Detroit Diesel 53 Series Governors Explained

Showing the difference and operation of a Single weight variable speed and a double weight limited speed governor.:)

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

The DWSL governors that are in road tractors and buses you don't usually have to add throttle to start off and people don't understand that concept. Thanks for the explaination!

[@turbogrin]

Thank you for this detailed explanation of the governor functions!

[@detroitgarage9430]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.:)

[@enriquevazquez9166]

Great video about governors I worked on v871 , 6L71 and v692 engines and only did a tune-up on a 6v53 when some guys packed the blower and when they assembled did not calibrate the 2- piece fuel rod properly and the engine speed went out of control , thanks for the video

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks and thanks for watching.:)

[@randalltaulbee4320]

Great video I have several 353t's that I run in skidders just bought a 1995 silver with 37 actual hours with a working hour meter it was a backup motor for a water pump plant runs amazing just put it in my skidder

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks, that's awesome. All my engines I buy are pretty much junk, then I rebuild them. Still economical, but can't touch a new engine with 37 hours on it, nice find. Thanks for watching.:)

[@johnwilliams911]

Good one 👍, got a stubborn oil leak where governor bolts up to rear cover on 453 I rebuilt last winter, tried everything, just the gasket, high temp silicone...515 flange sealant slowed it down but still drooling 🤤

[@detroitgarage9430]

Did you install the three copper washers? Sometimes they'll weep from there if the copper washers were missed.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@jameskilcer]

Very helpful! Got a couple Detroit projects and this was always a foggy subject

[@detroitgarage9430]

I'm glad this helps, thanks for watching.:)

[@Jon_Flys_RC]

When I was in school we had 4-53 lab engines. A kid set the rack to full fuel with the governor at shutoff. The instructor didn’t catch it and when they ran it she took off in a hurry. They shut off the fuel and crossed their fingers until it ran dry and stopped. Nothing let go but when they disassembled it the rod bolts could be turned out by hand. Juuuuuust a little bit of stretch in them.

[@detroitgarage9430]

Lol, I bet, must have been some show.:) I've never had a runaway yet, just seen some on KZbin.:)

[@josephfuller1464]

Hi and thanks so much for creating this helpful video. I have a low hours 3-53T Silver which was configured as a fire pump driver. I am soon to begin the process of adapting it for marine use. The Governor is marked "CS-LS". The engines rated speed is 3000rpm. It seems that below this speed, the engine either climbs in rpm or falls to a stall. I would like to make suitable modifications to get the engine to be variable speed and govern to a range of speeds for my application. I regularly work on a variety of diesels and am not phased by taking it apart / modifying as needed. I would especially value your support and knowledge; if you feel you can offer any input I would be very glad to hear from you. Thanks for creating such a useful and interesting engineering channel. :)

[@detroitgarage9430]

You're welcome.:) Your governor should be easy to convert from a CS-LS to a SW-VS. I think the VS type would be best for marine use as it keeps the rpm constant at any rpm you desire. You can email me at [e-mail].:)

[@josephfuller1464]

@@detroitgarage9430 Many Thanks! I will be in touch with more information. Hopefully get it up on KZbin too :)

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@josephfuller1464 Ok, sounds good.:)

[@speedmudengineering9464]

Hey If you still need a VS governor i have a few. And I'm looking for a couple of LS. Let me know here how i can contact you if you're interested.

[@martinblackwell507]

Lots of good info there, thanks for the video

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks and thanks for watching.:)

[@martinblackwell507]

@@detroitgarage9430 I need some help sourcing a sw-ls 53 series governor left side aft looking forward. Are you able to help? You have no email contact in the about information.

[@realvanman1]

I understand there also are governors that combine both the functions of the DWLS and the VS. Don’t know what those are called. Like something like a crane would have. It runs on the DWLS while driving, then switches to the LS to run the crane. I’ve thought about using one of these as the basis for a cruise control.

