Tech Tips: Overview Of The Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L Engine

You probably recognize the name: Detroit Diesel. Or, Detroit as it's known now. They've built some of the most popular diesel engines.

Beginning in 1938, the manufacturer was a part of GM, but, in 2000, it was sold to DaimlerChrysler AG. 

Its first engine was the two-cycle Series 71, which found its way into tanks and other equipment, particularly with the onset of WWII.

Since then, Detroit has manufactured a lot of very popular diesel engines, including the Series 60 engines. This post is taking a closer look at one of those Series 60 engines: the 14L.

Overview of the Detroit Diesel Series 60

Detroit Diesel is known for releasing its engines in series (except for the DD line, of course). One of the more popular series is the Series 60, which includes three different engine applications, a 11.1L, a 12.7L, and a 14L. 

What Makes the Series 60 Different?

The first engine in the Series 60 line was produced in 1987. It was a more fuel efficient choice than what was commonly available for heavy-duty at the time. 

Despite Detroit having since discontinued production of the Series 60, many engines from this line are still around. In fact, a large number of city buses use these engines, especially the smaller two versions.

Series 60 engines are also Detroit Diesel's first engine to be fully electronically controlled. Their DDEC (Detroit Diesel Electronic Control) systems helped revolutionize engine controls and gave many fleet and owner-operators greater control over the management of their engines. 

These systems included engine diagnostics, as well as warning lights for the driver. The DDEC system has gone through several versions throughout the years, with changes including horsepower rating and different ECM voltages.

In Depth Look at the Detroit Diesel S60 14L

The later version of the Series 60 engine, the 14L, is the focus of this blog post. It's not just bigger than the 11.1L and the 12.7L. Detroit made a few changes to its design. 

It has a larger crankshaft and increased horsepower, for example, which also led to higher fuel consumption. 

The 14L completely replaced the 12.7L when the smaller engine was discontinued in 2007.

Series 60 14L Application Uses

Like all Series 60 engines, the 14L features complete electronic controls, using the later DDEC versions. 

While this version of the Series 60 may not have been as popular with buses as its smaller counterparts, it did dominate the Freightliner over-the-road applications. Freightliner and Detroit even collaborated on some engine road testing.

Changes in the 14L Diesel Engine

With the 14L, engine displacement increased, leading to its increased horsepower. It was also more efficient, as it was modified several times to keep up with increased emission standards and regulations. 

These modifications included changes to the ECM. More specifically, Detroit moved to a multiple ECU design. 

The 2007 changes to the engine in particular led to cleaner emissions in an effort to comply with the harsher EPA rules regarding NOx.

What Replaced the 14L Engine?

In 2011, the Series 60 engines were phased out, and this included the 14L. 

They have been replaced in production with the well-known DD line, although Series 60 as an engine line remains extremely popular. Its durability and power help keeps its place in the diesel engine history.

Highway & Heavy Parts Can Help With Your Series 60 Diesel Engine! 

If you're looking for:

• ASE Certified Technicians on staff to help diagnose your diesel engine problems

• Fast and accurate quotes

• A huge inventory of replacement parts

• Fast and easy ordering—call or shop online!

• Fast shipping

• Industry leading warranties

then Highway & Heavy Parts is here for you!

Popular Replacement S60 Parts from HHP

If you have a Series 60 14L engine and are looking for parts, Highway & Heavy Parts has a large selection. We can help you find the part you need!

Listed below are a few of our most popular products for the 14L:

DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 INFRAME REBUILD KIT

P200804

About This Rebuild Kit

We aren't kidding around with this kit—it features all new parts, zero core charges, and a great warranty! 

This kit also includes forged steel one piece pistons, which helps lower emissions and prevent soot saturation. They even have a longer life than your average piston! 

Need durability? That's what these components will give you. 

The premium-coated top fire rings are durable and give your engine max performance. With up to 50% off OEM pricing, this kit will take your engine the extra miles you need!

DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 14L TURBOCHARGER, NEW

P200017About This Turbocharger

Has your engine lost power? You might need a new turbo. 

This turbo is all quality—and the suppliers we work with often supply the OE as well. So, you're getting the same high-quality part. What's not to love about that? 

Manufactured in an ISO certified facility, you know you're getting the best possible part for your money. 

Isn't it time to upgrade your old turbo? Your engine will thank you.

DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 INFRAME REBUILD KIT

P254175

About This Rebuild Kit

Want new parts? This kit has new parts. 

It's made to OEM specifications, but you'll end up paying much less for this kit. 

But less money doesn't mean lower quality. This kit was manufactured in an ISO certified facility, so you know it's quality. 

The parts included are designed to last. 

Take a look at the cylinder liners, for instance. They have a liner cooling design to decrease heat retention, which in turn reduces wear. 

This kit means business!

DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 14L FUEL INJECTOR, REMANUFACTURED

P028730R

About This Fuel Injector

This injector may be remanufactured, but it runs like new! That's because it's been fully disassembled, inspected, and cleaned to ensure you're getting the best. 

That's why all critical components have been replaced. You'll be saving money, and your engine will be more efficient. 

You'll get the best possible injector for your money!

From diagnosis through delivery, we're Highway & Heavy Parts!

Related Articles:

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 12.7L AND 14L ENGINES

DETROIT DIESEL ECUS EXPLAINED: WHAT DO DIFFERENT DDEC VERSIONS DO?

HOW HAVE EPA EMISSIONS REGULATIONS AFFECTED DIESEL ENGINES? HISTORY, CHANGES, AND MORE

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Just fill out the form with your name, engine information, and the parts you need, and our ASE-Certified Technicians will get back to you with an estimate. It's as close to magic as a diesel engine gets!