1. The Light & Medium-Duty Families

These engines were designed in the early 1980s as a joint venture with Case Corporation (known as the Consolidated Diesel Corporation).

• B-Series (3.9L & 5.9L): Introduced in 1984.

  • 4BT (3.9L): The 4-cylinder version used in bread trucks, small equipment, and marine applications.

  • 6BT (5.9L): The legendary 12-valve inline-six. While used industrially since '84, it debuted in the Dodge Ram in 1989, changing the pickup truck market forever.

• C-Series (8.3L): Introduced in 1985.

  • 6C / 6CT / 6CTA: An 8.3L inline-six that sits between the B-series and the heavy-duty N-series. It powered medium-duty trucks, transit buses, and large agricultural equipment.

2. The "Big Cam" & Heavy-Duty Series

These were the backbone of Class 8 long-haul trucking from the 1970s through the late 1980s.

• NH / NT 855 Series: First appearing in the late 1950s as the "NH," it evolved into the NT855.

  • Big Cam I, II, III, and IV: Throughout the 1970s and 80s, these iterations improved cooling and fuel efficiency. The Big Cam IV (1985) was the final mechanical evolution of this 14-liter giant before it became the N14.

• L10 Series (10.0L): Introduced in 1982.

  • Designed to be a lighter, more compact alternative to the 855 for city "vocational" trucks and buses. It was Cummins' first major success in the British bus market.

• V-Series (Small & Large V8s):

  • V-555 (9.1L): Known as the "Triple Nickel," used in mid-sized trucks and marine vessels.

  • V-903 (14.8L): A high-performance V8 used in heavy trucks (like the Ford Louisville) and famously in the M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

3. The Industrial & High-Horsepower Series

These engines powered mining trucks, locomotives, and massive power generators.

• K-Series

  • 19L, 38L, 50L

• KT19, KTA19, KTA38 (Introduced in the 1970s).

  • V-Series (Large)

  • 28L - VTA28 (Used in mining and marine).

• There are still plenty of these old Dodge diesels on the road and working hard. Even though this is a popular generation of Dodge trucks, the best Cummins engine, according to many enthusiasts, would come later.

4. 5.9L Cummins Second Generation Diesel Engine (1994–2002)

The second generation of the Cummins engine was still in the 5.9-liter format, but it added a Bosch P7100 mechanical injection pump. The trucks with this refreshed engine also had an upgraded body design. The second generation was known for its economical and simplistic design, much like the first. Despite the fact that two engines were part of this generation, it’s still considered a single generation in the history of Cummins engines in Dodge trucks.

1. The Two-Stroke "Series" Families

These engines were modular, meaning many parts (pistons, valves, etc.) were interchangeable within a series regardless of the number of cylinders.

Series 92 - 1974

6, 8, 12, 16 (V)

8V92 Silver: The king of 80s highway trucks & fire trucks.

• The 6-71: Perhaps the most famous diesel engine in history. It powered the Allied Higgins boats on D-Day and remained in production for decades.

• The "Screamin' Jimmy": A nickname given to these engines because the two-stroke cycle produces a high-pitched exhaust note that sounds like it's revving twice as fast as it actually is.

2. The Early Four-Stroke Transition (1980s)

By the 1980s, emissions and fuel economy standards forced Detroit Diesel to move toward four-stroke designs.

• 8.2L "Fuel Pincher" (1980–1990): This was Detroit’s first light-to-medium duty four-stroke V8. It was commonly found in school buses and GMC/Chevrolet medium-duty trucks. It was designed for economy but gained a reputation for being somewhat fragile (specifically regarding head gaskets).

• Series 60 (1987–2011): This was a revolutionary engine. Introduced in 1987, it was a clean-sheet, four-stroke, inline-six design. It was the first heavy-duty diesel to feature DDEC (Detroit Diesel Electronic Control) as standard, making it the most technologically advanced engine of the late 80s.

3. Gray Marine & Specialty Versions

During WWII and the decades following, many Detroit engines were branded differently for specific uses:

• Gray Marine 6-71: The naval version of the Series 71.

• 6051 Quad-71: A massive power unit consisting of four 6-71 engines geared to a single output shaft, used for heavy naval propulsion.

• Series 110: Often used in "Twin" configurations for rail and generator sets.