[@detroitgarage9430]

That's pretty sweet.:) That would be great for a truck.:) I've never seen one, but would be nice to have.:)

[@JohnSmith-kz1ll]

Can you remove the governor as a whole. I need to replace my exhaust gasket on my 2-53 just wondering if there are timing marks on the gear or if I can just pull it off so the gasket and put it back on.

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes it can be removed and it's not timed, so can be easily removed and installed.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@brandanyoder9241]

I have a 453 with a double weight governor when it's adjust up to between 1000 to 1500 rpms it stays running but when I bring it down I'm guessing to where the low speed weights do the work it just dies off I've taken it apart I don't see anything wrong with the weights or anything else but I can't find the problem was hoping u might be able to help me thanks in advance

[@detroitgarage9430]

Sounds like it's a time to run the rack, set the valves and injectors. After that then set the idle, buffer screw and then the governor gap. It should idle nicely at 550 RPM and respond to a load at idle indicating the low speed governor is working correctly. Do you have a shop manual? Section 14 is a must read for setting everything up. Thanks for watching.

[@teerex1965]

Are all 53 series governer interchangeable? I mean if I grab a DW from a v8 could I make it fit in a 453T ? Thanks for all the great info.

[@detroitgarage9430]

They will interchange from 2,3 and 4-53 inline engines and for the V engines they have different internals, so they won't fit on the inline series.:) Thanks and thanks for watching.:)

[@BenWinborn]

I have a question I have a 08 f450 farm truck and I want to put a 1984 6v-71 in it and run it with twin Cummins turbos to haul My farm equipment with do you think it would fit in my 08 f450 And do you think the 6v-71 could handle the horses of the twin turbos ?

[@detroitgarage9430]

It's going to be a lot of work to stuff it in there, but it could be done. I'm going to make a video in the future test fitting my 6V71 into my 08 F550. I test fit a 6V53 into my F350 and it fit pretty nice, so I think the 6V71 just might fit. As for turbos, up to 350HP could be possible if you watch the EGT's. Thanks for watching. Here's the test fit of the 6V53 to give you an idea of the 6V71.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKDXfIWDrstnirM

[@pierre-lucbelanger8710]

I changed a stuck injector on my 3-53 ( timberjack 225 ). After bleeding the hoses the engine starts and immediatly go full throttle. The rack moves freely but when the gorvernor cover is on it seems to get stuck on full throttle position. A guy tells me he had the same issue and he said to place the gorvernor cover when the engine is runing. Does that make any differences to put it on when the engine is running? Have you any clues or advices to solve the problem?

[@detroitgarage9430]

When you put the lid on the governor housing, make sure you get the stop level pin in the differential governor lever. It's a bit of a bear to fit in, but won't work correctly if it's not in that slot. It's best to do with the engine off and when finished move the stop lever to off and run to confirm you're getting full rack movement. If you've done that and confirmed full rack movement, then start the engine. If not still not working correctly, then look at your throttle linkage or cable for binding etc. I hope this help.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@elliottgray_89]

Awesome video. Had a question about an issue that has been perplexing me on an 8v53 on an old boat with a SWVS governor. Engine just will not idle smooth. After a couple tune ups and new injectors keeps having the same issue where it seems like the governor weights and the spring are just fighting each other causing 200rpm hunting fluctuations when it should be idling. Engine has no top end issues at all. Handles a load at speed no problem. After opening the governor cover it looks like whoever assembled it put the thrust bearing behind the riser instead of in front where it would contact the fork. Spacing looks like it should be the same and it doesn’t look like it’s preventing the weights from fully closing but it’s definitely not correct. Do you think this incorrect assembly could be causing these low end problems?

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes, definitely would cause issues. Do you have a manual? If not let me know and I'll send you a copy. If so look up the section 2 under governors and have a good look. They brake down the governors for you and you can see the order they should be in.:)

[@elliottgray_89]

@@detroitgarage9430 a manual for the governor section would be a huge help! Thank you so much. Can I send you a couple of photos of the governor?

