Ask any diesel mechanic which engine they would trust to outlive the truck around it, and a lot of them will say the 12 valve Cummins. If you need a Cummins 6BT engine for sale, whether to bring a Dodge Ram back to life or to repower something else entirely, we have it in new, fairly used and used condition, and we ship worldwide.

Why the Cummins 6BT has such a following

The 6BT started life in 1984 as an engine for farm machinery, and it shows. It is simple, heavy and over-built. The camshaft and injection pump are gear driven, so there is no timing belt to snap. There are only two valves per cylinder and, on the classic versions, a fully mechanical injection pump. You do not need a laptop to keep it running.

From 1989 to 1998 it went into the Dodge Ram, which is where most people know it from. It has also been used in buses, delivery trucks, boats, generators and a long list of swaps. The Cummins B Series page gives the full family tree, and Cummins still supports the B series range today.

Cummins 6BT engine for sale: specifications

Displacement: 5.9L (5,883 cc / 359 cu in)
Layout: inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel
Bore x stroke: 102 x 120 mm
Compression ratio: 17.5:1
Valves: 2 per cylinder (12 valves)
Injection pump: Bosch VE rotary or Bosch P7100 inline
Power: roughly 160 to 230 hp at 2,500 rpm depending on pump and rating
Torque: roughly 400 to 440 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm

Which condition should you choose?

New: for a commercial vehicle, a boat or a build where downtime costs real money.
Fairly used: a good engine with plenty of life left at a lower price.
Used: the budget route for a swap project or a farm truck.

Tell us what it is going into. A Ram owner needs a different pump, bell housing and accessories than someone putting a 6BT into a bus or a boat, and we would rather sort that out before the engine ships.

Things worth doing when you fit a 6BT

Check the killer dowel pin on the timing cover side and fix it if needed.
Replace the lift pump if it is old. A weak lift pump hurts the injection pump.
Fit new hoses, belts and a clean radiator. These engines run hard.
Keep the turbo oil feed clean and change the oil on time.

Other Cummins engines we sell

The Cummins 6BT engine for sale is not the only option. If you need something smaller, the four cylinder Cummins 4BT is popular for small trucks and pickups. For an electronic engine look at the ISB Cummins or the Cummins QSB, and for heavy trucks the Cummins M11. See all Cummins engines in one place.

Buying your Cummins 6BT from Engine Magazine

We crate the engine and quote freight before you pay, worldwide. The shipping policy explains delivery times, the warranty policy covers the engine when it is fitted by a qualified mechanic, and the return policy is there if something goes wrong in transit.

Cummins 6BT engine for sale: common questions

Is this Cummins 6BT engine for sale a P7100 or VE pump engine?

It varies by unit. Tell us what you need and we will confirm the pump on the engine before you pay.

Can the Cummins 6BT engine for sale go into a truck that never had one?

Yes, it is one of the most swapped diesels around. You will need mounts, an adapter for your gearbox and enough cooling, so plan ahead.

Do you ship a Cummins 6BT worldwide?

Yes. We quote sea or road freight to your door or port before payment.

If you want a diesel you can rely on for years, this Cummins 6BT engine for sale is a safe pick.

Still comparing options? Our guide on reliable engines for your next repair might help, or just contact us. Otherwise, choose your condition above and order your Cummins 6BT engine for sale today.

5.9 Cummins 12 valve

Cummins 6BT Engine For Sale