Product Description
Cummins 3900250 OEM Valve Spring Keeper (Valve Collet) – Ram 5.9L 12V (1989–1998)
The Cummins 3900250 OEM valve spring keeper (valve collet) is the small but critical piece that locks your intake and exhaust valves to the retainer on 5.9L 12-valve Cummins heads. Using genuine Cummins keepers helps maintain proper installed height, spring pressure, and valve control on your 1989–1998 Ram 2500/3500 5.9L 12V or B-series industrial engine.
Each valve uses two keepers, and a complete 12-valve 5.9L Cummins requires 24 keepers total (two per valve, twelve valves). These OEM collets are a direct replacement for worn, mismatched, or missing locks during a cylinder head refresh or full valvetrain upgrade.
Why Choose Genuine Cummins 3900250 Valve Keepers?
- OEM geometry and hardness to keep valves positively locked under high spring loads.
- Matched taper for genuine Cummins valves and retainers to prevent valve slip or dropped valves.
- Ideal for stock rebuilds, towing rigs, and performance 12V builds where reliability matters.
- Sold individually so you can replace a single damaged keeper or stock up for full head work.
Verified Fitment
Automotive (Ram pickup):
- 1989–1993 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 – 5.9L Cummins 12-Valve (VE pump)
- 1994–1998 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 – 5.9L Cummins 12-Valve (P-pump)
Common engine platforms (B-series / ISB family):
- Cummins 4BT / 6BT 3.9L & 5.9L B-series applications
- Many ISB / ISC / QSB / QSC / QSL on-highway & industrial engines (verify by ESN and parts list)
Always verify with your engine serial number (ESN) and head casting when working on non-Ram or industrial applications.
Often Paired With (Cummins Genuine Valvetrain Parts)
- CUMMINS 3802355 OEM INTAKE VALVE – 5.9L 12V (1989–1998)
- CUMMINS 3802356 OEM EXHAUST VALVE – RAM 5.9L 12-VALVE (1989–1998) | 4BT/6BT B-SERIES
- CUMMINS 3920867 OEM INTAKE VALVE – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1989–1998)
- CUMMINS 3920868 OEM EXHAUST VALVE – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1989–1998) / 4BT & 6BT
- CUMMINS 3906854 OEM INTAKE VALVE SEAT INSERT – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1989–1998)
- CUMMINS 3904105 OEM EXHAUST VALVE SEAT (VALVE INSERT) – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1989–1998)
- CUMMINS 3904408 OEM VALVE STEM GUIDE (INTAKE, THICK WALL 60.50MM) – 5.9L 12V 6BT (1989–1998)
- CUMMINS 3904409 OEM VALVE STEM GUIDE – 51.75MM – 5.9L 12-VALVE (1989–1998)
Installation Notes
- Always install keepers in matched pairs and verify they seat fully in the valve and retainer.
- Inspect valve stem tips, retainers, and springs for wear before reassembly.
- Confirm installed height and spring pressure per your build (stock vs. performance springs).
- Use a quality valve spring compressor and eye protection – dropped valves can damage pistons.
What’s Included
- (1) Genuine Cummins 3900250 valve spring keeper (valve collet)
Note: Two (2) keepers required per valve; 24 required for a complete 12-valve 5.9L cylinder head.
FAQ
HOW MANY CUMMINS 3900250 KEEPERS DOES A 5.9L 12V CUMMINS NEED?A 12-valve 5.9L Cummins uses twelve valves and each valve requires two keepers, so you need 24 total Cummins 3900250 valve spring keepers for a complete cylinder head. This listing is for one keeper.
DO THESE FIT BOTH INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES?
Yes. The 3900250 valve collet is designed to work with the matching Cummins intake and exhaust valves and retainers (such as 3802355, 3802356, 3920867, and 3920868) on 5.9L 12-valve B-series cylinder heads. Always verify by ESN and component part numbers when mixing parts.
CAN I USE THESE ON 4BT OR INDUSTRIAL B-SERIES ENGINES?
In many cases, yes—this keeper is used across a wide range of Cummins 4BT/6BT and ISB/ISC/QSB engines. However, Cummins has multiple cylinder head and valve combinations. Always confirm compatibility using your engine serial number (ESN) and OEM parts list before ordering for non-Ram or industrial equipment.
ARE THESE GENUINE CUMMINS PARTS OR AFTERMARKET?
This listing is for a genuine Cummins 3900250 valve spring keeper. If you’re looking for a cost-effective aftermarket alternative, CPP Diesel also offers Interstate-McBee keepers under a separate part number, but this product page is specifically for OEM Cummins.
SHOULD I REPLACE ALL KEEPERS WHEN DOING A VALVETRAIN REFRESH?
It’s highly recommended. Keepers are inexpensive insurance—replacing the full set during a head job or spring upgrade helps prevent failures from worn or mismatched locks that can lead to dropped valves and catastrophic engine damage.
DO THESE COME PRE-OILED OR COATED?
The keepers ship as machined steel components. Clean them in solvent, blow dry, and oil lightly before installation as part of your normal valvetrain assembly process.
Specifications for cummins 3900250
| Field | Value |
| Brand | Cummins Genuine Parts |
| Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) | 3900250 |
| UPC | Not specified by manufacturer |
| GTIN | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Cross Reference | Used with Cummins valves 3802355, 3802356, 3920867, 3920868 and included in various Cummins cylinder head/valve kits. Always verify by ESN and OEM parts list. |
| E-Codes / Emissions | Not applicable (valvetrain hardware; follows engine’s original certification) |
| Application | 1989–1998 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Cummins 12-Valve (VE & P-pump), plus multiple B-series / ISB / QSB / ISC engines where 3900250 is specified. |
| Position | Valve spring keeper / valve collet (two required per valve) |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 0.001 lb each (ships as very small hardware item) |
| Package Dimensions | Approx. 0.4 in x 0.4 in x 0.4 in (individual piece or small bag) |
| Shipping Method | Standard ground / small parcel (can combine with other CPP Diesel parts) |
| Country of Origin | Typically USA or country of origin as marked on genuine Cummins packaging |
| Prop 65 Warning | Yes – Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov |