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@elliottgray_89 Sure, my email is [e-mail].:)

[@IamSpectre2020]

I need ADVICE. I just bought a boat with two 6V92 550 hp. Both engines have about 2,400 hours. One engine has an issue with ole #3 being scored and shows exterior marking of overheating at one point. The Engine runs fine, no strange noise, no vibration. Had one mechanic come in and said you need to replace all cylinder sleeves, piston etc. while were at it you should replce the turbo all for $25,000. I have to transport the boat 800 miles at 7 knots, he says I won't make it 100 miles, the rod will go right through your block. What do you guys think, I need some feedback.

[@detroitgarage9430]

I would pull the head and inspect #3 and if need be replace the liner and piston with a new cylinder kit. If the liner is heat stressed and scored bad enough it could overheat and seize that piston. The end result is a broken liner and could bend the con rod. Worst case it could put the rod through the block. It really depends on what shape that liner and piston are. I take it you've pulled the airbox cover and had a look, what did the piston and rings look like?

[@dakotanapoli8350]

How does the stop lever work though I don't understand looking at it, we have an old Clark forklift and I'm trying to fix it it where it won't shut off with the stop lever which way does the pin need to face to shut down which way is on which way is off?

[@detroitgarage9430]

The easiest way to to pull the valve cover off and then use the stop lever to see the rack move. The racks should pull all the way out of the injector to shut down. If not you'll have to find the issue. Could be a cable? So remove stop cable and have another look. Usually something simple.:)

[@Gredan18]

I have a 1980 4-71 Detroit with a SWVS governor. The springs were pulled off prior to me getting it. I have the machine running and can control the rack with the single lever on top of governor. When I manually move the throttle lever nothing happens. Any ideas on what to check? Pictures of how the springs should be reattached?

[@detroitgarage9430]

I don't have any 4-71 governors, different from the 53 series. Best thing to do is get a shop manual and have a read.:)

[@Gredan18]

I have a shop manual but it doesn’t show or talk about where the springs connect. Thank you!

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@Gredan18 I can't speak for the 71 series manual, but should show the different governors and they're parts in the tune up section.

[@Gredan18]

@@detroitgarage9430 thanks for the quick replies. I’ll look through the manuals again.

[@errolrobinson8851]

Good morning.....can n45 injectors use on the 353t engine

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes, they will work fine.:)

[@rdukes3173]

...clear as a non-naturally aspirated oil change! Just kidding, thanks for sharing the governor internals. So, the pop quiz answers might include: - a Single Weight governor with two weights. - a Variable Speed governor keeps Constant Speed.

[@detroitgarage9430]

:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@williammorrison8284]

Really enjoy your videos I’m a mechanic and engine machinist. But the only experience I have with 2 stroke Detroit’s is mainly cylinder head rebuilding. I work for the dod now as a mechanic we have a tracked vehicle that’s eating coolant water was dripping from one side air box the guys pulled the head on that side and yes there are cracks . My question is can the sealing rings on the liners leak water into the intake port area. This is a 6/53. Your opinion would be helpful thanks

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks, Yes if the liner seals leak the coolant goes into the airbox. Usually caused from overheating and the liner seals stop sealing.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@johnnymac7634]

I have a Yale 1900 front end loader. Just a question I have for you. Once I start it up it revs completely out. I checked the linkage and all looks fine. Was wondering if a bad governor would cause this

[@detroitgarage9430]

Usually a stuck rack, throttle tube, or a buffer screw in too far. The governors are pretty full proof.:)

[@johnnymac7634]

@ thank you.

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@johnnymac7634 You're welcome.:)

[@PeterGort]

Something I always wondered : could you retrofit DDEC to a 53 series?

