cities such as New York City and Philadelphia. In September 2004, Detroit Diesel ceased production of the Series 50 heavy duty diesel engine for on highway applications due to emissions standards. It is still available for off-road applications. A replacement was scheduled to take place in 2007 then was pushed back until 2009. According to Detroit Diesel engines will no longer be produced for non Daimler Chrysler trucks or buses beginning in 2010.

[edit] Features

  • 8.5 liter
  • Power ratings ranging from 250 to 320 [horsepower] (187 to 239 kW)
  • Supports the DDECIII and DDECIV
  • Since 2001 the engines included an EGR device.
  • Twin balance shafts

[edit] Popular horsepower ratings

  • 890 ft·lbf (1,210 N·m) @ 1200 rpm 250-275 hp govern at 1800-2100 rpm
  • 1,050 ft·lbf (1,420 N·m) @ 1200 rpm 315-320 hp Govern at 1800-2100 rpm

[edit] Competing power plants

  • Caterpillar 3208
  • Caterpillar C9
  • Cummins 6CTA / Westport 8.3-L
  • Cummins ISB275 275 hp 5.9-L
  • Cummins L10
  • Cummins ISL
  • Cummins ISM
  • Detroit Diesel 6V92
  • International DT466
  • Perkins 1104C 4.4-LNU