International D246 Specifications
| Engine Model: International Harvester D246 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder naturally aspirated liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 246 cu.in (4.03 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 74 Hp (55 kW) at 2300 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Direct fuel injection |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The International Harvester D246 is a
substantial four-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine designed for
demanding agricultural service in mid-range tractors. As part of
International Harvester's modernized engine family, it combines a long
stroke design with direct injection to produce strong low-speed torque
and improved fuel efficiency. The engine's architecture prioritizes
durability and serviceability, featuring replaceable wet cylinder liners
and a gear-driven camshaft.
Its balanced power output and robust construction made it a favored
powerplant for utility and row-crop tractors requiring reliable power
for implements and hydraulic systems. The D246 is recognized for its
lugging ability and overall mechanical longevity.
Engine Type: In-line, four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled diesel.
Combustion System: Direct injection.
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated.
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2.
Rotation (viewed from flywheel): Counter-clockwise.
Displacement: 246 cubic inches (4.03 liters).
Bore: 3.937 inches (100.0 mm).
Stroke: 5.06 inches (128.5 mm).
Compression Ratio: 16.5 to 1.
Rated Power Output: 74 gross Hp (55 kW) at 2300 rpm.
Maximum Torque: 190.2 lb-ft (257.9 Nm) at 1500 rpm.
Governed Speed: 2300 rpm.
Weight (dry, approximate): 920 lbs (417 kg).
The cylinder block is a high-strength gray iron casting employing a
deep-skirt design for exceptional rigidity. It utilizes replaceable
wet-type cylinder liners. These precision-machined alloy iron liners are
inserted into the block and sealed at the top by a composite or copper
gasket and at the bottom by synthetic rubber O-rings. This wet-sleeve
construction permits cylinder reconditioning through liner and piston
replacement without machining the block itself.
The crankshaft is supported by five main bearings with large bearing
surfaces. Main bearing caps are manufactured from nodular iron and are
secured with two vertical bolts per cap. The block integrates internal
galleries for pressurized oil distribution and coolant flow around each
liner.
The cylinder head is a single-piece cast iron component with individual
intake and exhaust porting for each cylinder. It is designed for direct
injection, with fuel injectors mounted vertically. The head uses a
crossflow layout.
Valve Arrangement: Overhead valves (OHV), actuated by pushrods and
rocker arms.
Valves per Cylinder: Two (one intake, one exhaust).
Intake Valve Head Diameter: 1.75 inches (44.5 mm).
Exhaust Valve Head Diameter: 1.50 inches (38.1 mm).
Valve Seat Angle: 45 deg.
Valve Stem Diameter: 0.3437 inches (8.73 mm).
Valve Lash (cold): Intake 0.015 inches (0.38 mm), Exhaust 0.017 inches
(0.43 mm).
Adjustment must be performed with the engine cold.
The fuel system is a direct injection design utilizing a rotary
distributor injection pump.
Injection Pump: An International Harvester/Bosch VE-type rotary
distributor pump, mechanically governed.
This pump is gear-driven from the engine timing gear train.
Injection Nozzles: Multi-hole pintle nozzles designed for efficient fuel
atomization in a direct injection chamber. Injection Pressure: 2000 to
2200 psi (138 to 152 bar).
Fuel Lift Pump: A camshaft-driven, diaphragm-type mechanical transfer
pump.
Fuel Filter: A dual-stage filtration system with a primary
sedimentor/water separator and a secondary spin-on paper element filter.
Static Injection Timing: Requires precise setting using engine timing
marks.
The common static timing setting is 18 deg before top dead center.
Dynamic timing procedures with a dial indicator are used for final
verification.
The lubrication system is a full-pressure, full-flow design with a
gear-type pump.
Oil Pump: Gear-type, mounted on the front of the cylinder block and
driven by the crankshaft gear.
Oil Capacity: 9.6 quarts (9.1 liters) including filter.
Oil Filter: Full-flow, spin-on type cartridge.