[@detroitgarage9430]

There's a few guys I know that have done a DDEC 53 series using 4-71 DDEC parts. Leids Diesel service have two trucks on the road as service rigs. One is a 2000's GMC DDEC 4-53T/Allison and the other is a 2009 Ford F350 DDEC 6V53T/Allison. I'd love to go see these trucks.:)

[@pulsenpal7882]

nicely done ---any difference in right vs left rotation engine governors?

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks, no it doesn't matter which direction the governor turns. Thanks for watching.:)

[@lukacosta525]

Hi can you have the 6v-53 governor series ? I want to know how it's the assembly instructions

[@detroitgarage9430]

I haven't made one yet of the 6V53. Do you have a manual? The manual gives step by step procedures for removing, rebuilding and installing. If you don't have a manual email me at [e-mail] and I'll send you a copy.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@ryansmith2541]

So in you're opinion which one would work best for tractor pulling 3 and 5mph?

[@detroitgarage9430]

The SW-VS governor is best for tractors and industrial engine, set the throttle at the desired rpm and leave it.:) The governor does the rest. Thanks for watching.:)

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

I was confused as to how to adjust the dwls on my 6v53. Still not quite sure. Different design than what I've seen before.

[@detroitgarage9430]

I'll be moving some engines around in a couple of weeks to clean up, so I'll pull the cover on my 6V53 and have a look. Worth a video as well as I get many questions on that governor as well.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@j.p.rivardtrailersales9255]

I have a 453 Detroit and will not idle, you need to keep you foot on the pedal. It's in a large forklift. It's a DW-LS Part # R5107128. What do you think I should try?. This all started after the motor was removed to replace the ring gear and since has not held an idle.

[@detroitgarage9430]

I'd do a full tune up and that will fix the issue. Thanks for watching.:)

[@ericcaraballo6113]

How can a give more rpms on a single weight in idle ?

[@detroitgarage9430]

Turn it the idle screw and that increases the idle.:)

[@jeff8514]

I bought a army genset. It has a hydraulic governor. I was told that the governor had failed. Are there any other options to replace it or do I need to source another hydraulic unit? Could I manually control the throttle on that engine?

[@detroitgarage9430]

If you want to keep it as a gen set then the hydraulic governor is the way to go. If you're using it for a vehicle then you can switch it out for a DW-LS type. I'd call Leid Diesel Service and talk with them. They'd be able to repair yours or swap it for a rebuilt unit. Thanks for watching.:)

[@dawsondurst139]

How do I know what rpm I have it set at? Do I need a tachometer?

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes, you'll need a tachometer to set it.

[@Hamradiodieselenginesandjunk12]

If aney parts got stuck inside a 453 double waght the 2 levers on the top could it cause my engine not to idle the engine runs fine but it won't idle it dies as soon as I let off the gas pedal, it's a trogan wheel loader ,I have replaced fuel hoses and fuel filters and no change thanks

[@detroitgarage9430]

Sounds like you need a tune up.:) A poorly set rack and injectors can cause this, or simply adjusting the idle.:) Do you have a manual? If not let me know and I'll send you a copy.

[@Hamradiodieselenginesandjunk12]

No I don't have a manual that would be great, was originally thinking it was a 471 but now I believe it's a 453 ,it always ran great this problem happened a while back around the time I changed the oil I had run it for a short time with 15-40 in in it now has proper sae 40

[@Hamradiodieselenginesandjunk12]

I can make a video so you can see what I have going on I have a channel that may help us ,I was thinking it was a stuck plunger inside the govener. I pulled the speed adjustment cap off and the nut and screw has surface rust like moisture had gotten in

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@Hamradiodieselenginesandjunk12 Ok try making a video and I'll have a look.:)

[@Hamradiodieselenginesandjunk12]

@@detroitgarage9430 ok cool I will let you know when it's up

[@MakersAcres]

Where do you find parts for your governors? Do you happen to have any parts diagrams for them? The top of my governor looks completely different than anything you showed. My model number is S.W.-V.S. Governor number 878. Thanks!

