453 Detroit Diesel Specsby Tim McQuade
The Detroit Diesel 453 -- or 4-53 -- was a heavy-duty diesel engine. The "4" represented the number of cylinders in the engine while the "53" denoted the cubic-inch displacement per cylinder of the engine. The engine could be used in a wide range of applications, such as commercial, agricultural and marine equipment. The "53" engine series was first manufactured by Detroit Diesel in 1957 and the 4-53 was sold into the late 20th century.
The 453 was a two-cycle, four-cylinder engine, model number 5043-7000. The bore by stroke of the engine was 3.875 by 4.5 inches, or 98 by 114 mm. The compression ratio was 21 to 1. The total displacement of the engine was 212 cubic inches, or 3.48 liters. The rated gross output of the engine was 140 horsepower at 2,800 rpm in 60 degree Fahrenheit temperature, and 136 horsepower at 2,800 rpm in 85 degree Fahrenheit temperature. The continuous gross power was 93 horsepower at 2,400 rpm at 85 degree Fahrenheit. The torque output in 85 degree Fahrenheit temperature was 282 foot-pounds at 1,800 rpm. The 453T--turbocharged--could get power outputs as high as 175 horsepower at 2,500 rpm.
The engine length was 39 inches, the engine width was 27 inches and the height was 37 inches. The net dry weight--without any fluids--was 1,110 pounds. The engine used a 22-inch five-blade exhaust manifold fan and a 20-degree-incline angle oil pan. The 453T weight approximately 1,300 pounds and was 39 inches long, 27 inches wide and 37 inches high.
The engine featured a 12-volt, 42-amp alternator as well as a 12-volt starting motor and a crankshaft pulley. The engine used a variable speed with throttle controlled governor and the flywheel and flywheel housing were SAE model #4. The fuel injector was cam-operated, clean-tip unit type while the oil lubrication filter featured a full flow system.
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