Oil Pressure (operating): 40 to 60 psi at rated speed (2.8 to 4.1 bar).
Minimum acceptable pressure at a hot idle is 10 psi (0.7 bar).
Pressure Relief Valve: Integral to the oil pump housing.
Oil Cooler: An engine oil cooler is standard equipment, cooled by engine
coolant.
The cooling system is a pressurized, forced-circulation system with
thermostatic control.
Water Pump: Centrifugal type, belt-driven from the crankshaft pulley.
Thermostat: Wax-pellet type, begins to open at 180 F (82 C).
Radiator Pressure Cap: 7 psi pressure cap (0.48 bar).
Coolant Capacity: 20.4 quarts (19.3 liters).
Coolant Recommendation: A 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze
and demineralized water.
Supplemental coolant additives are advised for extended service life.
Electrical System: 12-volt negative ground.
Starting Motor: 12-volt, high-torque gear reduction type, solenoid
actuated.
Charging Alternator: 12-volt, 65 to 90 ampere output, belt-driven with
an internal regulator.
Battery Recommendation: Group 31 or equivalent, with a minimum of 800
cold cranking amps.
Air Intake System: Dry-type, replaceable paper element air cleaner with
a safety inner element.
A cyclonic pre-cleaner is standard.
Intake Manifold: Cast iron. Exhaust Manifold: Cast iron.
Length (front of damper to rear of flywheel housing): 34 inches (864
mm).
Width (over valve cover): 26 inches (660 mm).
Height (top of valve cover to base of oil pan): 30 inches (762 mm).
Weight (dry, as described): 920 lbs (417 kg).
Engine Oil Grade: Use a high-quality diesel engine oil meeting API
service classification CD or superior. SAE 15W-40 is the recommended
viscosity for multi-temperature operation. Oil Change Interval: Under
normal agricultural service, change engine oil and filter every 150
operating hours. For severe service conditions, reduce the interval to
100 hours. Oil Filter Change: Replace the spin-on filter with every oil
change. Fuel Filter Change: Service the primary sediment bowl daily.
Replace the primary and secondary fuel filter elements every 500
operating hours. Coolant Change: Drain, flush, and refill the cooling
system every 2000 operating hours or 24 months. Maintain proper coolant
additive concentration. Air Filter Service: Inspect the primary air
filter element every 100 hours. Replace the element when a restriction
indicator shows red or every 1000 hours. Empty the cyclonic pre-cleaner
daily in dusty conditions.
Valve Lash Adjustment: Check and adjust valve clearance every 1000
operating hours or annually. Injection Timing Check: Verify static
injection timing every 2000 operating hours or following any disassembly
of the fuel pump drive system. Cylinder Liner Protrusion: During
overhaul, measure and verify wet sleeve protrusion above the block deck.
Specification is 0.002 to 0.005 inches (0.05 to 0.13 mm).
Cylinder Head Bolts: Torque in the specified three-step sequence to a
final value of 115 to 120 lb-ft (156 to 163 Nm). Main Bearing Cap Bolts:
95 to 105 lb-ft (129 to 142 Nm).
Connecting Rod Cap Nuts: 55 to 60 lb-ft (75 to 81 Nm).
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts: 90 to 100 lb-ft (122 to 136 Nm).
Injector Nozzle Holder (in head): 60 to 65 lb-ft (81 to 88 Nm).
Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket Bolts: 25 to 30 lb-ft (34 to 41 Nm).
Oil Pan Drain Plug: 30 to 35 lb-ft (41 to 47 Nm).
The International Harvester D246 engine was a key powerplant for a
series of mid-range agricultural tractors. Its primary applications
include International Harvester tractors such as the 784, 785, 785XL,
844, 844XL, and the Hydro 84. This engine provided the necessary power
and torque for these models, supporting a wide range of farming
operations including tillage, planting, and materials handling with
front-end loaders.
The D246 was integral to these tractor platforms, offering a modern and
efficient diesel option during its production era. Engine model
confirmation should always be verified via the engine serial number
plate located on the block.
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
