John Deere 3179DF Specifications
| Engine Model: John Deere 3179DF |
| Engine Type: 4-stroke in-line 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 179.5 cu.in (2.9 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 52-60 Hp (39-45 kW) at 2500 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Direct Injection |
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The John Deere 3179DF is a 2.9-liter, naturally
aspirated, three-cylinder diesel engine from the John Deere 300-series
industrial engine family. Produced from the late 1970s through the
1990s, this engine was designed for compact agricultural tractors,
backhoe loaders, and stationary power applications. The "DF" designation
indicates Diesel, Naturally Aspirated (Fuel system without
turbocharging).
The 3179DF gained recognition for its robust construction, featuring
replaceable wet cylinder liners and a gear-driven camshaft. This
powerplant was engineered to deliver reliable service in demanding
environments, from field tillage to construction sites, with a
reputation for extended service intervals and straightforward
maintenance.
The 3179DF engine is valued for its durability, mechanical simplicity,
and ease of overhaul. The wet sleeve cylinder design allows major
rebuilds without replacing the entire block, reducing long-term
ownership costs. The mechanical direct injection fuel system, utilizing
a Stanadyne or Lucas/CAV distributor-type pump, provides reliable
starting and consistent fuel delivery without complex electronics.
The engine's square bore-to-stroke ratio contributes to favorable torque
characteristics at lower engine speeds, suitable for PTO-driven
implements. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with two valves per
cylinder offers a balance between performance and serviceability.
Cooling system capacity and lubrication system design accommodate
sustained operation at rated power. The 3179DF remains common in older
John Deere compact tractors and industrial equipment, with parts
availability supported by aftermarket suppliers.
Engine Type: Inline 3-cylinder, 4-cycle, naturally aspirated diesel
engine.
Displacement: 2,942 cc (179.5 cu.in), equivalent to 2.9 L.
Bore: 106.5 mm (4.19 in).
Stroke: 110.0 mm (4.33 in).
Compression Ratio: 17.8:1.
Firing Order: 1-2-3.
Rotation: Clockwise when viewed from the front of the engine (fan end).
Rated Speed: 2,500 rpm (varies by application from 2,200 to 2,600 rpm).
Gross Horsepower: 52-60 hp (39-45 kW).
PTO Horsepower: 45-52 hp (34-39 kW) in agricultural tractor
applications.
Maximum Torque: 183 Nm (135 lb-ft) @ 1,300-1,500 rpm.
The cylinder block is constructed from cast iron with an open-deck
design to accommodate replaceable wet cylinder liners. The wet sleeve
configuration allows the liners to contact coolant directly on their
outer surfaces, improving heat transfer from the combustion chamber to
the cooling system. Each liner is sealed at the bottom with rubber
O-rings and at the top with a compressed copper or steel gasket.
The block incorporates five main bearing webs supporting the forged
steel crankshaft with four main bearings (a three-cylinder engine with a
four-bearing crankshaft provides intermediate support between
cylinders). The timing gear housing is integrated into the front of the
block, housing the gear train that drives the camshaft and injection
pump. The block features a side-mounted oil filter housing and
provisions for the mechanical fuel lift pump.
The cylinder head is manufactured from cast iron and houses the overhead
valve (OHV) arrangement with two valves per cylinder (six total). The
valvetrain consists of a single camshaft located in the cylinder block,
operating the valves through pushrods and rocker arms. Intake valves
measure 40.0 mm (1.57 in) in diameter, while exhaust valves measure 36.0
mm (1.42 in).
The pre-combustion chamber design (Lanova or Ricardo style, depending on
production year) promotes efficient combustion by creating turbulence in
the air-fuel mixture before main ignition. The valve seat inserts are
replaceable, a feature intended to extend cylinder head service life.
Valve clearance is set by adjusting the rocker arm screw and locknut
configuration, requiring periodic inspection. The cylinder head is
secured by eight head bolts per cylinder (24 total), with a torque
sequence followed from the center outward.
