Cummins QSB 5.9 Parts - Engine Water Pump Section

Cummins QSB 5.9 Engine Water Pump & Cooling System Parts Catalog
Comprehensive Guide to Freshwater Pumps, Belts, Thermostats & More for Cummins QSB 5.9 Diesel Engines

Overview: Marine and Industrial Cooling for the Cummins QSB 5.9

The Cummins QSB 5.9 engine is widely respected for its power, reliability, and adaptability across marine and industrial applications. Whether it’s propelling workboats, powering generators, or driving industrial equipment, one system plays a critical role in preserving its performance and longevity: the cooling system.

At the heart of the cooling system is the engine water pump—designed to circulate coolant through the engine block, cylinder head, heat exchanger, and return loops to prevent overheating. On this page, you'll find a curated selection of high-quality water pump components, thermostats, seal rings, belts, coolant hoses, and clamps tailored for the QSB 5.9 engine and its B-Series family variants.

Explore this section for a complete overview of cooling-related components built for the demands of commercial operation, constant load, and rugged duty cycles.

Engine Water Pump for Cummins QSB 5.9

The engine-driven fresh water pump for the Cummins QSB 5.9 is a centrifugal-type pump that draws coolant from the heat exchanger and pushes it throughout the engine block. Its primary function is to maintain a consistent internal operating temperature by ensuring optimal coolant flow even under high-stress operating conditions such as towing, marine propulsion, or industrial lifting.

Key Features:

• Engineered specifically for Cummins B-Series and QSB 5.9 diesel platforms

• Designed for both fresh and treated water systems

• Corrosion-resistant internal casting for marine durability

• Precision-machined impeller for optimal flow rate and reduced cavitation

• Compatible with both heat exchanger and keel-cooled configurations

Water Pump Seal Ring for Cummins QSB 5.9

To maintain a secure and leak-proof system, the water pan seal ring is critical. This gasket-like component fits between the water pump and its mating surface to prevent coolant seepage and maintain pressure within the system.

Seal Ring Functions:

• Prevents coolant leaks under high pressure

• Ensures optimal flow by eliminating bypasses

• Enhances pump longevity by maintaining correct torque seal alignment

When replacing your water pump, it's strongly recommended to install a new seal ring to prevent early failure or fluid loss.

Thermostats for Cummins QSB 5.9 Cooling System

Thermostats regulate coolant flow based on engine temperature. The Cummins QSB 5.9 can utilize thermostats with varying opening temperatures—commonly 165°F or 180°F—depending on the desired operating conditions. These thermostats help warm up the engine quickly on cold starts and prevent overheating once normal temperature is achieved.

Available Thermostat Ratings:

• 165°F Thermostat: Ideal for rapid warm-up and cooler climates; opens earlier to allow coolant flow at lower temperatures.

• 180°F Thermostat: Suited for high-performance marine or industrial loads, allowing the engine to run slightly warmer for optimized combustion and emissions.

Applications:

• QSB 5.9

• ISB series

• 4B, 4BT, 6B, 6BT, and ISB 6.7 derivative engines

Thermostats should always be replaced during a full cooling system service or any time engine overheating is diagnosed.

Thermostat Seal for QSB Series

This small but crucial component ensures your thermostat is seated properly and doesn't allow coolant to bypass the intended route. A failed seal can mimic thermostat failure by allowing coolant to flow unrestricted, even when cold.

Why Replace Thermostat Seals?

• Enhances system pressure retention

• Prevents premature engine warm-up

• Helps reduce air pockets in the housing

Belt Tensioners for the QSB 5.9 Water Pump and Alternator Drive

The belt tensioner maintains consistent belt pressure, reducing slippage and premature belt wear. QSB 5.9 engines use either plain or grooved pulley types depending on belt design.

Types of Belt Tensioners Available:

• Plain Pulley Type: Standard flat-surface contact for traditional V-belt systems

• Grooved Pulley Type: Designed for multi-rib serpentine belts, maximizing grip and alignment

A worn or failing tensioner can lead to reduced water pump speed, alternator underperformance, or complete belt detachment—risking catastrophic overheating.

Belts for Cummins QSB 5.9 Water Pump, Alternator & Fan Drive

Proper belt selection ensures reliable power transmission to the water pump, alternator, and fan system. The QSB 5.9 cooling system commonly uses multi-rib serpentine belts engineered for high-torque transfer and extended service life.

