Detroit Diesel Series 60
Used Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine for Sale
The Series 60 was Detroit's electronically controlled inline-six from the late 1980s through the late 2000s, built in 11.1, 12.7 and 14.0-liter versions across several DDEC generations. Send us your engine serial number and DDEC version and we search supplier sources nationwide for a match.
Detroit Diesel Series 60 at a glance
- Displacement
- 11.1 L, 12.7 L and 14.0 L versions
- Configuration
- Inline 6-cylinder, overhead cam, electronic unit injectors
- Typical horsepower range
- About 330 to 575 hp depending on displacement and rating
- Production era
- 1987 to the late 2000s in on-highway trucks; longer in some bus and industrial uses
- Emissions / aftertreatment
- Pre-EGR, EGR (2000s) and 2007 DPF versions; no SCR in on-highway Series 60
- Common applications
- Class 8 trucks across many makes, motorcoaches, transit, fire apparatus, gensets
Identification
How to identify your Series 60
Read us the engine serial number. On the Series 60 it is stamped on the cylinder block, commonly on the left side near the oil cooler area, and it is also on the engine option label on the valve cover. The serial number is stored in the DDEC ECM.
Tell us the DDEC version (I through VI) if you know it, the displacement (12.7 or 14.0 are most common) and whether the engine has EGR.
- Engine serial number from the block or valve cover label
- Displacement: 11.1 L, 12.7 L or 14.0 L
- DDEC version and whether it has EGR or a DPF
- Vehicle year, make, model and application (truck, bus, fire, generator)
01DDEC versions
The Series 60 was controlled by several generations of DDEC electronics, from DDEC I in the late 1980s to DDEC VI on 2007 engines. Each generation uses different ECMs, harnesses and sensors. DDEC VI changed the architecture to a two-module system with an engine-mounted MCM and a CPC in the cab.
When replacing a Series 60, matching the DDEC version keeps your truck harness and gauges working. Moving between DDEC generations usually means changing the ECM and harness.
02Pre-EGR vs EGR vs 2007
Pre-EGR Series 60 engines are mechanically simpler and remain popular with owner-operators. EGR engines add an EGR valve, cooler and VGT turbo. 2007 engines add a DPF and DDEC VI. These are different builds; a pre-EGR engine is not a legal swap into a chassis certified for a later emissions year.
0312.7 L vs 14.0 L
The 12.7 L and 14.0 L Series 60 share the same family and much of the external layout, but internal components and ratings differ. The 14.0 L is generally the higher-torque version. Confirm displacement from the serial number and option label before quoting.
04Age and condition expectations
Even the newest on-highway Series 60 engines are well over a decade old. Condition varies widely. Ask about history, whether the engine has been rebuilt, and what the donor vehicle was used for.
Before you buy
Questions to ask about a used Series 60
- Which displacement and DDEC version is this engine?
- Is it pre-EGR, EGR or a 2007 DPF engine?
- Has the engine been rebuilt or in-frame overhauled, and is there paperwork?
- Is the mileage documented?
- Is an oil analysis or running video available?
- Is the ECM included, and is it the right DDEC version?
- Does it include the turbo, harness and EGR parts (if equipped)?
- What are the core requirements?
FAQ
Detroit Diesel Series 60 questions
What DDEC version do I have?
The ECM label shows it, and the engine serial number and year narrow it down. Send us the serial number and we will help confirm.
Can I put a pre-EGR Series 60 in my EGR truck?
We do not recommend it. The emissions certification, ECM and harness differ, and it may not be legal for your truck's model year.
Is the 14 L Series 60 the same as the 12.7 L?
Same family and similar external layout, but internals and ratings differ. Confirm displacement before quoting.
Does the Series 60 use DEF?
No. On-highway Series 60 engines ended before SCR. 2007 versions use a DPF.
Where is the Series 60 serial number?
Stamped on the block and on the valve cover option label. It is also in the DDEC ECM.
Are Series 60 engines still available?
Used engines are still available through supplier networks, but condition varies. We search supplier sources and confirm condition and included parts on your quote.
More Detroit Diesel engines
Trucks that may use the Series 60
Ready when you are
Looking for a Detroit Diesel Series 60? 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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