Details
Cummins KT38-G 560kW Engine Assembly: Heavy-Duty G-Drive Specifications
The Cummins KT38-G is a 12-cylinder, 60-degree Vee-type, 4-stroke industrial diesel engine engineered strictly for heavy-duty power generation configurations. Manufactured primarily by the Chongqing Cummins Engine Company (CCEC) joint venture in China, this 37.8-liter displacement power plant delivers a rated prime output of 560kW (750 HP) at 1500 RPM, with a standby capacity reaching 615kW (825 HP). As a dedicated generator drive diesel engine, its mechanical design combines structural longevity with the proprietary Cummins Pressure Time (PT) fuel system, making it a critical choice for facilities requiring robust, fixed-speed block load acceptance.
At HekoPower, we supply factory-new, original Chongqing Cummins KT38-G complete engine assemblies for international export. Because industrial buyers require precise integration metrics rather than generalized sales material, this technical breakdown details the application engineering, maintenance frameworks, and matching parameters needed to integrate the KT38-G into your power infrastructure.
Tech Specs of Cummins KT38-G 560kW
General Engine Data
Engine Model: Cummins KT38-G-560KW
Type: 12 Cylinders, 60° V Type, 4 Stroke Diesel
Displacement: 37.8 L
Bore * Stroke: 159 * 159
Net Weight: 3954 Kg
Overall Dimension: 2341mm*1360mm*1653mm
Key Performance Data
Standby Output, Standby Output: 560 kW/750HP, 615 kW/825HP
Rated Speed: 1500 rpm
Low Idle Speed: 725-775 rpm
Fuel Consumption @ Rated Power: 140 L/Kw.h
More Technical Data
Engine Exhaust Manifold: Optional for Wet Exhaust manifold Heat exchanger
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Compression Radio: 15.5:1
Fuel System: Cummins PT Pump, Direct Injection
Starting System: Electrical starting motor (24V)
Cooling Method: Water cooling
Lowest Starting Temp (Without auxiliary system): -12℃
Governor Type: Mechanical Control
Technical Performance Profiles and Component Engineering
Comparing the KT38-G, KTA38-G2, and KTA38-G5 Variants
Procurement teams frequently evaluate the exact functional differences between various 38-liter Cummins models. The baseline KT38-G utilizes turbocharging without an independent jacket water or air-to-air aftercooler circuit, distinguishing it immediately from its KTA-series counterparts. For example, while the KT38-G provides a reliable 560kW prime rating at 50Hz, the KTA38-G2 introduces a single-loop aftercooler system to achieve higher thermal efficiency. The KTA38-G5 steps up further into a dual-pump, dual-loop low-temperature aftercooling (LTA) design.
For applications operating in ambient conditions below 40 degrees Celsius at standard sea-level elevations, the naturally robust structure of the standard turbocharged KT38-G offers fewer failure points, removing the auxiliary water pump and secondary radiator core dependencies seen in multi-loop LTA configurations.
Fuel Consumption Metrics under Real-World Loading
Operational cost profiles are governed by exact fuel burn data across different load states. At its 1500 RPM governed speed, the KT38-G exhibits a highly predictable fuel curve based on a diesel specific gravity of 0.85 kg/liter. At 100% prime power load (560kW), the fuel consumption rate settles precisely at 140 liters per hour.
When operating at partial loads, the efficiency changes as follows:
- 75% load demands 118 liters per hour.
- 50% partial load drops consumption to 84 liters per hour.
- 25% light-load running draws 50 liters per hour.
Running the engine below 30% load for extended periods is not advised, as it alters cylinder temperatures and leads to wet-stacking—unburnt fuel accumulating in the exhaust manifold.
Radiator Configurations and Cooling System Technicalities
The cooling circuit of the factory-configured KT38-G requires strict adherence to system volume metrics. The engine-only coolant capacity is exactly 111 liters. When paired with a standard radiator configuration or integrated heat exchanger for a 560kW open-type genset, total system fluid volume increases to 318 liters.
The maximum allowable coolant friction head external to the engine at 1500 RPM cannot exceed 48 kPa. System integrators must ensure the thermostat operating range of 82 to 93 degrees Celsius is maintained under maximum thermal rejection states, keeping top tank temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius for prime usage and 104 degrees Celsius during standby emergency operations.
B2B Procurement, Alternator Matching, and Shipping Architecture
12-Cylinder 38L Alternator Matching Parameters
When assembling a complete 560kW diesel generator set, the engine flywheel and housing configurations must map perfectly to the single or double-bearing alternator layout. The KT38-G features a standard SAE 0 flywheel housing and accepts an SAE 18 flywheel disk. To output a clean 500kW to 560kW electrical supply at a 0.8 power factor, this engine is optimized for coupling with heavy-duty brushless alternators such as the Stamford HC6Y or Marathon MP-500-4 series.
The structural engineering of the rear face of the engine block allows a maximum bending moment of 3000 lb-ft (4068 N·m), meaning any attached single-bearing alternator casing must align precisely without introducing structural deflection across the crankshaft centerline.
