Abstract Anti-shock performance is a design index of modern marine diesel engine. Simulation analysis is the most important method to research shock characteristics of diesel. Various time domain shock waves are translated into shock response spectrums (SRS). The peak acceleration value of 10ms triangle shock wave is equal to the value of acceleration isoline of SRS. Accordingly, it is suggested that 10ms triangle shock wave is suited for anti-shock performance analysis of equipment as a standard input load. Based on the software of ABAQUS6.7, the flexible multi-body and anti-shock analysis model of the whole engine is established. The model contains backboned parts. The shock simulation of a V6 type diesel is carried out separately under rated condition and stop condition. The simulation results indicate that the shock response characteristic of diesel engine is nonlinear. The stress response under shock and rated condition is not the simple stack of the shock stress under stop condition and the working stress under rated condition. The strength of crankshaft, cylinder block, flywheel housing and block support should be checked through shock simulation.