The fuel system employs a mechanical direct injection architecture using
a distributor-type injection pump. The pump is manufactured by Stanadyne
(Roosa Master) or Lucas/CAV depending on the application and market. The
injection pump mounts to the timing gear housing and is driven by the
engine's gear train. High-pressure injection lines deliver fuel to
pintle-type injectors mounted in each cylinder head. Injector opening
pressure is set between 140 and 150 bar (2,030-2,175 psi).
A mechanical fuel lift pump, mounted on the cylinder block and actuated
by an eccentric lobe on the camshaft, draws fuel from the tank and
supplies it to the injection pump through a spin-on fuel filter. The
system includes a hand primer lever for bleeding air after filter
changes or fuel system service. A mechanical governor, integrated into
the injection pump, maintains engine speed under varying loads through a
centrifugal weight mechanism connected to the throttle lever.
The lubrication system is a forced-feed, wet-sump type utilizing a
gear-type oil pump mounted to the front of the crankshaft. The pump is
driven directly by the crankshaft gear, ensuring immediate oil pressure
upon startup. Oil is drawn from a cast aluminum or stamped steel oil pan
through a strainer before pressurization. A full-flow spin-on oil filter
is mounted externally on the cylinder block.
The system supplies lubricant to the crankshaft main bearings,
connecting rod bearings, camshaft bearings, timing gears, rocker shaft,
and valve tips. The oil pump incorporates a pressure relief valve set
between 2.4 and 3.4 bar (35-50 psi) at rated speed. The oil pan capacity
accommodates a tilt angle of up to 25 degrees in off-road applications.
A dipstick on the left side of the block indicates oil level.
The cooling system is a pressurized, water-cooled setup utilizing a
gear-driven centrifugal water pump mounted to the front timing gear
housing. A wax-type thermostat with a rated opening temperature of 82°C
(180°F) regulates the engine operating temperature. Coolant circulates
through the cast-iron cylinder block, around the wet cylinder liners,
and through the cast-iron cylinder head before passing through a
cross-flow radiator.
The replaceable wet liners permit direct coolant contact, enhancing heat
dissipation from each cylinder. A belt-driven cooling fan provides
airflow across the radiator. The system incorporates a pressurized
expansion tank or a radiator cap rated for 0.7 bar (10 psi). A coolant
filter may be present in some industrial applications.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Intake System: Air is drawn through a dry-type paper element air filter
(single or dual stage, depending on application) before entering the
intake manifold. The intake manifold is cast separately and mounts to
the side of the cylinder head. The naturally aspirated configuration
uses engine vacuum to draw air without a turbocharger.
Exhaust System: A cast-iron exhaust manifold collects gases from the
three cylinders and directs them to a single outlet. The manifold is
bolted to the cylinder head with steel gaskets. A flexible downpipe
connects the manifold to the muffler and exhaust stack or tailpipe.
Timing System: The camshaft is driven by a gear train from the
crankshaft. Steel timing gears mounted at the front of the engine
provide fixed timing without belts or chains requiring replacement. The
gear train drives the camshaft, injection pump, water pump, and oil
pump. Camshaft timing marks align with corresponding marks on the
crankshaft gear and injection pump gear. No timing tensioner is present
due to the fixed gear arrangement.
Starting System: A 12-volt electric starter motor is mounted to the
flywheel housing, engaging a ring gear on the flywheel. The starter
motor rating is 2.2 kW (3.0 hp) for most applications. A 12-volt
alternator, driven by a V-belt from the crankshaft pulley, maintains
battery charge and supplies electrical power to the equipment.
Glow Plug System: Intake manifold air heater or individual cylinder glow
plugs provide cold starting assistance. The system is controlled by a
momentary switch or timer relay on the operator's console. Glow plug
voltage is 10.5-11.5 volts during preheat.
Overall Engine Length: 710 mm (28.0 in) from fan to flywheel.
