Cummins 6CTA Turbochargers & Turbo Components

Turbocharging plays a pivotal role in the performance, efficiency, and reliability of Cummins 6CTA engines — especially in heavy-duty marine and industrial environments. Whether you’re replacing a failed turbocharger, upgrading airflow, or maintaining the related components of your system, Diesel Pro Power provides a full catalog of high-quality turbo parts built to match Cummins factory standards.

In this section, we cover complete turbos for 6C, 6CT, 6CTA, and QSC applications, as well as supporting components including gaskets, hoses, clamps, seals, and filtration systems. All items are in stock and ready to ship to over 200 countries, with fast, dependable service backed by 40,000+ satisfied customers.

Understanding Turbochargers on the Cummins 6CTA Engine

The Cummins 6CTA 8.3 is an inline six-cylinder diesel engine designed for medium to heavy-duty use in marine propulsion, power generation, and industrial applications. A turbocharger is essential for maximizing this engine’s power output while maintaining fuel efficiency and emissions compliance.

Key Benefits of a Turbocharged 6CTA:

• Increased air volume per combustion cycle
  
  

• Improved fuel atomization and power-to-weight ratio
  
  

• Reduced emissions and more efficient exhaust flow
  
  

• Greater torque and acceleration under load
  
  

Cummins turbochargers are carefully engineered to work within specific airflow, boost pressure, and thermal ranges. Using the correct turbo components ensures optimal performance and reliability over long hours of use.

Complete Turbocharger for Cummins 6CT, 6CTA, QSC – Part Reference: 3802886

This new turbocharger is a direct-fit replacement for Cummins 6C, 6CT, 6CTA, and QSC engines.

Product Highlights:

• Brand-new unit (not rebuilt or refurbished)
  
  

• Built for water-cooled turbo systems
  
  

• Precision-balanced rotating assembly
  
  

• Ready to install with no core charge
  
  

Engine Compatibility:

• Cummins 6CT8.3
  
  

• Cummins 6CTA8.3
  
  

• Cummins QSC8.3
  
  

Performance:

• Delivers factory-accurate boost levels
  
  

• Designed for engines operating under load in marine and industrial use
  
  

• Supports OEM-rated horsepower configurations
  
  

Whether you’re overhauling your engine or troubleshooting lagging boost pressure, this turbo provides OEM performance and durability without modification.

Cummins Airsep System – Single Turbo Setup (For Engines ≤ 420 HP)

The Cummins Airsep System is engineered to provide high-efficiency air filtration and crankcase ventilation for turbocharged engines producing up to 420 horsepower.

Features:

• 4” throat diameter intake
  
  

• Ideal for Cummins 6CTA8.3 single-turbo configurations
  
  

• Integrated system for crankcase ventilation and air filtration
  
  

Benefits:

• Extends turbocharger and engine life by reducing oil mist
  
  

• Helps maintain cleaner intake air
  
  

• Reduces emissions from crankcase blow-by gases
  
  

• Compact and serviceable design for marine applications
  
  

This unit is particularly popular in marine installations where space constraints and compliance with emissions standards are both critical.

Cummins Turbo Mounting Gasket – For Water-Cooled Turbos

This precision-cut turbo mounting gasket is required when installing or replacing water-cooled turbochargers on the 6CTA platform.

Applications:

• Cummins ISL
  
  

• Cummins QSL
  
  

• Cummins 6CTA (with water-cooled turbocharger)
  
  

Why Replace Turbo Gaskets?

• Prevents exhaust leaks at the turbo manifold interface
  
  

• Protects against heat-induced warping and backpressure issues
  
  

• Maintains proper sealing for safe, efficient turbo function
  
  

This gasket should be replaced any time the turbo is removed to ensure a secure, leak-free fit.

Hose Plain for Cummins 6C, 6CT, & 6CTA – Connects Air Inlet to Crossover Pipe

This flexible, reinforced rubber hose is designed to connect the turbo’s air inlet to the engine’s crossover piping, delivering consistent, high-volume airflow.

Features:

• Heat-resistant and pressure-rated
  
  

• Engineered for vibration tolerance
  
  

• Ensures airtight delivery from the turbo inlet to the charge air cooler or manifold
  
  

Common Signs of Hose Failure:

• Audible hissing during boost
  
  

• Power loss or slow spool-up
  
  

• Visible cracks or oil seepage on the hose exterior
  
  

Upgrading or replacing this hose ensures uninterrupted performance under demanding turbocharged operating conditions.

Aftercooler O-Ring for 6CTA & Related Engines

This O-ring is essential for ensuring a proper seal at the aftercooler interface for multiple Cummins platforms, including:

• Cummins 4BT3.9
  
  

• Cummins 4BTA3.9
  
  

• Cummins 6BT5.9
  
  

• Cummins 6BTA5.9
  
  

• ISB 4.5, ISB 6.7
  
  

• QSB 4.5, QSB 6.7
  
  

While not exclusive to the 6CTA, it plays a crucial sealing role in systems where aftercoolers are shared across engine platforms. Always inspect this O-ring when servicing turbo, charge-air, or cooling system components.

762 High-Temperature Jointing Compound for Turbo Installations

Proper turbo installation often requires a high-heat sealing compound. This 762 Hi-Temp jointing compound is ideal for sealing turbine housing flanges and gasket surfaces.

