DD 3-53 Parts Info

[Higgins]

Goo day, and thanks you for letting me join. I am in the process of building a firewood processor (cuts, splits) in one motion. I picked up an un-used 3-35 military surplus (almost complete). It was configured for laying on it side. The model number is 5083-7001. Sn 3D-21119. I am struggling to locate the correct parts manual for this MO#. I have purchased a few parts and service manuals, however the do not address this particular model number, lots of other model numbers are available. The parts order plate is missing off the valve cover. According to the service and part manuals, the dealers have the info on the parts order plate by serial and model number. So far, no dealers are responding. Even contacted corporate. Now MTU.

I have two questions and can sure use expert direction.
#1-Does anyone know where or how to obtain the parts order plate?
#2- Can anyone direct me where to find the service and parts manuals for this model? Any help will be appreciated.
surplus.jpg.
Thanks for your help

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome aboard!

If it is a military service replacement engine, it is very likely to have application-specific appointments (not available in the civilian market, and unique to that application). Your best bet is to locate the military asset tag, then find the manual for the equipment it is used. Many/most mil-spec manuals for older equipment are available online, and usually cover everything, down to the nuts & bolts.

[CoyleJR]

Welcome to the DieselPage,

I have rebuilt many 53, 71 & 92 series DD motors and I have never seen an inline DD desined to lay on it's side. Look at the direction the oil dipstick points and that will tell you which way is down on the motor. There should be a long build sheet (metal) tag on the valve cover. That tag will tell you all about the motor. Additionally, if it was a military motor it could have a 24 volt starter. You have a good uncomplicated motor that is easy to maintain and will run forever. Books for a DD-53 should be pretty much the same for all of them.

Good luck
John

[Higgins]

Welcome aboard!

If it is a military service replacement engine, it is very likely to have application-specific appointments (not available in the civilian market, and unique to that application). Your best bet is to locate the military asset tag, then find the manual for the equipment it is used. Many/most mil-spec manuals for older equipment are available online, and usually cover everything, down to the nuts & bolts.

Thanks for the quick reply. I thought there was a reason I could not find anything on it. The 5038-7001 model designation is assigned to "Vehicular" from what I can find. There is no asset tag or valve cover parts tag.

I appreciate your input. Thanks

I have two step-sons who are heavy equipment diesel mechanics, once I get the missing parts they will assist (or I assist them more likely) to get the thing running.

[Higgins]

Thanks for you input. There is no tag or plate on the valve cover. It does have a 24 volt starter & alternator, you are correct. No big deal there, not going to run anything electrical, just us the alternator to charge the batteries.
The service manuals are pretty much generic, you are correct. The part number manual is specific to the 5083-7001 model. Thanks for your input.

[a5150nut]

Might try Jensales.com they might be of help

I remember the 671 inline Detroits came in 9 different configurations not counting left and right rotation.

[Higgins]

Thanks for the quick reply. I thought there was a reason I could not find anything on it. The 5038-7001 model designation is assigned to "Vehicular" from what I can find. There is no asset tag or valve cover parts tag.

I appreciate your input. Thanks

I have two step-sons who are heavy equipment diesel mechanics, once I get the missing parts they will assist (or I assist them more likely) to get the thing running.

Have looked everywhere including the library of congress and DOD service manuals and records for the parts manual and build to list for the 5038-7001 with no success. The application I will use the engine for a firewood processor, nothing special. A couple dealers sent me parts manuals that do not address the 5038-7001, and I was told there was no such designation.. took a pic of the MO/SM engravings on the block, I'm not misreading the ID. Since the configuration does not matter to me, can I assume going with the standard parts I need. Really frustrating when DD Corporate cannot help and sends you on wild goose chases...

Thanks for your consideration.

[DmaxMaverick]

You really need to identify the application, and perhaps the service and/or production dates. That engine configuration is unique. I've never seen one in the wild, although I don't know if I haven't. Going by the description, specification (of the DD 3-53), and the low profile configuration, the only thing that comes to mind may be an aircraft carrier tow tractor, specifically a variation of the MD-3. I have some experience with them, but have never been under the hood that I recall. The tow tractors I've seen were on the USS Forrestal in the mid 80's, but were used on most all the older carriers for decades. By the descriptions and (vague) specifications I could find lately, they were equipped with a ~100 HP Diesel, and they certainly sounded like a DD, or some 2-cycle Diesel, fueled with JP-5 or 8 (kerosene-based jet fuel). They were very low profile, for low center of gravity operation on a pitching flight deck and the ability to operate under aircraft wings. The powertrains, according to some "scale model" websites, were updated over the years, although I have no details on that.

As far as parts go, just speculating, the short block internals may be standard for the series, but the remainder would likely be unique. Turning an engine on it's side creates many unique conditions with lubrication (including lubricated components), cooling, and accessory systems.