Product Description
CUMMINS 3802160 OEM ENGINE PISTON KIT (MARINE STYLE BOWL, STANDARD BORE) – 5.9L 12-VALVE 6BT (1989–1998)
The CUMMINS 3802160 OEM engine piston kit features the sought-after marine-style combustion bowl, offering improved air/fuel swirl characteristics, enhanced durability, and superior cylinder efficiency compared to standard automotive bowl designs. This piston kit is a standard-bore OEM replacement for 1989–1998 5.9L 12-valve 6BT engines and is commonly used in marine, industrial, and performance-style rebuilds for increased cylinder pressure handling and improved combustion.
This kit includes the piston, wrist pin, rings, and retainers—all engineered to Cummins’ strict metallurgy, skirt coating, and weight-balance specifications. Whether you are performing a high-quality stock rebuild, a towing-oriented build, or a marine-style performance upgrade, this genuine Cummins piston kit delivers factory reliability with enhanced bowl geometry.
Key Features
- Genuine Cummins OEM piston – not aftermarket.
- Marine-style combustion bowl for improved swirl and burn efficiency.
- Standard bore size for stock, non-machined cylinder blocks.
- Complete kit including piston, rings, wrist pin, and retainers.
- Durability-rated for high-load, towing, industrial, and marine service.
Fitment Details
- Engine: Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve 6BT
- Years: 1989–1998
- Applications: Dodge Ram 2500/3500, industrial 6BT, marine & performance builds
- Bore Size: Standard (STD)
- Notes: Marine-style bowl increases swirl; verify compression ratio requirements.
Cross-Reference & Companion Cummins Parts
CPP Diesel offers matching Cummins 6BT rebuild parts that pair perfectly with CUMMINS 3802160:
- CUMMINS 3802487 STANDARD BORE PISTON KIT – 5.9L 12V
- CUMMINS 3904166 PISTON RING SET – 5.9L
- CUMMINS 3903566 MAIN BEARING SET – 5.9L (STD)
- CUMMINS 3802071 ROD BEARING SET – 5.9L (STD)
- VIEW ALL GENUINE CUMMINS OEM PARTS
Common Cummins alternate numbers: 3802159, 3802161, 3802160NX (verify by VIN/ESN).
Installation Notes
- Confirm cylinder bore condition before installing standard pistons.
- Professional cylinder honing recommended for proper ring seating.
- Measure piston-to-wall clearance to Cummins specifications.
- Verify combustion bowl and compression compatibility.
- Install rings in correct orientation and stagger for sealing.
Specifications for cummins 3802160
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cummins (Genuine OEM) |
| Cummins Part Number | 3802160 |
| Alternate Part Numbers | 3802159, 3802161, 3802160NX |
| Function | Standard-bore marine-style piston kit |
| Engine Compatibility | 5.9L Cummins 12-Valve 6BT (1989–1998) |
| Kit Contents | Piston, rings, wrist pin, retainers |
| Bore Size | Standard (STD) |
| UPC | 190910269155 |
| GTIN | 190910269155 |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 3.9 lbs |
| Shipping Method | Standard ground; expedited options available |
| E-Codes / Emissions | Internal engine component (not emissions-related) |
| Prop 65 Warning | WARNING: May expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |
| Country of Origin | As labeled by Cummins (varies by lot) |
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT MAKES THIS A “MARINE STYLE” PISTON?
The marine-style bowl increases swirl and fuel-air mixing, improving torque and combustion efficiency versus standard 12-valve automotive pistons.
IS THIS A STANDARD BORE PISTON?
Yes — CUMMINS 3802160 is for STD bore. Oversize pistons require machining and carry different part numbers.
CAN I USE ONE MARINE PISTON WITH THREE STOCK PISTONS?
No. Piston bowl shape affects compression and timing. Always replace pistons as a matched set.
IS THIS A GENUINE CUMMINS OEM PISTON KIT?
Yes — sourced directly through CPP Diesel, meeting all Cummins factory specifications.
