Detroit Diesel has built over 5 million engines since 1938, with more than 1 million of these engines still in operation worldwide. 

The Detroit Diesel 6V92 engine was introduced in 1974 as part of the Series 92 line and was in production until 1995. It’s a two-stroke, V-block diesel engine, designed with a 6-cylinder V configuration. The Series 92 was a rebored version of the Series 71, offered in configurations from 6 to 16 cylinders. The 92 Series is an iconic two-stroke American workhorse known for its power, versatility, and reliability across marine, industrial, and trucking uses. 

Advantages of the Detroit Diesel 6V92

  • Reliability: Proven durability across decades of use in marine environments.
  • Versatility: Available in turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions to meet diverse operational needs.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Designed for simple servicing, with widely available replacement parts, even today.
  • Compact Design: Ideal for engine rooms with limited volume.

Detroit Diesel 6V92 Resources

Each engine configuration in the Detroit Diesel 92 Series serves specific needs:

  • Naturally Aspirated (N): Reliability and simplicity for light-duty applications.
  • Turbocharged (T): Enhanced power for medium-duty use.
  • Turbo-Intercooled (TI): Sustained performance under heavy loads.
  • Turbo-Aftercooled (TA): Maximum power and efficiency for high-demand scenarios.

Models

In all, 6V92, 6V92T, 6V92TA, and 6V92TTA models were offered, all utilizing a blower to draw in air for combustion. Power ratings for marine applications typically range from 250 to over 400 horsepower.

Concerns

Two-stroke diesel engines are not known for being quiet. Other concerns include marginal fuel economy and oil leaks, which typically stem from the engine’s airbox drains. It is suggested to be opened up at each oil change interval.

Issues

Detroit’s 6V92 is most notable for running away:

  • Most common on loose (well-worn) engines that are allowed to idle for prolonged periods. 
  • The fuel rack is not controlling the fuel delivery to the injectors correctly
  • Constant high rpm operation with high miles and operating hours can cause a bearing failure, which can lead to throwing a rod. 
  • Liner seal failure (usually caused by overheating), which is fairly common and allows coolant to mix with engine oil, is often a contributing factor to 6V92 rod failure.
  • A shaft bearing/seal failure in the gear-driven water pump can allow coolant to enter the crankcase, thrashing the main bearings.

Maintenance and Service Guidelines

  • Oil Changes: Replace engine oil at recommended intervals to prevent contamination and ensure proper lubrication.
  • Fuel System Maintenance: Replace fuel filters and inspect fuel lines for leaks or blockages. Ensure injectors are functioning correctly.
  • Cooling System: Periodically flush the coolant system and inspect hoses and seals for wear or leaks. Thermostats should also be inspected to maintain proper temperature regulation.
  • Turbocharger: Regularly inspect and clean the turbocharger to ensure optimal airflow and performance.
  • Air Filters: Clean or replace air filters as necessary to prevent debris from entering the engine.
MaintenanceTimeDetails
Oil and Oil Filter ChangeEvery 250–500 hours or quarterlyReplace with manufacturer-approved oil and filters to maintain lubrication.
Coolant Inspection and ReplacementInspect weekly; replace every 2 years or 1,000 hoursUse a 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water mix; flush the system if contaminated.
Fuel Filter ReplacementEvery 250–500 hoursReplace primary and secondary fuel filters to prevent clogging.
Air Filter Inspection/ReplacementInspect weekly; replace as neededEnsure proper airflow by cleaning or replacing dirty filters.
Valve Clearance and Injector TimingEvery 500 hours or annuallyAdjust the exhaust valve clearance and injector timing to specifications.
Turbocharger InspectionEvery 1,000 hoursInspect for leaks, damaged blades, or unusual noise; clean or replace as needed.
Exhaust System InspectionWeeklyCheck for leaks, corrosion, and obstructions; repair as necessary.
Battery and Electrical System CheckMonthlyClean terminals, check connections, and test the alternator and starter motor.
Cooling System Hoses and BeltsEvery 1,000 hours or annuallyInspect for wear, cracks, or leaks; replace if damaged.
Inspect DDEC Systems (if equipped)Quarterly or as neededUse diagnostic tools to monitor and update the system.

The first digit in the model number determines the series. 

  • 5 = 53 Series
  • 1 = In-line 71 Series
  • 8 = V-92 Series
  • 9 = 149 Series

The next two digits indicate the number of cylinders

  • 02 = 2 cylinders
  • 03 = 3 cylinders
  • 04 = 4 cylinders
  • 06 = 6 cylinders
  • 08 = 8 cylinders
  • 12 = 12 cylinders
  • 16 = 16 cylinders

The 4th digit indicates the application

  • 2 = Marine
  • 3 = Industrial
  • 4 = Power-Base
  • 5 = Generator
  • 7 = Vehicle
  • 8 = Vehicle

The 5th digit is the Arrangement and Rotation

  • 1 = Engine is left-hand rotation, blower is mounted on the “left bank”, exhaust manifold is mounted on the “right bank”
  • 2 = LH rotation, blower and exhaust manifold both mounted on the “left bank”
  • 3 = LH rotation, blower mounted on “right bank”, exhaust manifold mounted on “left bank”
  • 4 = LH rotation, blower and exhaust manifold both mounted on “right bank”
  • 5 = Right-hand rotation, blower on “left bank”, exhaust manifold on “right bank”
  • 6 = RH rotation, blower and exhaust manifold both mounted on “left bank”
  • 7 = RH rotation, blower on “right bank” exhaust manifold mounted on “left bank”
  • 8 = RH rotation, blower and exhaust manifold both mounted on “right bank”

The 6th digit determines the design Variation

  • 0 = 4 valve cylinder head (“N” Engine)
  • 1 = 2 valve cylinder head
  • 2 = 4 Valve cylinder head (“E” Engine)
  • 3 = Turbocharged engine
  • 5 = Customer Spec. Engine
  • 7 = Constant Horsepower

The last two digits are the specific model number.

Hatteras models with the 6V92 from 1979 to 1996: 

Brochures for these models are available upon request.