Features:

• 225-gram tube
  
  

• Temperature range: 550°C to 760°C (1022°F to 1400°F)
  
  

• Compatible with Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines
  
  

Use Cases:

• Turbo-to-manifold surfaces
  
  

• Turbo outlet flanges
  
  

• Metal-on-metal sealing interfaces in high-heat zones
  
  

Using a high-temp compound helps resist exhaust blow-by, vibration-induced leaks, and corrosion — especially important in marine environments.

Hump Hose – Straight 4” x 4”

This straight hump hose accommodates engine vibration and thermal expansion while maintaining a tight seal on 4-inch diameter turbo piping.

Features:

• 4” inner diameter on both ends
  
  

• Flexible design to handle misalignment or movement
  
  

• Compatible with Cummins and Detroit Diesel turbo configurations
  
  

Installation Location:

• Between turbo outlet and charge air cooler
  
  

• Between crossover piping and intake manifold
  
  

This hose is vital in ensuring pressurized air doesn’t escape under boost, especially in high-output marine setups.

Cummins Clamp for 4” Diameter Filters

Turbocharged engines rely on secure filtration systems to protect the compressor side of the turbo. This heavy-duty clamp ensures a tight fit for 4” diameter filters commonly used in air intake systems.

Applications:

• Air filters for Cummins 6CTA and similar diesel engines
  
  

• Marine and industrial air filtration systems
  
  

• Retrofit air filter installations
  
  

A loose or missing clamp can result in air leaks, unfiltered intake air, and ultimately, turbo compressor damage.

Detroit Diesel & Cummins Air Cleaner – 5" Diameter, 16" Height

While labeled for Detroit Diesel, this heavy-duty air cleaner is compatible with a wide range of Cummins applications using turbocharged intakes.

Specs:

• 5-inch inlet diameter
  
  

• 16-inch total height
  
  

• Replaceable element construction
  
  

Benefits:

• High dust-holding capacity
  
  

• Low restriction for improved turbo performance
  
  

• Suitable for marine, generator, or construction applications
  
  

Clean air is critical for long turbo life. This air cleaner assembly protects your turbo from dust, debris, and moisture — all major contributors to premature failure.

Why Turbo Health Is Critical for Cummins 6CTA Engines

A properly functioning turbocharger is essential for performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity. Neglecting turbo maintenance or using poor-quality components can lead to:

• Loss of power under load
  
  

• Poor fuel economy
  
  

• High exhaust temps and increased emissions
  
  

• Compressor surge or overspeed
  
  

• Catastrophic bearing failure
  
  

Using Diesel Pro Power's selection of new, CPL-matched, and marine-grade turbo parts ensures your Cummins engine performs to its full potential — every time.

Turbocharger Maintenance Best Practices for 6CTA Users

1. Warm-Up and Cool-Down Procedures

Always allow your engine to idle briefly before shutdown to prevent oil coking in the turbo. Avoid rapid throttle changes during startup and shutdown.

2. Change Oil and Filters Regularly

Clean oil ensures turbo bearings are properly lubricated and cooled. Always use manufacturer-approved oil types and change at recommended intervals.

3. Monitor Boost Pressure

Install a boost gauge if your engine doesn’t have one. Unexpected changes in pressure may indicate a failing turbo, boost leak, or restriction in airflow.

4. Inspect Piping and Clamps

Air leaks between the turbo and the engine can reduce boost pressure and increase exhaust gas temperatures, placing additional strain on the turbocharger.

5. Watch for Oil Seepage

Oil in the intake tract may indicate worn turbo seals or clogged crankcase ventilation. Check for residue around compressor outlets.

Troubleshooting Common Turbocharger Problems

Low Boost Pressure

Potential Causes:

• Leaking intercooler piping
  
  

• Worn compressor wheel
  
  

• Failed wastegate or actuator
  
  

Excessive Exhaust Smoke

Potential Causes:

• Overfueling due to turbo lag
  
  

• Turbo not spinning freely
  
  

• Air restriction in intake system
  
  

Whining or Rattling Noise

Potential Causes:

• Failing turbo bearings
  
  

• Foreign object damage (FOD) on blades
  
  

• Compressor imbalance
  
  

Additional Resources

[Coming Soon – Blog links for:]

• How to Install a Turbo on a Cummins 6CTA Engine
  
  

• Diagnosing Turbo Problems in Marine Diesel Engines
  
  

• Boost Leak Testing for Turbocharged Engines
  
  

• Airsep System Maintenance for Cummins Diesel Engines
  
  

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Your 6CTA Turbo Needs?

When you shop with Diesel Pro Power, you get more than just quality parts — you gain access to industry expertise, fast worldwide shipping, and a deep inventory of 6CTA-compatible components. We stock:

• Factory-new turbochargers
  
  

• Marine-grade hoses and clamps
  
  

• High-temperature compounds and gaskets
  
  

• Intake and filtration assemblies
  
  

• Aftercooler seals and fittings
  
  

With our real-time inventory, dedicated support staff, and global shipping, we make it easy for commercial fleets, mechanics, and marine operators to get back up and running — quickly and confidently.

Looking for More?

Explore our full inventory of Cummins 6CTA engine parts, including:

• Cylinder Heads
  
  

• Piston Kits
  
  

• Fuel Injectors
  
  

• Overhaul Kits
  
  

• Raw Water Pumps
  
  

• Air Intake Components
  
  

Need help finding the right turbo or accessory? Contact our team — we’ll help you match your engine’s CPL to the right configuration, no guesswork required.