Reading Cummins Dataplates for Diesel Engines (CPL Numbers & ESN)

March 2, 2023

Introduction: What is a Cummins Dataplate and What Does it Tell You?

A Cummins Dataplate is an informational plate located on the engine. It provides information on the engine’s serial number, CPL number, model, and other pertinent specifications. The Cummins Dataplate provides valuable information about the engine, such as its horsepower, and other performance characteristics. Knowing what a Cummins Dataplate tells you can help you identify your engine and its parts.

Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Cummins Engine Model Numbers

ENGINE MODEL MEANINGS

Cummins engine models and control units are represented with letters and different letters represent different engine series and control units.

For Example:

ENGINE SERIES

B = Engine B Series

C = Engine C Series

L = Engine L Series

M = Engine M Series

N = Engine N Series

X = Engine X Series

K = Engine K Series

ENGINE CONTROL UNITS

IS = Interact System Controls

Note: For electronically Controlled Automotive Engines

IS (Interact System) was introduced in 1997 with the ISX engine also known as the signature 600.

QS = Quantum System Controls

Note: For electronically controlled engines

ENGINE ASPIRATION

A = Aftercooled engine

NA – Naturally Aspirated

T = Turbo

The numbers before the engine models are the number of cylinders the engine has.

For Example:

4B is a 4 cylinder engine, 6B is a 6 cylinder engine and 6C is also a 6 cylinder engine.

The numbers after the engine model is the engine displacement (size) in Liters or Cubic inches.

For Example:

3.9 is the engine size in liters, 5.9 is the engine size in liters and 8.3 is also the engine size in liters.

Another Example:

NH855, The 855 refers to the engine size in cubic inches. Note: 855 cubic inches in liters is 14L

Review

If I have a Cummins 6BTA5.9, I now know that my engine is a 6 cylinder B series engine which has a displacement of 5.9 liters and is Turbo Aftercooled. See breakdown below.

6 = 6 cylinders

B = B series

T = Turbo

A = Aftercooler

5.9 = Displacement (size)

Decoding the Cummins Dataplate – Breaking Down the Different Sections

There are several sections on a Cummins engine dataplate which each contain different information about the engine. In the graphic below, the sections are named according to the information they contain. This format is the same across all Cummins engines.

How to Interpret & Use the Information on Your Cummins Dataplate

There are many things to look at when reading your Cummins engine dataplate. When it comes to identifying your engine or needing parts, the most important step is to locate the ESN and CPL number. With your ESN (engine serial number), a detailed product and parts list including additional information about your engine can be looked up. The CPL (critical parts list) can be used to identify your engine as well, however, the CPL is essentially just a list of basic parts and timing specifications for your engine. By referencing the ESN and CPL numbers stamped on your engine dataplate, they can be used to identify parts within your engine in addition to important specifications. For example, all of Diesel Pro Power Inc, overhaul kits for Cummins engines can be ordered using the CPL number alone.

Where To Find Your Engines Dataplate

The location of your data plate is dependent on your Cummins engine number. The following is our list of the common Cummins data plate locations for most makes and models to save time and ensure that you have the correct information when ordering parts.

Cummins ISB

The engine’s dataplate location is found on the rocker cover and in some cases printed on the side of the gear housing.

Cummins ISM/QSM

Engine data plate are found on the rocker housing located on the fuel pump side.

ISM: QSM Cummins Data Plate

Cummins ISX

Conveniently located on top of the rocker level cover.

Dataplate X Series Engines

Cummins ISC and ISL

The location of these engines’ data plates is on the top side of the gear housing and can also be found on top of the engine oil cooler.

ISC:ISL Data Plate Cummins

ISCL:ISL Data Plate Cummins

Cummins 6CTA

Engine data plate on both a long metal tag fixed to the front gear housing and also stamped on the left side of the block above the oil cooler housing.

Cummins 4BT 3.9/6BT 5.9

The 4BT Cummins data plate is a metal tag fixed to the front gear housing as well as the back left side near the oil cooler housing. The image below shows a configuration is also for the Cummins 6B.