How to Decipher a Detroit Diesel Name

Prior to 1990, the names told you exactly what was inside. For example, an 8V92TA:

• 8: Number of cylinders.

• V: Cylinder arrangement (V-shape).

• 92: Displacement per cylinder in cubic inches (92 x 8 = 736 total cubic inches).

• T: Turbocharged.

• A: Aftercooled.

1. The 2.0-Litre Diesel (1957–1961)

The "ancestor" of the line, this was Land Rover’s first in-house diesel. It was a "wet-liner" engine, meaning the cylinder sleeves were in direct contact with the coolant.

• Found in: Late Series I and early Series II.

• Characteristics: Underpowered (approx. 52 hp) and now quite rare. It established the overhead-valve (OHV) layout used for decades.

2. The 2.25-Litre Diesel (10J) (1961–1984)

This is the "classic" Series diesel. It was a "dry-liner" design, sharing many components (like the block casting) with its petrol sibling.

• Found in: Series IIA and Series III.

• Characteristics: Known for being indestructible but very slow. It produced about 62 hp.

• Key Update: In 1980, it was upgraded from a 3-bearing to a 5-bearing crankshaft, which significantly improved the engine's longevity and reduced vibration.

3. The 2.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated (12J) (1984–1994)

When the Land Rover Ninety and One Ten (pre-Defender) were launched, the 2.25 was bored out to 2.5 litres. It featured a more modern Bosch rotary fuel injection pump and a timing belt instead of a chain.

• Found in: Early 90, 110, and 127.

• Characteristics: Often called the "2.5 NA." It bumped power to 68 hp. It is widely considered one of the most reliable engines Land Rover ever built, though it struggles to maintain highway speeds.

4. The 2.5-Litre Turbo Diesel (19J) (1986–1990)

Land Rover’s first attempt at factory turbocharging a diesel to compete with faster Japanese imports. It was essentially a 12J with a Garrett turbo bolted on and some internal strengthening (Teflon-coated pistons, tougher valves).

• Found in: Late 80s 90 and 110 models.

• Characteristics: Produced 85 hp. While it felt much faster than the NA, it gained a reputation for overheating and cracked cylinder heads if driven hard.

1. The Early "Workhorse" Era (1949–1968)

These engines were notoriously slow but laid the foundation for the "unbreakable" Mercedes reputation.

• OM 636 (1.7L/1.8L): Produced from 1949–1990. The first post-war diesel, found in the 170D and 180D "Ponton." While it only made about 40 hp, it remained in production for 40 years for marine and industrial use.

• OM 621 (1.9L/2.0L): Produced from 1956–1968. Used in the 190D (W121/W110) "Fintail" models. This was an evolution of the 636, moving toward more modern SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) architecture.

2. The Golden Age of Mechanical Diesels (1968–1985)

This era produced the engines most famous for reaching 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles with basic maintenance.

• OM 615

  • I4 - 2.0L / 2.2L

  • W115 (200D/220D), W123 (200D)

• OM 616

  • I4 - 2.4L; highly reliable

  • W115 & W123 (240D), Unimog

• OM 617

  • I5 - 3.0L; first 5-cylinder diesel

  • W115 (300D), W123 (300D)

• OM 617A

  • I5 - Turbocharged; first of its kind - W116 (300SD), W123 (300D Turbo)

• The OM 617: Widely considered the best diesel engine ever made for a passenger car. The 1978 turbocharged version (OM 617A) in the 300SD was the world's first production turbodiesel sedan.

3. The Modern Refinement Era (1983–1990)

In the mid-80s, Mercedes replaced the heavy, loud "cast-iron" engines with smoother, quieter, and faster units that used hydraulic lifters (no more manual valve adjustments).

• OM 601 (I4): The 2.0L/2.2L replacement for the 616. Found in the 190D 2.2 and early W124 200D.

• OM 602 (I5): The 2.5L successor to the 617. It was significantly quieter and powered the 190D 2.5 and the 300D 2.5 (W124).

• OM 603 (I6): A 3.0L/3.5L Inline-6 that brought "executive" power to diesel.

  • The 300SDL (W126) and 300D (W124) used the 3.0L version.

  • The 350SD/SDL (1990) used the 3.5L version, though it was later nicknamed the "Rod Bender" due to some early reliability issues with that specific displacement.

4. Heavy-Duty & Commercial Workhorses

While the cars were famous, Mercedes trucks and buses used massive engines that moved the world's commerce.

