Cummins 3942565 — Genuine Valve Tappet (Lifter) for B-Series

MPN: 3942565  |  Also Known As: valve lifter, cam follower, tappet  |  Notes: Stock flat tappet for 5.9L 24-valve VP44 applications; 1.3" footprint.

The genuine Cummins 3942565 valve tappet restores quiet, consistent valve action on 1998.5–2002 Ram 2500/3500 5.9L 24-valve (VP44). Built to OE metallurgy and surface finish to protect the camshaft and deliver long service life.

Features & Benefits

• OE flat-tappet geometry with correct crown and finish for proper cam break-in and longevity.
• Direct fit for 24-valve VP44 5.9L—no machining or shimming required.
• Precision face hardness to resist spalling and scuffing under high spring loads.
• Quiet operation and stable lash when paired with good pushrods and correct oil.
• Genuine Cummins part for reliability and traceability.

Verified Fitment (Automotive)

Industrial/Off-Highway: Cummins catalogs 3942565 for B-Series/ISB & QSB 5.9 (industrial Tier lines). Verify by ESN for equipment engines, as lifter specs can vary by build code.

Specifications

• Type: Flat valve tappet (lifter)
• OE Part Number: 3942565
• Footprint: ~1.3" (stock 24-valve style)
• Quantity Required: 12 per engine (sold each)

Often Paired With

• Tappet cover gasket: Cummins 3284623 (’89–’02)
• Pushrods: upgrade when replacing cam/tappets to maintain correct straightness
• Break-in oil / zinc additive: critical for new cam & lifter break-in on flat-tappet engines

What’s In The Box

• (1) Genuine Cummins Valve Tappet (3942565)

Installation Tips

• Always replace lifters as a set with a new or good camshaft; do not reuse old tappets on a new cam.
• Pre-lube cam lobes and tappet faces; follow proper break-in (rpm/time) with high-zinc oil.
• Verify pushrod straightness and set valve lash to spec after heat cycle.

FAQ

WILL THIS FIT MY 1998.5–2002 24-VALVE 5.9L CUMMINS?

Yes—3942565 is the stock-style flat tappet for 24-valve VP44 engines used in 1998.5–2002 Ram 2500/3500.

HOW MANY DO I NEED?

Order 12 lifters for one 5.9L engine (one per valve).

IS THIS THE SAME AS THE 12-VALVE OR COMMON-RAIL LIFTER?

No—12V uses 3931623; common-rail years often use 3947759. Choose by engine/year or ESN.

WHAT GASKET SHOULD I REPLACE DURING THIS SERVICE?

The tappet cover gasket 3284623 (1989–2002) is commonly replaced to prevent oil leaks.

IS THIS A GENUINE CUMMINS PART?

Yes—OE Cummins 3942565.