Detroit DD16: Problems, Durability, and Applications

The Detroit DD16 is the toughest, most powerful, and biggest ever engine made by the Detroit Company. Producing 600 HP and delivering above 2050 pounds per foot of torque in a predictable wide operational curve, the DD16 is a reliable, fuel-efficient, and long-lasting engine designed for the toughest jobs available.

In this article, we shall discuss:

·       Detroit DD16 applications

·       The DD16 durability, and, 

·       The most common problems affecting the DD16

The DD16 is based on industry-driven innovation that brings on board an advanced technology that maximizes power out, an unmatched fuel economy, and an advanced environmental-friendly emissions level. The DD16 employs a proprietary fuel system that ensures fuel efficiency and economy and an improved exhaust after-treatment that meets the latest emissions regulations.

DD16 Engine

The DD16 is the largest, cleanest, and most powerful diesel engine ever produced by Detroit Diesel. To achieve this, the Detroit DD16 engine uses innovative technology such as the Amplified Common Rail Fuel System (ACRS), a ribbed cast-iron engine block, and a DDEC electronics system that cumulatively produces a powerful, fuel-efficient, long-lasting engine. 

The ACRS operates at a very high pressure of up to 38, 000 psi. The fuel is injected precisely in variable patterns to ensure optimum combustion. This optimization improves performance and increases throttle response and fuel efficiency while reducing vibrations and lowering emissions. 

The engine uses compound Turbochargers which run on exhaust gases. A turbine fitted downstream along the exhaust pipe generates power from the thermal energy in the exhaust and transmits it to the crankshaft through a hydraulic coupler where it is re-used. This increases the power output while increasing fuel efficiency.

Applications

The Detroit DD16 engine is manufactured to tackle a wide range of tough and sometimes brutal applications. The engine provides massive power to handle all types of jobs from construction, oil, and gas, to dumping and hauling. Apart from power, the DD16 provides a performance that is effective and efficient. 

The DD16 is a heavy-duty engine that is ideal for heavy-duty applications as well as small fleet applications across different environments. With its 15.6 liters displacement, the DD16 has massive hauling applications that surpass expectations.

The 2050 pounds-per-foot torque is ideal to haul rocks from a quarry, drag logs from the forest, provide the raw power needed in construction applications, or for moving goods down the highways efficiently. The manufacturer of the engine boosts that the DD16 is made to ‘drive your business’ in all spheres.

1. Highway Haulage

The DD16 engine provides strength and efficiency whenever needed on the road. The engine is the most suited for Class 8 trucks that are common in all the Inter-State Highways in the USA (and other major highways of the world). 

Class 8 trucks are highway workhorses tasked with deliveries and haulage with a touch of dependability. These trucks are fitted with the DD16 engine has an edge on dependable power and efficient performance. The nature of their work, the distances they cover, and the loads they haul demand substantial and reliable power which the DD16 readily avails. 

What is a Class 8 Truck?

A Class 8 truck has a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) rating above 33, 000 pounds (14, 969 Kg). These trucks are classified in the heavy-duty or semi-trucks category. They are grouped into four types as follows:

·       Straight Truck Day Cab- It is a Class 8 truck whose trailer is attached to the truck chassis. The truck does not have a sleeping compartment and is mostly used in local or regional short-distance operations.

·       Straight Truck Sleeper Cab truck has its trailer fitted to the chassis but has a sleeping compartment. The trucks are used for specialized long-distance deliveries.

·       Tractor Day Cab- The trailer is not attached to the chassis and does not come with a sleeping cab. They are mainly used in port haulage, highway short to medium transport, regional haulage, and drayage applications.

·       Tractor sleeper Cab- the trailer is not attached to the chassis but it has a driver sleeping compartment. They are mainly used in on-highway operations.

Examples of Class 8 trucks include Volvo, Freightliner, Mack, Peterbilt, Kenworth, and International. The Freightliner Cascadia and the Western Star are some of the trucks fitted with a DD16 engine.

These specialized trucks require a special-purpose engine like the DD16 that enables them to carry and haul bigger and heavier payloads across regions with ease and still meet the emissions requirements.