Belt Specifications Include:

• 8-rib design for optimal grip

• Serpentine routing for compact belt paths

• Width of 1.125 inches

• Lengths ranging from 53.5” to 69.0” depending on application layout and accessory configuration

Common Uses:

• Marine alternator drive

• Engine-driven water pump systems

• Fan drive setups in generator housings or industrial machines

Signs of Belt Wear:

• Chirping or squealing sounds

• Frayed edges or visible cracking

• Intermittent charging or cooling issues

Always check tension and pulley alignment when replacing belts.

Silicone Coolant Hoses for Cummins QSB 5.9

Silicone coolant hoses offer superior flexibility and thermal resistance compared to standard rubber. Designed for marine, industrial, and high-vibration environments, these hoses ensure reliable coolant transfer even under extreme temperatures and operating pressures.

Hose Specifications:

• Reinforced multi-ply silicone construction

• Inside diameters ranging from 3/4” to 4”

• Supplied in convenient 1-foot lengths, allowing easy customization for tight engine compartments

Advantages of Silicone Hoses:

• Higher burst pressure tolerance

• Excellent resistance to oil, coolant additives, and saltwater mist

• Long lifespan even under continuous heat soak

When to Replace Coolant Hoses:

• Visible bulges or soft spots

• Coolant leaks at hose ends

• Cracking or discoloration from thermal fatigue

Hose Clamps for QSB 5.9 Cooling System

To secure your coolant hoses in place, Diesel Pro Power offers a wide range of stainless-steel clamps sized specifically for Cummins QSB 5.9 cooling circuits. From small-diameter fuel crossover lines to large-diameter radiator hose outlets, each clamp is designed for marine-grade durability.

Available Clamps by Range:

• From 9/16" to over 3.5"

• Ideal for all silicone hose sizes offered

• Worm gear-style clamping for precise torque

• Corrosion-resistant finish for saltwater protection

Best Practices:

• Replace clamps during every major cooling system service

• Always match clamp range to hose outer diameter

• Tighten to spec to prevent leaks but avoid over-torquing

Additional Cooling Components

Temperature Switches

Temperature switches serve as vital safety and automation tools within the QSB 5.9 system. They trigger auxiliary cooling fans, warning lights, or engine shutdown mechanisms when coolant temperatures exceed safe thresholds.

• Threaded design (typically 1/2” NPT)

• Closing point at 205°F for overheat alert systems

• Used across marine and generator sets

These switches help protect the engine during high-load or restricted airflow conditions and should be tested regularly.

Radiator Cleaning Solution

A properly maintained radiator or heat exchanger is critical to keeping your QSB 5.9 engine cool. Cleaning agents help dissolve scale, corrosion, and organic buildup from internal coolant passages, improving overall heat transfer.

• Compatible with closed-loop and open-loop systems

• Useful during annual maintenance or when replacing coolant

• Helps maximize the efficiency of your freshwater cooling pump

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for QSB 5.9 Cooling Components?

With over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide, Diesel Pro Power is a trusted supplier of Cummins QSB 5.9 engine parts for both marine and industrial professionals. Each component listed here is designed to match or exceed OEM performance standards, ensuring long-term reliability and seamless compatibility.

What You Get When Ordering from Diesel Pro Power:

• Fast worldwide shipping

• In-stock availability for major cooling system parts

• Engine-specific fitment support

• Durable components tested for marine conditions

Whether you’re overhauling a vessel’s propulsion engine or servicing an industrial generator, our curated parts catalog ensures you have the right components to keep your QSB 5.9 engine running cool and strong.

Cooling System Maintenance Tips for Cummins QSB 5.9

• Inspect All Components During Overhaul: Anytime you remove the water pump, belts, or thermostat, inspect every gasket, seal, and clamp for wear.

• Flush and Replace Coolant Annually: Prevent scale buildup and corrosion by following Cummins’ coolant interval recommendations.

• Check Belt Tension Monthly: Improper belt tension can reduce the water pump’s effectiveness, leading to high engine temps.

• Monitor Coolant Temps Under Load: Use a temperature switch or gauge to monitor for overheating in marine applications.

• Use High-Quality Silicone Hoses: Especially in saltwater environments, silicone offers far better lifespan than rubber.