[@detroitgarage9430]

I buy my parts for PCIndustries and Leid diesel. I'd call Leid for the parts you need, great guys there. Here's a recent video I did rebuilding two SW-VS governors. Should be the same as yours.

[@MakersAcres]

@@detroitgarage9430 thank you! I just installed my rebuilt blower tonight from PC Industries. I think KZbin removed the link, but if it is the recent governor video you did, it is still different on the top. It doesn’t have levers or a top on it. Just a couple of large springs connected to push rods and it seems completely open which seems bad for debris especially since this is on a large compactor.

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@MakersAcres You have an open type governor.:)

[@MakersAcres]

@@detroitgarage9430 I have not found any documentation that relates to this governor. Do you have any?

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@MakersAcres Yes, it's in the shop manual. Covers all the governors used on the 53 series.:)

[@ernestobermudez7191]

Buen dia amigo usted me dio la calibracion del motor 3-53 . Pero la herramienta para el inyector no la tengo e visto q lo hcaen con un berniel cual seria la altura en medida por favir

[@detroitgarage9430]

Puede usar una pinza para configurar los inyectores, hice un video de esto en alguna parte. A ver si lo encuentro y te mando el enlace :)

[@tysonmathews8776]

I have 2 8v53N’s in my boat. The starboard recently started to “hunt” (rough idle) on initial start up, then after I give some throttle for a little bit, it’s like a switch flips and idles perfectly. What do you suspect that issue is?

[@detroitgarage9430]

Check fuel filters and make sure there's no water in the fuel. If the fuel filters are getting clogged or water in the fuel this could happen. If that's not the case, then adjust the buffer screw and that should fix the issue. How cold is it when you're starting the engine? They will hunt for a short period before running smooth when it's cold. If you don't add throttle how long does it hunt for before running smooth? Thanks for watching.:)

[@tysonmathews8776]

@@detroitgarage9430 now that you said buffer screw. Guarantee that’s exactly what it is. I adjusted that one out to try and bring rpm’s lower to match the port side. I should put it back and adjust the port up to match starboard. Thanks! Not cold. 85 degrees.

[@hambrickshomestead2799]

Know it does not pertain to the current video but I'm looking for the rear main seal tool for a 2-53 Detroit diesel, Any idea in where to get them?

[@detroitgarage9430]

No sorry I don't, I ended up making one out of an old liner to install the seal.

[@hambrickshomestead2799]

@@detroitgarage9430 Thank you.

[@johndjessupable]

Any chance anyone has a link for a 453 tune up kit/tool? Thanks!

[@detroitgarage9430]

Check craigslist and Ebay. From time to time they come up for sale.:)

[@wharold2582]

I am looking for a passenger side vs governor for a 353 .

[@detroitgarage9430]

All mine are drivers side.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@mikemarczynski6906]

10:23 can a 453 Detroit generator motor be turned in to a road truck motor

[@mikemarczynski6906]

It seems to me that I would just have to spin the head around to get the governor on the driver side rear of the motor but then it looks like the exhaust will interfere with the blower I have never tried this before and there is nobody in my area that does anything with these and parts are extremely hard to come by

[@mikemarczynski6906]

Are we just use a very long throttle cable

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes, you need to change the governor to DW-LS unit and the flywheel to an automotive stlye.

[@detroitgarage9430]

No need to spin the head around, the govennor can be on either of the engine.:)

[@detroitgarage9430]

I'm using a Ford V10 throttle cable on my 4-53T and it works great. Swapped into a 2009 Ford F350.:)

[@gordoncorey8023]

How's that 253 doing in that Fort little forklift.

[@detroitgarage9430]

I haven't installed it in yet,(winter project) will be giving it a paint job in the coming weeks and then put it on my dyno to break it in.:)

[@errolrobinson8851]

Good day, I have a 353t hard to start issue but after the initial start subsequent start are ok until it sit again for a 2-3 hour then it becomes difficult to start. We had the injectors service. During the period of hard starting brownish smoke comes out of the exhaust. Whenever it eventually start with the aid of some starting fluid it gave off a big puff of a brown smoke. Can you assist me to further troubleshoot this issue please. Injectors goes to full fuel during starting.

