Piston Kits for Cummins KTA19 Engines

Diesel Pro Power offers high-quality piston kits for the Cummins KTA19 engine, designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial, marine, and heavy-duty power generation applications. Whether you're performing a full in-frame overhaul or replacing components during a top-end rebuild, our KTA19 piston kits deliver superior reliability, performance, and value. All kits are built to OEM specifications and come ready for installation.

Overview of the Cummins KTA19 Engine

The Cummins KTA19 is a turbocharged, aftercooled diesel engine built for continuous-duty service in some of the most demanding environments. Known for its rugged design, it is commonly found in marine propulsion, offshore platforms, mining equipment, rail operations, and power generation. Its robust inline-six configuration features a displacement of 19 liters and supports horsepower ratings from 450 to over 700 HP, depending on configuration.

Given the high-output nature of the KTA19, piston durability is critical for long-term operation. Diesel Pro Power provides piston kits that are manufactured using forged or cast aluminum alloys with high thermal resistance and strength under high compression.

Complete Piston Kits for Cummins KTA19

Each KTA19 piston kit from Diesel Pro Power is engineered to withstand extreme cylinder pressures and long service intervals. Every kit includes all components needed to replace the pistons and rings for one cylinder. For a full engine rebuild, six kits are required.

Standard Contents of a Cummins KTA19 Piston Kit

• Piston (Aluminum Alloy Construction): Designed for thermal stability and reduced weight while maximizing durability in high-horsepower applications.

• Piston Pin (Wrist Pin): Heat-treated steel pin for connecting the piston to the connecting rod.

• Retaining Clips: Secure the piston pin in place to prevent lateral movement.

• Piston Rings: Includes compression rings and oil control rings, machined to maintain proper cylinder seal and reduce blow-by.

• Ring Expander (if applicable): Helps maintain uniform contact and tension within the cylinder.

Available Sizes

We provide piston kits in multiple sizes to suit different engine repair scenarios:

• Standard Bore (STD): For engines with no cylinder wear or new liners.

• Oversize (e.g., 0.50mm, 1.00mm): For use when the cylinder has been machined or reconditioned.

Note: When choosing piston kits, it’s critical to match the size with the cylinder liner's internal diameter. Confirm whether your engine uses service liners or has been bored to an oversize.

Piston Design Options: Two-Piece and One-Piece Pistons

Depending on your KTA19 configuration, Diesel Pro Power offers both two-piece articulated pistons and one-piece solid-body pistons.

Two-Piece Articulated Pistons

These pistons consist of a forged steel crown and an aluminum skirt bolted together. This design is common in heavy-duty engines like the KTA19 due to its high strength and reduced piston slap.

Key Advantages:

• Increased durability under high thermal loads

• Reduced skirt wear

• Compatible with higher compression ratios

One-Piece Cast Pistons

One-piece designs are also available for certain KTA19 applications. They offer simplified installation and are a common replacement in standard-duty rebuilds.

Key Advantages:

• Fewer components

• Cost-effective for standard applications

• OEM-compatible designs

Choosing the Right Piston Kit for Your Application

1. Marine Use

In marine propulsion or auxiliary systems, KTA19 engines often run at constant speeds and loads. High thermal stress and saltwater environments demand corrosion-resistant materials and reliable ring seating. Diesel Pro Power supplies marine-grade piston kits engineered to handle these harsh conditions.

2. Industrial and Generator Use

KTA19 engines powering compressors, pumps, and generators operate for long durations with minimal downtime. Piston kits for industrial use focus on longevity and fuel efficiency, including oil control ring designs that minimize consumption and maximize uptime.

3. Mining and Heavy Equipment

For off-highway and mining applications, the KTA19 often experiences sudden load changes, extreme dust conditions, and vibration. Our piston kits for these environments are designed for tight tolerances, consistent compression, and oil management under variable speed and torque loads.

Related Components for a Full Rebuild

When replacing pistons, it's often beneficial to replace associated parts to ensure a complete and reliable rebuild.

Cylinder Liners

Diesel Pro Power supplies compatible wet liners for the KTA19 engine. Liners should be inspected for wear, pitting, or out-of-round conditions before reusing. New liners can be purchased alongside piston kits for full engine restoration.

Connecting Rod Bearings

Rod bearings are subjected to enormous pressures and should be replaced during piston installation. We offer both standard and oversized bearings to match crankshaft conditions.

Cylinder Head Gaskets

Upgrading the pistons? It’s a smart time to replace the cylinder head gasket set. Choose from kits with or without EGR support, depending on your engine's configuration.

Upper Gasket Sets

These include seals for the valve cover, injectors, coolant passages, and other top-end components affected during piston replacement.

Installation Tips for Cummins KTA19 Pistons

1. Measure Cylinder Bores: Always confirm liner internal diameter with a bore gauge before choosing piston size.

2. Use Proper Ring Orientation: Ensure rings are installed with the correct gap orientation to avoid oil blow-by.

3. Lubricate Components: Apply engine assembly lube to wrist pins, rings, and cylinder bores prior to installation.

4. Use a Ring Compressor: Avoid ring damage by using a dedicated ring compressor tool when inserting the piston into the liner.

5. Torque Specifications: Follow Cummins’ official specifications when torquing connecting rod bolts and cylinder head fasteners.

6. Piston Cooling Nozzles: Inspect and replace piston cooling nozzles as needed. Proper oil spray is critical for piston crown longevity.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for KTA19 Piston Kits?

• 40,000+ Satisfied Customers Worldwide: Trusted by fleet operators, marine engineers, and industrial professionals.

• In-Stock and Ready to Ship: Our piston kits and rebuild components are stocked in our warehouse for fast delivery.

• Expert Support: Have questions about fitment or piston selection? Our team can help you identify the correct parts based on CPL number or engine configuration.

• All Kits Built to OEM Specs: We never cut corners. You’ll receive parts that meet or exceed Cummins’ factory tolerances.

Tools to Support Your Piston Replacement Job

Diesel Pro Power also supplies specialized tools to make installation efficient and accurate:

• Piston Ring Compressor Tool: Essential for damage-free installation into liners.

• Feeler Gauge: Set accurate valve lash and ring end gap with this must-have tool.

• Oil Filter and Fuel Filter Wrenches: Remove and install filters easily during the rebuild process.

Maintenance Tips After Replacing Pistons

• Break-In Period: Avoid high RPMs or full loads during the initial 50 hours of operation to allow rings to seat properly.

• Monitor Oil Pressure: Sudden changes could indicate improper ring installation or lubrication issues.

• Use OEM-Approved Oils: High-quality lubricants reduce ring and cylinder wear and prevent premature scoring.

• Perform Regular Compression Tests: Ensures piston and ring sealing remains consistent over time.