CCEC Cummins KT38-G Lead Time and Shipping Logistics
As an export-ready authorized Cummins engine supplier, HekoPower manages rigid international freight metrics for heavy industrial machinery. The standard dry weight of the fan-to-flywheel KT38-G engine is 3609 kg, while a wet configuration containing complete oil and cooling volumes hits 3832 kg.
For full global export shipping, our factory packing dimensions measure 2341mm in length, 1360mm in width, and 1653mm in height, with a gross crated weight averaging 4200 kg. Our standard production and inspection lead time ranges from 15 to 30 working days from deposit verification, facilitating predictable deployment schedules for mining operations, power stations, or industrial field infrastructure.
Prime and Standby Application Engineering Scenarios
Standby Infrastructure in Data Centers and Healthcare Facilities
In mission-critical environments like multi-megawatt data centers and regional hospitals, the KT38-G serves as a dedicated emergency standby asset. These settings demand immediate block-load capability, where the engine must start from a cold state, stabilize its RPM, and accept up to 100% load within 10 seconds of a utility outage. Equipped with 24V electric starter motors and matching cooling jacket heaters, the KT38-G maintains a constant internal temperature, preventing thermal shock when the engine ramps up immediately to support critical life-support networks or server racks.
Prime Power Operations in Remote Mining and Oilfields
For off-grid operations like isolated mining fields, heavy construction sites, and oilfield operations, the KT38-G functions as the primary power station source. Under the Prime Power (PRP) definition outlined in ISO 8528-1, the engine can run for an unlimited number of hours per year under variable load profiles. The average variable load factor over any 250-hour operational cycle must not exceed 70% of the 560kW capacity. A 10% overload capability (616kW) is accessible for exactly 1 hour within every 12-hour window, providing the necessary operational headroom to handle high-starting currents from heavy electric motors and industrial crushers.
Lifecycle Maintenance Frameworks and Troubleshooting
PT Fuel System and Lubrication Maintenance Schedules
The hallmark of the Chongqing Cummins KT38-G is its mechanical PT (Pressure-Time) fuel injection system. Unlike modern common-rail networks that depend on delicate electronic solenoids, the PT pump utilizes a gear pump to pressurize fuel lines based on engine speed, with timing mechanically dictated by the camshaft. Lubrication care requires an oil pan capacity fluctuating between a minimum of 87 liters and a maximum of 114 liters, with a total system volume of 135 liters when including bypass filters.
Preventative upkeep demands oil and spin-on fuel filter replacement every 250 operating hours. The mechanical governor linkages, fuel lines, and PT injectors require visual and pressure testing every 1000 operating hours to maintain optimal spray patterns and prevent exhaust over-fueling.
Overhaul Parts Compatibility and Component Verification
During mid-life servicing or complete overhauls, parts sourcing must cross-reference the unique Engine Critical Parts List (CPL) stamped on the engine nameplate. The KT38-G features an incredibly rugged regrindable crankshaft, high-strength connecting rods, and dual Ni-resist aluminum alloy pistons that are oil-cooled via under-piston nozzles.
When replacing liners, pistons, or rings, buyers must confirm component part numbers match the CPL to ensure proper thermal expansion profiles. Using generic, non-OEM components will disrupt the 15.5:1 compression ratio, degrading power output and voiding the international factory warranty coverages.
Cummins K38-G Series, original products from Chongqing Cummins Engine Plant(CCEC). This series mainly includes KT38-G-560KW, KTA38-G1-634KW, KTA38-G2-664KW, KTA38-G2A-813KW, KTA38-G2B-711KW, KTA38-G5-880KW, KTA38-G9A-1195KW, KT38-G-679KW, KTA38-G2-809KW, KTA38-G2A-915KW, KTA38-G4-1007KW.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Cummins KT38-G
What is the exact displacement and cylinder layout of this model?
The engine features a 37.8-liter displacement spread across 12 cylinders arranged in a 60-degree Vee configuration. The bore and stroke dimensions are identical at 159mm by 159mm, resulting in a balanced, square combustion profile that reduces piston skirt wear and optimizes structural longevity.
Can this engine be modified to comply with local emissions laws?
The standard factory-new Chongqing Cummins KT38-G is configured to meet Euro II non-regulated emission levels, prioritizing raw torque output and mechanical reliability. For regions requiring strict Tier 4 or Stage V compliance, additional exhaust after-treatment configurations, such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, must be integrated externally into the generator set enclosure.
What type of governor does the HekoPower KT38-G use?
Our standard KT38-G units are fitted with high-precision mechanical governors that maintain steady-state speed regulation within narrow margins. For projects requiring tight parallel synchronization or automated microgrid integration, we can supply the engine with electronic governor upgrades or Woodward actuator configurations.
What are the storage requirements for uninstalled engines?
If the engine assembly will sit on-site before installation, it must be stored in a dry, covered enclosure. Our export units ship with factory-applied anti-corrosion oil treatments inside the lubrication and fuel systems, protecting internal surfaces for up to 12 months under standard storage conditions.