Overall Engine Width: 560 mm (22.0 in).
Overall Engine Height: 760 mm (30.0 in) from oil pan bottom to rocker
cover top.
Dry Weight: 302 kg (665 lb), inclusive of the flywheel, intake manifold,
exhaust manifold, starter motor, and alternator.
Engine Oil Capacity (with Filter): 5.7 liters (6.0 U.S. qt, 5.0 imperial
qt).
Engine Oil Specification: API CD, CE, or CF-4 grade; SAE 15W-40 or SAE
30.
Coolant Capacity: 9.0 liters (9.5 U.S. qt, 7.9 imperial qt).
Coolant Specification: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with
supplemental coolant additive.
Thermostat Opening Temperature: 82°C (180°F).
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval: 500 hours or annually.
Oil Change Interval: 250 hours or 6 months under normal conditions.
Oil Change Interval: 100 hours under severe service.
Intake Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.30 mm (0.012 in).
Exhaust Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.36 mm (0.014 in).
Valve Clearance Inspection Interval: 500 operating hours.
Injector Inspection Interval: 1,000 hours for opening pressure testing.
Injection Pump Timing: Static timing set at 8-10 deg before top dead
center.
Air Filter Service: Dry element replacement when restriction indicator
shows vacuum exceeding 635 mm water gauge (25 in H2O) or at 500 hours.
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 1: 40 Nm (4.1 kgf-m, 30 lb-ft).
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 2: 80 Nm (8.2 kgf-m, 60 lb-ft).
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 3: 100 Nm (10.2 kgf-m, 74 lb-ft).
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 4: 150 Nm (15.3 kgf-m, 110 lb-ft).
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 115 Nm (11.7 kgf-m, 85 lb-ft).
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 88 Nm (9.0 kgf-m, 65 lb-ft).
Flywheel Bolts: 115 Nm (11.7 kgf-m, 85 lb-ft).
Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: 220 Nm (22.4 kgf-m, 162 lb-ft).
Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts: 24 Nm (2.4 kgf-m, 18 lb-ft).
Intake Manifold Bolts: 25 Nm (2.5 kgf-m, 18 lb-ft).
Exhaust Manifold Nuts: 33 Nm (3.4 kgf-m, 24 lb-ft).
Injection Pump Mounting Nuts: 20 Nm (2.0 kgf-m, 15 lb-ft).
Injector Hold-Down Clamp Bolts: 22 Nm (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lb-ft).
Glow Plugs: 15 Nm (1.5 kgf-m, 11 lb-ft).
Oil Filter (Spin-on Type): 16 Nm (1.6 kgf-m, 12 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Bolts: 20 Nm (2.0 kgf-m, 15 lb-ft).
The John Deere 3179DF engine was utilized across agricultural,
industrial, and stationary power applications from approximately 1978
through the late 1990s.
Agricultural Tractors
John Deere 1550: Compact utility tractor in the 50-series lineup.
John Deere 1750: Standard utility tractor, 45-52 PTO horsepower range.
John Deere 1850: Larger utility tractor, 50-55 PTO horsepower.
John Deere 2150: Utility tractor in the 50-series, 52-56 PTO horsepower.
John Deere 2250: Final evolution of the 50-series, 55-60 engine
horsepower.
Industrial Equipment
John Deere 300D Backhoe: Industrial backhoe loader, four-wheel drive or
two-wheel drive configuration.
John Deere 310 Series Loaders: Backhoe loader applications in the 310,
310A, and 310B models.
John Deere 570 Skid Steer: Skid steer loader in the 500 series.
John Deere 575 Skid Steer: Later model skid steer loader with the 3179DF
engine.
Stationary Power Units
Irrigation Pumps: Powering agricultural irrigation systems, often
configured with radiator cooling and extended oil pan capacity.
Generator Sets: Small industrial and farm standby generators, rated
35-45 kW continuous output.
Small Industrial Compressors: Powering portable air compressors for
construction and service applications.
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