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Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

February 26, 2015, 04:51:56 pm

I have the DD manual but it doesn't say anything about tuneups. This is DEFINITELY the old mechanical, non-computerized engine so I don't even know what to look for or ask to have done.
It gets 8.1 to 9.0 towing our 2006 Saturn Vue so maybe nothing needed but , its winter and I thought I would poll the experts here.

Thanks,  Norm

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #1 – February 26, 2015, 06:21:47 pm

Norm
  Old DD were built for real mechanics. There is a need for regular tuneups. This included valve adjustment with a feeler gauge, injector height tool with a specific number depending on injector # and horsepower. Then the fuel racks need to be checked for wear and adjusted. The governor then needs set for idle & no load speed. I cut my teeth on engines like this. You might have problem finding someone who loves these engines. Most kids today never have worked on them or have the specs or tools. Look for a older person who has been in the navy or marine busniness.
          Hope this helps a little. Hammer

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #2 – February 26, 2015, 07:43:03 pm

This was Detroit Diesel's first 4 cycle engine. Best to call around to shops that specialize in boat diesels. Only a few will have the tools necessary to set injectors, etc. I have been driving Detroit 2 cycles since the 1960's but until 3 years ago, I had never heard of the 8.2 four cycle. Keeping the cooling system working well seems to be the key to longevity. They only have four cylinder head fasteners per cylinder and an open deck block so not good to overheat one. Unlike the 2 cycles, they are high RPM engines designed for medium duty but  known for getting excellent fuel mileage.

A couple of years ago, there was a website that specialized in the 8.2 but I can't find them now.

Pierce

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #3 – February 27, 2015, 12:06:56 am

Thanks, all. I don't know of any marine engine repair outfits this far inland, but there is a Diesel service place about 4 blocks away that I will go check with to see if there is an old Fa** that knows my engine.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #4 – February 27, 2015, 02:05:02 am

Go over here to Diesel Talk Forums - FREE Diesel Engine Forums
Sign up and go into the Detroit thread make a post to joez and or david. These 2 guys have forgotton more than most will ever know about detroit diesels. Joez is in Fl.and David is a engineer at DD in Austrailia. 2 good guys to know when needing questions answered.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #5 – February 27, 2015, 07:20:10 am

Hello Nitehawk,
Be prepared to receive many negative comments regarding this engine, I have run them for years and do like them. Despite what folks say they are good engines. They do require a very knowledgeable tech to perform the routine"tune-up" which consist of adjusting the valves and setting the injectors. This requires a special set of tools to accomplish. I don't know where you live but there is an excellent diesel shop here in Knoxville TN that knows this engine very well. Usually if it is starting and running well and smooth then aside from normal service you probably do not need to do anything further. If you need more info please let me know.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #6 – February 27, 2015, 08:40:58 am

They were better engines after DD started using 15 mm head bolts over using 14 mm head bolts. They also used a better head gasket.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #7 – February 27, 2015, 09:02:13 am

Again, thanks all!! This is the best place to find info and the best people to get it from!!

Our coach has 78,000 miles on it. The engine starts almost too quickly, within 1/2 a revolution. I would bet that after sitting all of six months in storage that when I put the batteries back in it will start within 1/2 revolution. Two years ago it did just that while the DW, our G-daughter's husband, and the storage building's owner were standing by the tailpipe. They all commented on how they were expecting it to take awhile to start.
Without having any problems with the engine right now I think I have time to really look around to find someone qualified to tune this lovable old beast, even tho most people don't love it

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Reply #8 – February 27, 2015, 09:54:42 am

Went to the Diesel Talk Forum. About 90 "pages". None complimentary of the 8.2L DD. Most posters said to RUN AWAY from 8.2L(too late).
Main suggestion was to get rid of it and put in a Cat or "Comeapart" engine. (I think he meant Cummins)
One poster had a handle: Stump. Another was Brett. Kinda wonder about that.

They never did mention what Cat or Cummins would fit. I now know we have a very unpopular engine, but at the time of purchase, "Ignorance was bliss". Guess that's what I got for being so enamored with the quality and condition of our GV.
Only about $20,000 invested in it, runs great, probably couldn't get much for it as a tradein, probably not realistic to replace engine.
SO-O-O, guess we will just enjoy what we got, take care of it, not abuse or overwork the engine, and kiss it goodbye when we can no longer go.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #9 – February 27, 2015, 10:30:08 am

Norm sent you a PM. 

Some said the same rhing about the CAT3208T, especially the 300HP version.

Drove it little over 55K miles, started on 1/2 a turn at 15, when my dads gas MH had trouble..

Trade? If you love it why? Yes you could ...

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #10 – February 27, 2015, 10:46:19 am

Your 8.2 is new enough that all the major design upgrades are on it. In your application, as long as you don't overheat it, it will probably run forever. They are often called "fuel pinchers". They aren't the best engines out there, but many people have good life out of them, especially in light RV use.

They do get better fuel mileage than the two strokes.

You can often find the special tools to set the injectors and do the tune up on ebay for a few hundred bucks. Not my first choice of engines, but I almost boat a boat with them in it.

The internet is full of "experts"...ignore most of them.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #11 – February 27, 2015, 10:54:04 am

Nitehawk,

I think many posters passed over the remedies that George mentions. Yes, there were problems with an open deck design along with 4 bolts per cylinder but as above, an improved head gasket along with larger head bolts greatly reduced the problems. Ford/Navistar did the same going from 6.9 liters to 7.3.

This is physically a small engine and was designed for medium duty applications. You can't compare it to the very heavy duty 2 cycle that Detroit makes in size, weight or application it was designed for. With the later modifications, you can expect a long and economical life from your engine. While boaters may get around 600 HP from our 6V-92TA, trying to get the same HP per liter from an engine designed for medium duty and expecting long life may not be realistic. Recreational vehicles are light duty for diesels and with proper oil changes and maintenance, your engine will probably see several more owners.

Pierce

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Reply #12 – February 27, 2015, 11:17:21 am

I think Berndt, in NAC, would be knowledgeable enough to work on your 8.2. If you are still spending winters in S. Texas, swing by NAC on the way home.

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Re: Tuning an 8.2 DD turbo V8

Reply #13 – February 27, 2015, 12:02:09 pm

Thanks, all.
 Kent, we stayed home this winter as we were expecting two new great-grandsons (we weren't disappointed) and the DW wanted to be here for it. And what my DW wants she gets 'cause I try to make sure of it!
I'll keep Berndt in mind for our next trip, but, just maybe our engine is running ok? Old adage of: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" might apply here?

Still would be interested as to worth in a trade or what engine would fit and be worth changing to. (Dreaming)

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