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What years did Dodge use the 12 valve Cummins?

Dodge used the 12 valve Cummins diesel engine in its trucks from 1989 to 1998. This powerful engine provided increased towing capacity and fuel efficiency for Dodge's heavy-duty pickup models during that time period.


The Cummins 12 Valve Diesel Engine


The Cummins 6BT 5.9-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, commonly referred to as the "12 valve" Cummins, was first introduced in 1984. This engine featured a robust cast-iron block and head design, along with a mechanical fuel injection system. The 12 valve Cummins was known for its exceptional durability, reliability, and impressive torque output, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty truck applications.


Dodge's Adoption of the Cummins Engine


In 1989, Dodge began offering the 12 valve Cummins diesel engine as an option in its Ram pickup trucks. This partnership between Dodge and Cummins allowed Dodge to compete more effectively in the lucrative heavy-duty truck market, which was dominated by Ford and Chevrolet. The Cummins engine provided Dodge's trucks with significantly more towing capacity and better fuel economy compared to the gasoline-powered engines that were previously available.


The Cummins Era at Dodge



  • Dodge offered the 12 valve Cummins engine in its Ram trucks from 1989 to 1998.

  • During this time, the Cummins engine became a key selling point for Dodge's heavy-duty pickup models.

  • The 12 valve Cummins was available in both the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series trucks.

  • In 1998, Dodge introduced a new version of the Cummins engine, the 24 valve 5.9-liter, which remained an option until 2007.


The partnership between Dodge and Cummins was a significant factor in Dodge's ability to compete in the lucrative heavy-duty truck market during the 1990s. The 12 valve Cummins engine provided Dodge's trucks with the power, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency that customers demanded, helping to establish Dodge as a major player in the segment.

Is a 5.9 Cummins a 12 or 24 valve?


The 12-valve 5.9 Cummins is also known as the 6BT engine.



Why is the 12 valve Cummins so sought after?


A stroke of 4.72 inches (accompanied by a 4.02-inch bore) yields 359 cubic inches, incredible low-rpm torque and remarkable fuel efficiency. Along with it being in an inline engine's nature to produce gobs of torque, they're also easier to work on than the V8 competition.



What block to avoid Cummins?


In fact, roughly a decade after Cummins began outfitting trucks bearing the Ram badge with engines, it delivered one of the worst diesels in its history, the so-called "53 Block."



What year is the 5.9 Cummins 24 valve?


5.9-Liter Cummins: Second Generation (24-valve, 1998.5-2003, VP44 Injection Pump) Halfway through 1998, Dodge Ram trucks were forever changed. That is when the first ever (and least popular) electronically controlled fuel-injection system for the 5.9-liter Cummins engine debuted.



What years did Dodge make the 12 valve Cummins?


There are two different versions of the 2nd Gen Cummins. The first is a 12-valve engine featured in 1994 through 1998 Dodge trucks, and it is very similar to the 1st Gen engine. The second version is a 24-valve engine and is featured in the 1998.5 through 2002 Dodge trucks.



Which 5.9 Cummins block is bad?


The second potentially deadly flaw occurs in '99 to '02 5.9L Cummins 24-valve engines. It's known as the 53 block problem, because these engine blocks have the number 53 cast into the side of the crankcase. After years of use, the 53 blocks tend to crack until coolant starts to pour out the side of the block.



When did they stop making 5.9 Cummins?


The 5.9L Cummins engine has been regarded as revolutionary and has a ton of fans that backed it in its heyday. It's history is even more impressive, we're going to talk about the engine's run from 1989-2007.



What year is 5.9 Cummins to avoid?


Therefore, you should avoid the worst model years of Dodge Cummins to get a pleasant driving experience. Due to higher problem counts and lower reliability and safety ratings, the Dodge Cummins model years from 1991 to 1993, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010-2013 should be avoided.



Is 5.9 or 6.7 Cummins better?


Thanks to its increased stroke over the 5.9L (4.88 inches vs. 4.72 inches), the 6.7L makes considerably more torque at low rpm, especially when combined with the aforementioned quick-lighting variable geometry turbocharger.



What year did Dodge put the 24 valve Cummins?


24-Valve Cummins
Beginning roughly halfway through the 1998 model year and as a direct result of new federal diesel emission regulations, Dodge introduced the 24-valve version of the 5.9L Cummins (hence '98.5).


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.