• OM 312 / 321: The 1950s truck staples. The OM 312 A (1954) was Mercedes' first turbocharged truck engine.

• OM 352: A legendary 5.7L inline-six introduced in 1964. It is the "small block Chevy" of the European truck world, powering millions of trucks, buses, and Unimogs.

• OM 400 Series (V6, V8, V10): Massive modular engines used in heavy-duty shipping and the NG (New Generation) trucks throughout the 70s and 80s.

1. The "Million-Mile" Workhorses (TD & SD Series)

These were largely gear-driven or pushrod engines (OHV) designed for maximum longevity in trucks and 4x4s.

• SD Series - 2.0L – 3.3L

  • SD22, SD25, SD33/T

    • Datsun 720, Patrol MQ, IH Scout II.

• TD Series - 2.3L – 4.2L

  • TD23, TD27, TD42

    • Patrol GQ (Y60), Navara D21, Terrano.

• FD Series - 3.3L – 4.6L

  • FD33, FD35, FD42

    • Nissan Atlas, Cabstar, and heavy trucks.

• ED Series - 3.0L – 3.5L

  • ED30, ED33, ED35

    • Nissan Civilian buses and Atlas trucks.

• TD42 ("The Silver Top"): Introduced in 1987, this 4.2L straight-six is legendary in the off-road community. It is a completely mechanical, gear-timed engine known for being nearly indestructible.

• SD33T: One of the first popular turbocharged small diesels, used in the International Scout II and the Nissan Patrol MQ in the early 80s.

2. Passenger Car & Luxury Diesels (LD & RD Series)

These were smoother, overhead-cam (SOHC) engines designed to compete with Mercedes-Benz in refinement.

• LD28 (2.8L I-6): Produced from 1977–1986. This was the diesel version of the famous L-series gas engine (from the 240Z). It powered the Nissan Maxima and Cedric, and was a popular choice for marine conversions.

• RD28 / RD28T (2.8L I-6): The successor to the LD28, introduced in 1985. It was used in the Skyline R31 and Patrol Y60. The turbocharged version (RD28T) was common in European-spec Patrols before 1990.

• LD20 (2.0L I-4): The four-cylinder sibling to the LD28, found in the Nissan Bluebird and Vanette during the 80s.

3. Compact & Economy Diesels (CD Series)

Designed for front-wheel-drive economy cars and small vans.

• CD17 (1.7L): Introduced in 1982. This tiny diesel powered the Nissan Sentra (B11) and Sunny. It was famous for achieving 50+ MPG in the early 1980s.

• CD20 (2.0L): A slightly larger version introduced in the late 80s for the Nissan Pulsar and Primera.

4. Heavy-Duty & UD Commercial Series

Nissan Diesel (now UD Trucks) produced massive industrial engines for commercial shipping and trucking.

• UD Series (2-Stroke): Produced from the 1950s through the 1970s. These were unique "Uniflow" 2-stroke diesels (UD3, UD4, UD6) that competed with Detroit Diesel.

• PE6 / PD6: Heavy-duty inline-sixes used in the Nissan C-Series trucks throughout the 1970s and 80s.

• RE8 / RF8 / RE10: Massive V8 and V10 diesel engines used in heavy tractors and the "Resona" truck series in the late 80s.

1. The Land Cruiser & Heavy Duty Series (Straight-6)

These engines are famous for their "million-mile" reputation and gear-driven timing.

• H - The early "tractor" diesel; found in the HJ45.

  • 3.6L

  • 1967–1980

• 2H - Legendary reliability. Found in the HJ60 and HJ75.

  • 4.0L

  • 1980–1990

• 12H-T: Turbocharged direct-injection version of the 2H; highly coveted.

  • 4.0L

  • 1985–1990

• 1HZ -Introduced in early 1990 for the 80 Series Land Cruiser.

  • 4.2L

  • 1990 (Early)

2. The Hilux, Hiace & 4Runner Series (L-Family)

This was Toyota's first diesel family to use a timing belt instead of gears/chains, prioritizing a smoother, quieter drive.

• L (2.2L): 1977–1983. Found in the early Hilux and Cressida.

• 2L (2.4L): 1980–1990+. The workhorse of the 80s Hilux and 4Runner.

• 2L-T (2.4L Turbo): 1982–1990+. Introduced factory turbocharging to the Hilux range.