[@detroitgarage9430]

Have you done a compression test on this engine? What temperature is it when you first start it?

[@errolrobinson8851]

@@detroitgarage9430 morning..nevet done a compression check. We in the tropics so our temperatures is usually around low to mid 80⁰c

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@errolrobinson8851 The reason I'm asking if it's warm like that, then that's one of the reasons for hard starting. Check fuel filters and air cleaner as well.:) In those temps it should start right up. So you have to check the basics, then do a full tune up. If it's still hard starting then check compression.

[@philipjohnston1749]

Mine has done that since new could that be a check valve on the supply line for fuel to the head leaking , or I don't have the restriction fitting coming out of the head

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@philipjohnston1749 Possible, the return line out of the head has .70 or .80 orifice to restrict fuel coming out. This in turn keeps the correct fuel pressure. Easy way to check is put a fuel pressure gauge on the secondary filter and you'll be able to see what pressure you have. Idle is usually around 25 psi and 2000-2500 around 50-55 psi.

[@dawsondurst139]

Would you be able to rebuild a 3-53 governor for me?

[@detroitgarage9430]

I'm currectly rebuilding four 53 series governors, but if you're not in a hurry I could rebuild yours after I finish these up.

[@dawsondurst139]

@@detroitgarage9430 that would be great. I guess I’m not 100% sure it’s the problem or not. Engine is not real quick on throttle response but will eventually rev up to full throttle but as soon as the engine gets under load it just has no power. Feels like it’s at maybe half throttle. I had a guy tell me he thinks the engine itself is out of time but it runs so nice at an idle I wouldn’t think so. He checked the governor and said it’s ok but I’m not sure he is that familiar with Detroits. Do you think it could be out of time? or the governor not working? Thanks!

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@dawsondurst139 Yes a full tune up it essential for a good running Detroit. If the rack, injectors and valves are out of adjustment it will effect performance. What application is it in? How many hours or mileage on the engine? You'll need to find someone or learn to tune it yourself. I wouldn't suspect the governor until a tuneup is complete.:)

[@dawsondurst139]

It’s in a timberjack skidder. We had a guy supposedly rebuild it but come to find out we don’t think we got a rebuilt engine. Whole situation is a mess. I’m having a hard time finding someone in my area (southern MN) that knows what they are doing with them. Thank you for the advice and information!

[@detroitgarage9430]

@@dawsondurst139 Your welcome.:)

[@skrub9573]

are all of the governor box cases the same? as in can I take a VS and swap internals with a LS or vice versa?

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes they are, VS and LS are the same, but the lids are different. Thanks for watching.:)

[@skrub9573]

@@detroitgarage9430 awesome thanks for the info

[@gordoncorey8023]

K cool thank you 😉

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks for watching.:)

[@gordoncorey8023]

Like a throw out bering

[@detroitgarage9430]

Yes almost identical.:) Thanks for watching.:)

[@JeffMorrison-f8c]

I want to convert a 4-53 or 4-71 detroit to a common rail injection

[@detroitgarage9430]

That is possible using Detroit DDEC or a CP3 pump and injectors out of a Duramax.

[@prevost8686]

👍

[@detroitgarage9430]

Thanks for watching.:)

[@OvidioTamez]

Plis. Spanis

[@jr2856]

Have a pic of a Detroit mitor need I g an ID please. Its a dw ls I know that. Sitting in a 6x6 drive train. Anyone want a crack at ID'ing it hit me up please..

[@detroitgarage9430]

If you leave a serial number I can ID it for you.:)

[@davidetroitdieselnaveia8937]

[@detroitgarage9430]

Obrigado por assistir. :)