1. What is the difference between Cummins 6BT and 6B?
These are very similar engines with few differences. The 6B is a naturally aspirated engine, while the 6BT is a turbocharged version of the 6B. For that reason, the 6BT has more horsepower than the 6B due to the power of the turbo.
The 6BT is used where more horsepower is required. The pistons and rings are also different from each other as part of the difference between the two engines.
2. What is the compression ratio of Cummins 6B?
The Cummins 6B engine has a compression ratio of 19:1. This is because the engine is a naturally aspirated engine with a horsepower rate of 150-173.
3. Can the 6B engine be upgraded to get more power from it?
From my experience, it is difficult to upgrade this engine, because this is an engine without a turbo. What I do if I want more power is to replace the engine with 6BT. The 6BT has a turbo that will improve the performance and the horsepower of the engine.
However, you can still install a stock exhaust system that allows the free flow of exhaust gas, which can boost the engine performance and, in turn, rn improve horsepower.
You can also improve the horsepower of the engine by improving the fuel system. You can install a high-performance fuel pump, injection pump, and injectors.
4. What are the signs of a failing 6B engine?
When you notice the following sign you should know the engine is gradually failing.
- a. When you see blue smoke from the exhaust tailpipe, which is a result of oil burning. This also goes along with oil burning.
- b. When the engine begins to do hard starting, then it is a sign that the engine is failing.
- c. Having a poor performance is another evidence that the engine is failing and you have to act faster. Another name for this is loss of power.
- d. Hearing strange noises from the engine or oil leaks are other signs of the engine failing.
5. Are parts for a 6B engine readily available?
The answer is yes. The parts are very much available. If you want to overhaul or repair the engine, ProDieselParts got you covered. We have all the parts available with the highest quality.
6. Can I use synthetic oil in a 6B engine?
Yes, you can make use of synthetic oil. Synthetic oil offers more protection than conventional oil. However, during the engine break-in period, it is advisable to use conventional oil so that it can allow the rings to sit properly.
The protection of synthetic oil could prevent adequate break-in periods, which conventional oil would.
7. How often should you service a 6B engine?
The more you service the engine the more you are extending the lifespan of the engine.
There are two methods you can use to determine when to service the engine;
a. Mileage
b. Working hours
It is better if you follow the instructions in the owner’s manual on when to service the engine so that you can keep enjoying the optimum performance.
Schedule maintenance should also be part of your maintenance.
8. Which parts of this engine are prone to wear?
Cummins 6B is one of the best engines from Cummins. However, certain parts are prone to failing, such as piston rings, injectors, and valve seals.
However, with proper precautions, you can avoid causing damage to these parts. For example, regular changing of the fuel filters will prevent dirt from damaging injectors.
9. Can 6B Cummins be turned to 6BT?
Yes, it is possible to turn a 6b engine into a 6 BT, but there are certain things that you must put in place.
Some components are the same and you don’t need to change them, such as the crankshaft, block, Con rods, bearings, etc.
But there are certain components that you need to replace, such as the cylinder head, piston, camshaft, and fuel pump. You also need to install a turbo. You should also remember that the oil cooler in the 6BT is bigger than the 6B, so you need to replace the oil cooler.
You must also install piston cooling nozzles as parts of the reformation of the engine.