5.9 L 12-valve Cummins

The Cummins B 5.9 was introduced in 1984 as an agriculture engine. It was not until 1989 that it became the first B-Series Cummins engine to be used in a light duty truck; the Dodge Ram. The B 5.9, also known as the "12 Valve", became a popular alternative to the V8 engines typically used in these trucks, as it generated nearly double the torque at low engine speeds and nearly doubled the fuel ecomony as well. Mid-year in 1991, the B 5.9 recieved an intercooler. The 12 valve featured Bosch Direct Fuel Injection utilized a VE injection pump between 1989 - 1993, and a P7100 injection pump between 1994 - 1998. The 12 valve 5.9 remains one of the most popular engines in the market, despite being replaced by the 24 valve ISB midway through the 1998 model year.

5.9 L Specifications:

 

Displacement:	359 cubic inches, 5.9 liters
Configuration:	Inline 6 cylinder
Compression Ratio:	17.0:1
Bore:	4.02 inches
Stroke:	4.72 inches
Injection:	Direct Injection: Bosch VE injection pump (1989-1993). Bosch P7100 injection pump (1994-1998).
Aspiration:	Holset turbocharger
Valvetrain:	OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, solid lifter camshaft
Oil Capacity:	11 quarts
Weight:	approx. 975 lbs
*Horsepower:	160 - 215 HP @ 2,500 RPM
*Torque:	400 - 440 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM

*Varies with model year.

 

5.9 L Cummins Facts

• The 6 B 5.9 Cummins was originally used in Case agriculture equipment.
• The 12-valve 5.9L is popular in Diesel motorsports due to its simplicity, reliability, strength, & performance potential.