• 2L-TE (2.4L Turbo EFI): 1982–1990+. One of the first diesels to use electronic fuel injection.

• 3L (2.8L): 1988–1990+. A larger, naturally aspirated evolution of the 2L.

3. The Industrial & Commercial Series (B-Family)

These are large-displacement inline-fours with gear-driven cams, used in the Land Cruiser "BJ" series and Dyna trucks.

• B (3.0L): 1974–1988. Found in the BJ40 Land Cruiser.

• 2B (3.2L): 1977–1982.

• 3B (3.4L): 1980–1990. Arguably the most famous B-series engine.

• 11B (3.0L DI): 1984–1990. Direct-injection version of the B engine.

• 13B / 13B-T (3.4L DI): 1984–1989. The 13B-T (Turbo) is considered one of Toyota's best-performing 4-cylinder diesels.

• 14B (3.7L): 1988–1990+. A heavy-duty direct-injection unit.

4. Passenger Car Diesels (C & N Families)

These were smaller, lighter engines designed for front-wheel-drive cars and taxis.

• C (1.5L): 1959–1961. Toyota's first compact diesel for the Crown.

• 1C (1.8L): 1982–1990. Powering the Corolla (CE70/80) and Carina.

• 2C / 2C-T (2.0L): 1983–1990+. Found in the Camry, Corona, and TownAce vans.

• 1N (1.5L): 1986–1990+. A tiny diesel specifically for the Starlet and Tercel.

5. Specialty & Industrial Engines

• J (2.3L) & 2J (2.5L): 1964–1983. Used in heavy trucks, forklifts, and the early Toyoace.

• 1W (4.0L): 1983–1995. Built by Hino for Toyota; used in the Dyna and various marine applications.

• 1DZ (2.5L): 1989–1990+. An industrial engine primarily found in Toyota forklifts

1. The 1.5L Inline-4 (1976–1980)

This was VW's first production diesel engine, debuting in the Golf (Rabbit) and later the Jetta.

• Engine Code: CK

• Specs: ~48–50 hp.

• Impact: It was revolutionary for its time, achieving over 45 MPG. However, it was prone to head bolt issues, which were mostly fixed in the later 1.6L versions.

2. The 1.6L Inline-4 (1980–1991)

The 1.6L is the most iconic "classic" VW diesel. It powered the Golf/Jetta Mk1 and Mk2, the Vanagon, and even the Iltis military vehicle.

• CR, JK, JP, ME

  • 52–54 hp

  • The standard "non-turbo" workhorse.

• Turbocharged (TD)

  • CY, JR, MF

  • 68–70 hp

  • Added significant highway capability.

• ECODiesel

  • 1V - 59–60 hp

  • A late-80s version with a smaller turbo for better emissions.

  • Reliability Note: These engines transitioned from solid lifters (requiring manual adjustments) to hydraulic lifters around 1985/1986.

3. The 1.9L Pre-TDI Engines (1988–1990+)

Just before the "TDI" revolution, VW introduced the 1.9L displacement. While most famous in the 90s, the earliest versions appeared right at the end of the 80s.

• 1.9L N/A (1Y): Introduced around 1989. A 64 hp engine used in the Passat B3 and Polo.

• 1.9L Turbo (AAZ): While mostly known as a 90s engine, development and early production units began in the very late 80s for non-US markets.

4. Large Vehicle & Commercial Engines

Volkswagen produced several larger diesel engines for their LT trucks and vans, often using 5- or 6-cylinder layouts.

• 2.4L Inline-6 (D24): Introduced in 1978.

  • Found in the VW LT truck.

  • Famously supplied to Volvo for the 240, 740, and 940 diesel sedans.

  • A turbocharged version (D24T) was released in 1982.

• 2.0L Inline-5: A rare 5-cylinder version of the 1.6L, used primarily in the Audi 100 and some VW industrial applications in the late 70s and early 80s.

• 1.7L Iltis Diesel: A specialized 1.7L version (code 1C) used in the military Iltis 4x4.

5. The Historic Shift (1989)

• The First TDI (1T): In 1989, the Volkswagen Group (via Audi) released the 2.5L 5-cylinder TDI in the Audi 100. This was the world's first large-scale production Turbocharged Direct Injection engine, ending the IDI era and setting the stage for every VW diesel that followed.