Runaway 2 Stroke 8V71 Detroit Diesel Engine - 1970s GMC Semi Truck

First start of a 1970s GMC semi truck in 12 years, then the rack is tied at full fuel and the 8V71 Detroit runs away resulting in a fireball.

Instagram: kt3406e

[TheDoItYourselfWorld]

That old engine did not want to die. I believe it had a lot of life left in it based on how long it ran like that.

[foxyloon]

If this "destructive stress test" proves anything, it's that those old Detroits are solid engines.

[alexyoungberg]

*This video would still be recording to this day if that damaged radiator full of water didn't let go. Detroit Diesel for the win.*

[matthewkashnig]

This actually was educational. I have 2 871s naturals in my boat and now I have more confidence in them so long as my oil pressure and temp gauge works. Thank You. This was not a waste.

[TheBird]

That's sad, if it took that long to destroy the engine I could imagine it had a ton more life left in it. What a waste.

[TheFortyAnomaly]

*"Your personal vehicle has been destroyed. You can call Mors Mutual to make a claim."*

[joevk]

Considering it's age and how long it sat, I'm thoroughly impressed it ran at WOT for that long.

[JesusChrist-kosg]

You gotta love 2 stroke Detroit’s, when they’re at 4200 rpm they sound like they’re running at 8200 rpm. You gotta love it

[DumbCarGuy]

A year later, I just heard a 5 minute long hummmm in the sky. That sound must be still traveling around the world.

[kkelley]

Tough to watch, I grew up riding with my Dad hauling rock in a truck just like this. 10” straights on that old Detroit. When you fired it up for the first time, it brought back some good memories. Too bad everyone doesn’t have the same appreciation for things. Thanks for the vid, Dad’s been gone 13 yrs, it oddly gave me a little closure watching that truck die.

[gunslingersatx]

I wasn't surprised that it took that long. Back in the eighties I used to rebuild those engines. They were a sweet running engine oh, that one and the 6V 71. Those and the 855 Cummins were my favorite engines to work on. Naturally aspirated it isn't quite correct. Those old Detroit's had blowers on them plus a turbo. Almost brings a tear to my eye to watch you blow one up on purpose. In the shop we had a piece of plywood always at hand whenever we started up one of those Detroit's after a rebuild, ready to stick it over the turbo inlet, close off the air supply, just in case that thing started to go. They were such high revving engines that I think you could make a good race truck with one of them old Detroit's

[tangowhiskeytrailertranspo]

I have always wondered what experiencing a runaway would be like. As intense as just watching your video was, I think having a runaway would be extremely intense. Thanks for publishing this video.👍

[slagman]

I bet that engine under normal use would have lasted forever.

[DirtReborn]

Man that thing ran like a top, probably had another million miles inner

[jessejohnson]

I worked o a few 6V an 8V series Detroit engines in my 50 years as a fleet mechanic, from head replacements to total overhauls, in frame and out. The BIGGEST fear I had was having a run-away engine during the first start-up's. Thank goodness it never happened.

[screwthecabal]

That's just crazy! A well built engine for sure.

[Trucker]

You should have saved the motor, and scraped the rest, people are looking for 8v71's all the time..

[zosxavius]

That 8V71 deserved a better fate. Listen to it. It sounded so healthy.

[acts]

I would say this is a fine example of somebody not appreciating the value of what they have in their possession

[Justabody]

What a show!! In 1982 purchased a 67' GMC, Detroit six car hauler. It never had engine problems. West Palm Bch FL to Live Oak Fl. What an experience driving that old girl!