Thanks to the DD16 integrated Jacob’s Engine brake system, the trucks can haul extremely heavy loads up and down high, steep mountains with ease and comfort for the driver. The DD16 engine enables these trucks to carry huge loads with increased GCW (Gross Combination weight). 

2. Other Applications

The DD16 presents a big-bore engine whose performance is required in several other severe working environments. In places like oil fields, mines, and construction sites, the terrain may be difficult and punishing to most operations. The powerful DD16 engine output makes steep gradients and mountainous terrain appear flat and easy to overcome. This enables the engine to climb steadily with very little shifting.  

The engine offers the massive pulling power required in such situations. In construction sites and in forests where the terrain may be punishing and uneven, the DD16 provides a reliable solution to haul logs up and down steep forested areas or deeply excavated construction sites.

Durability

The DD16 boasts of being built to last. The engine has the longest service interval among its class and competitors. It also comes with an easy-to-service design that enables the operator ease of access to most serviceable parts.

The DD16 comes along with the following warranties:

·       Two-year engine warranty with no limitations on mileage and 100% parts and labor offers

·       Two years injectors warranty with a 200,000-mile cap and a 100% parts and labor offer

·       Five years warranty on all major components with a 500, 000 miles cap and 100% parts offer

·       The engine has the following service notes which come many miles after the purchase

The design of the DD16 is to have a longer running time and reduce the time for service and parts replacement. This reduces downtime to ensure the truck is on the road as long as it is practical, thus reducing operational costs.

The Detroit Diesel Company has an efficient Detroit Connect Virtual Technician that gives a real-time response to all queries concerning any engine fault.

Overall, the Detroit DD16 has a projected life of 1.2 million miles.

Problems

Despite its reputation as the most powerful engine from the Detroit Diesel company, the DD16 has its drawbacks. The most common problems prevalent in the DD16 include:

1) Failing Fuel Pump

A failing fuel pump will lead to other problems that will affect the performance of the engine. A failed or failing fuel pump may be exhibited by the following symptoms-

·       Increased visible emissions from the exhaust

·       Reduced engine power output

·       Increased fuel consumption

·       Decreased fuel economy

·       Rough running of the engine

The key to identifying the problem is through a proper diagnosis which will determine the extent of the problem. In most cases, a failed fuel pump requires immediate replacement.

It is also important to carry out thorough diagnoses of all major components to ensure they are in good working conditions to prevent them from causing failure in others.

2) Crankcase Breather Issues

The DD16 breather cases are different from the other diesel engine breathers. Breathers are designed to regulate pressure in the crankcase. The breather is responsible for cleaning the blow-by gas when the pressurized gases are injected. It also keeps the crankcase clean from debris and other contaminants.

It is prone to failure because the ACRS system operates at very high pressure in the DD16. Symptoms include loss of power, low throttle, and poor acceleration. The problem must be diagnosed and rectified immediately to prevent other damages.

3) Low Oil Pressure

The DD16 may have low oil pressure which arises from loose or hardened o-rings in the manifold. The loosening of these rings prevents proper oil suction leading to low pressure. The rings lose their tension after a long engine run of over 500, 000 miles. The rings must be replaced to enable the engine to have the required oil pressure for proper operations. 

4) Starting Problems

The DD16 may occasionally have hard starts, especially after servicing. This mainly arises from the failure of the service team to perform proper engine priming. The engine may have to start problems or fail to ignite at all. If not properly addressed, it can lead to more adverse and expensive engine issues. Ensure that the engine is properly primed by a qualified technician before leaving the service center.

5) Oil Leaks

Oil leaks may occur at various points around the fuel pump, camshaft housing, air compressor, fuel pump, or the oil coolant system. The leaks are usually caused by loose seals or gaskets around the said devices. Sometimes, the use of poor-quality oil can lead to these leakages. Replace the seals and gaskets and ensure you use the manufacturer-recommended oils.

While many other problems may arise, the deal is to ensure all problems are addressed immediately and per the manufacturer’s recommended procedures and replacement parts.