Detroit Diesel DD15
Used Detroit Diesel DD15 Engine for Sale
The DD15 is Detroit's 14.8-liter heavy-duty engine and the most common powertrain in Freightliner Cascadia tractors. Send us your engine serial number and emissions generation and we search supplier sources nationwide for a matching used DD15.
Detroit Diesel DD15 at a glance
- Displacement
- 14.8 L (about 905 cu in)
- Configuration
- Inline 6-cylinder, dual overhead cam, amplified common-rail fuel system
- Typical horsepower range
- About 400 to 505 hp depending on rating
- Production era
- Introduced for the 2007 emissions era (late 2000s) to present
- Emissions / aftertreatment
- EPA07: EGR and DPF; EPA10 and later: adds SCR (DEF); GHG14 and GHG17 updates
- Common applications
- Freightliner Cascadia and Coronado, Western Star, other Daimler Truck chassis
Identification
How to identify your DD15
Read us the engine serial number. On DD-platform engines it is stamped on the cylinder block and also printed on an engine label; the serial number is stored in the MCM (engine controller) and can be read with DiagnosticLink.
Tell us the truck's model year and whether it is a GHG14 or GHG17 engine. Detroit engine serial numbers carry a model prefix, and DD15 serials are commonly reported to begin with 472, which helps separate them from DD13 and DD16 engines.
- Engine serial number from the block or engine label
- Truck VIN, year and model
- Emissions generation: EPA07, EPA10, GHG14 or GHG17
- Horsepower and torque rating, and transmission (manual or DT12)
01EPA07, EPA10, GHG14 and GHG17 DD15
The DD15 has been updated several times. Early EPA07 engines used EGR with a DPF. EPA10 engines added SCR with DEF and BlueTec aftertreatment. GHG14 engines brought fuel economy updates and newer controllers. GHG17 engines are a deeper revision with changes to the turbocharger, combustion and fuel system.
Each step changed the harness, sensors, controllers and often the aftertreatment. Quote the same generation the truck was built with. A GHG17 DD15 into a GHG14 Cascadia is not a bolt-in job.
02Turbo-compound and asymmetric turbo
Many earlier DD15 engines use a turbo-compound unit, which recovers exhaust energy and feeds it back to the crankshaft through a gear drive. GHG17 engines use a different turbo strategy, including an asymmetric turbocharger, and later versions dropped the turbo-compound on many ratings.
Ask whether the turbo-compound (if equipped) and the turbo are included with a used engine. These are expensive parts and must match the engine version.
03MCM, CPC and ACM controllers
The DD15 uses multiple controllers: the MCM on the engine, the CPC in the cab, and on EPA10-and-later trucks an ACM for aftertreatment. These are programmed together for the truck. A used DD15 usually needs the MCM programmed to your truck, and the CPC and ACM must be compatible with the engine generation.
04Freight considerations
A dressed DD15 is a large, heavy engine. Expect it to move by truck freight on a pallet or stand. Delivery to a shop with a forklift or dock is easier than a residential address, and freight cost is confirmed on your quote.
Before you buy
Questions to ask about a used DD15
- Is this an EPA07, EPA10, GHG14 or GHG17 DD15, and does it match my truck?
- Is the mileage documented with a DiagnosticLink report or donor truck VIN?
- Is an oil analysis report available?
- Is there a running video with a cold start?
- Is the MCM included, and is the turbo-compound (if equipped) included?
- Are the turbo, EGR cooler and EGR valve included?
- Is any aftertreatment included?
- What are the core requirements?
FAQ
Detroit Diesel DD15 questions
How do I know if my DD15 is GHG14 or GHG17?
The truck model year is the first clue, and the engine serial number and DiagnosticLink build data confirm it. Send us the serial number and VIN and we will confirm the generation.
Can a GHG17 DD15 go into an older Cascadia?
Not as a simple swap. Controllers, wiring and aftertreatment differ between generations. Quote the generation the truck was built with.
Does every DD15 have a turbo-compound?
No. Many earlier DD15 engines do, but GHG17 engines use a different turbo setup and many ratings do not have it. The serial number tells us which you have.
Is the DD15 used outside Freightliner?
The DD15 is used mainly in Daimler Truck chassis such as Freightliner and Western Star. That is why matching by serial number and truck VIN matters.
Do I need to program a used DD15?
Usually yes. The MCM generally needs to be programmed to your truck, and the CPC and ACM must be compatible.
More Detroit Diesel engines
Trucks that may use the DD15
Ready when you are
Looking for a Detroit Diesel DD15? Send the serial number.
Have your engine serial number, CPL and VIN handy. If you don't, we'll help you find them.
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