General Information
DETROIT DIESEL 53
SCOPE AND USE OF THE MANUAL
This manual covers the basic Series 53 Diesel Engines built by the Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General Motors
Corporation. Complete instructions on operation, adjustment (tune-up), preventive maintenance and lubrication, and
repair (including complete overhaul) are covered. The manual was written primarily for persons servicing and
overhauling the engine and, in addition, contains all of the instructions essential to the operators and users. Basic
maintenance and overhaul procedures are common to all Series 53 engines and therefore apply to all engine models.
The manual is divided into numbered sections. The first section covers the engine (less major assemblies). The
following sections cover a complete system such as the fuel system, lubrication system or air system. Each section is
divided into sub-sections which contain complete maintenance and operating instructions for a specific subassembly on
the engine. For example, Section 1, which covers the basic engine, contains sub-section 1.1 pertaining to the cylinder
block, sub-section 1.2 covering the cylinder head, etc. The subjects and sections are listed in the Table of Contents on
the preceding page. Pages are numbered consecutively, starting with a new Page 1 at the beginning of each sub-
section. The illustrations are also numbered consecutively, beginning with a new Figure 1 at the start of each sub-
section.
Information regarding a general subject, such as the -lubrication system, can best be located by using the Table of
Contents. Opposite each subject in the Table of Contents is a section number which registers with a tab printed on the
first page of each section throughout the manual. Information on a specific sub-assembly or accessory can then be
found by consulting the list of contents on the first page of the section. For example, the cylinder liner is part of the basic
engine, therefore, it will be found in Section 1. Looking down the list of contents on the first page of Section 1, the
cylinder liner is found to be in sub-section 1.6.3. An Alphabetical Index at the back of the manual has been provided as
an additional aid for locating information.
SERVICE PARTS AVAILABILITY
Genuine Detroit Diesel "Factory Engineered" replacement parts are available from authorized Detroit Diesel Service
Outlets conveniently located within the United States, in Canada from the distribution organization of Diesel Division,
General Motors of Canada Limited, and abroad through the sales and service outlets of General Motors Overseas
Operations Divisions.
CLEARANCES AND TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Clearances of new parts and wear limits on used parts are listed in tabular form at the end of each section throughout the
manual. It should be specifically noted that the "New Parts" clearances apply only when all new parts are used at the
point where the various specifications apply. This also applies to references within the text of the manual. The column
entitled "Wear Limits" lists the amount of wear or increase in clearance which can be tolerated in used engine parts and
still assure satisfactory performance. It should be emphasized that the figures given as "Wear Limits" must be qualified
by the judgment of personnel responsible for installing new parts. These wear limits are, in general, listed only for the
parts more frequently replaced in engine overhaul work. For additional information, refer to the paragraph entitled
Inspection under General Procedures in this section.
Bolt, nut and stud torque specifications are also listed in tabular form at the end of each section.
1972 General Motors Corp.
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