Details
Cummins KTA38-M1 1000 HP Marine Propulsion Diesel Engine
HekoPower supplies genuine Chongqing Cummins (CCEC) KTA38-M1 marine propulsion diesel engines engineered for heavy-duty commercial vessels. Delivering a rated power output of 746 kW (1000 HP) at 1800 rpm, this 38L V12 engine is built to withstand continuous, unlimited-hour operations under harsh offshore conditions.
Engineered around a proven 12-cylinder 60-degree V configuration, the KTA38-M1 features a 159 mm (6.25 in) bore and 159 mm (6.25 in) stroke. Peak torque reaches 4188 Nm, giving workboats and commercial vessels the low-end pulling force required for heavy towing and laden transit. Every engine supplied by HekoPower originates from CCEC production lines, backed by a 12-month global warranty, factory testing certification, and direct marine export packing.
Tech Specs of Cummins KTA38-M1 1000 HP
General Engine Data
Engine Model: Cummins KTA38-M1 (1000 HP)
Type: 12 Cylinders, V Type, 4 strokes
Displacement: 38 L
Bore * Stroke: 159 * 159
Net Weight (with flywheel & alternator): 4358 Kg
Overall Dimension: 2152mm*1462mm*2083mm
Engine Configuration No.: D233034MX02
Key Performance Data
Rated Power: 746 kW/1000HP
Rated Speed: 1800 rpm
Low Idle Speed: 575-675 rpm
High Idle Speed: 1815-2016 rpm
Rating Type: Continuous Running
Fuel Consumption (Running Speed): 185 L/hr
Max Torque/Speed: 4188 N.m @ 1400 rpm
More Technical Data
Certification: CCS/IMO Certificates
Governor Type: Mechanical Control
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Compression Radio: 13.9:1
Fuel System: Cummins Pressure Time (PT Pump)
Starting System: Electrical Start (24V)
Lowest Starting Temp Without auxiliary system: -12℃
Cooling Method: Sea water pump, Heat exchanger, Water cooled
Commercial Applications and Gearbox Selection
Hull Applications: Tugboats, Trawlers, and Cargo Barges
The KTA38-M1 continuous rating (Rating Code Continuous / Heavy Duty) allows 100% full-throttle operation without time limits. This power curve makes the engine the standard choice for specific workboat categories:
- Tugboats and Pushboats: High continuous torque (4188 Nm) delivers reliable bollard pull for barge maneuvering and river transport.
- Commercial Fishing Trawlers: Handles high electrical generator drag and heavy net-towing loads over extended ocean voyages.
- Inland Cargo Vessels & Barges: Provides steady displacement speed under heavy deck-cargo conditions.
- Passenger Ferries: Delivers stable thermal endurance for all-day regional transit routes.
Gearbox and Propeller Matching Rules
Pairing the KTA38-M1 with the correct marine reduction gearbox is critical to prevent engine lugging or overspeeding. Common reduction ratios range from 4:1 to 6:1 depending on propeller diameter and vessel hull design.
HekoPower assists shipyards in matching the KTA38-M1 with leading marine gearboxes, including Advance, ZF, Twin Disc, and Masson. For heavy-displacement trawlers, matching a 1800 rpm input speed with a 5:1 ratio turns a large-diameter, fixed-pitch propeller at roughly 360 rpm, maximizing hydrodynamic thrust and fuel efficiency.
Technical Comparisons: Avoiding Selection Errors
Cummins KTA38-M1 (1000 HP) vs. KTA38-M2 (1200 HP / 1050 HP)
Choosing between the KTA38-M1 and KTA38-M2 comes down to duty cycle and thermal loading. While both engines share the same 37.8-liter block, their power delivery profiles differ significantly.
The KTA38-M1 is set to 746 kW (1000 HP) at 1800 rpm under Continuous Duty parameters. It is rated for 24/7 uninterrupted operation at maximum load.
The KTA38-M2 is calibrated to higher outputs, such as 783 kW (1050 HP) or 895 kW (1200 HP). However, these higher outputs often fall under Medium Continuous or Heavy Duty intermittent ratings. The M2 utilizes different fuel injector spray angles, modified camshaft timing, and higher turbocharger boost pressure. If your vessel operates continuously at high throttle for thousands of hours a year, the KTA38-M1 provides longer time between overhauls (TBO) and lower thermal stress on internal components.
746 kW Continuous Rating vs. Intermittent Ratings
A common mistake when buying replacement marine engines is comparing horsepower numbers without checking duty definitions. An intermittent 1000 HP engine cannot sustain 100% load continuously without overheating or suffering premature cylinder head cracking. The KTA38-M1 746 kW rating is designed for continuous duty, meaning the engine can run at full power for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Common Misconceptions About the KTA38-M1 Engine
Misconception 1: "Increasing PT pump pressure increases horsepower safely."
Mechanics sometimes attempt to increase the output of a 1000 HP KTA38-M1 to match a 1200 HP rating by modifying the PT pump button or governor spring. This causes over-fueling, excessive exhaust gas temperatures (EGT), dropped valve seats, and turbocharger housing failure. Power adjustments require matched injector changes and turbo modifications.
Misconception 2: "CCEC Cummins engines use different designs than USA Cummins."
Chongqing Cummins Engine Co., Ltd. (CCEC) operates as a direct joint venture licensed by Cummins Inc. CCEC manufactures engines to global Cummins engineering standards. Parts, installation dimensions, torque specs, and overhaul procedures are 100% interchangeable with USA-manufactured K38 engines.
Misconception 3: "Marine diesel engines can run on standard automotive coolant."
Using basic automotive antifreeze in a wet-liner engine like the KTA38-M1 causes rapid cylinder liner pitting due to cavitation. Marine engines require heavy-duty diesel coolant treated with Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) or DCA4 technology.
Maintenance Guidelines and Troubleshooting
Turbocharger and Wet Cylinder Liner Service
The KTA38-M1 uses individual cylinder heads and replaceable wet cylinder liners. During routine overhauls, technicians can replace individual piston assemblies and liners without removing the entire block from the engine room.
To maximize engine lifespan:
- Maintain Coolant Chemistry: Inspect DCA4 additive levels every 250 operating hours to protect wet cylinder liners from liner pitting.
- Inspect Turbochargers: Check twin turbocharger compressor wheels for axial play and salt mist erosion every 1,000 operating hours.
- Calibrate PT Injectors: Perform overhead valve and injector adjustments every 1,500 to 2,000 hours to maintain proper fuel combustion and lower exhaust smoke.
Resolving Common Marine Operating Issues
- Black Exhaust Smoke Under Load: Typically caused by restricted air intake filters, clogged aftercooled core fins, or an overloaded propeller (engine lugging below its 1800 rpm rated speed).
- High Raw Water Temperatures: Caused by marine growth inside the tube bundle of the heat exchanger or worn rubber impellers in the raw water pump. Inspect zinc sacrificial anodes every 3 months.
HekoPower Global Supply, Testing, and Export Logistics
As a specialized supplier of CCEC Cummins engines, HekoPower simplifies international procurement for shipowners, shipyards, and marine fleet managers.
Every KTA38-M1 engine undergoes pre-shipment dyno testing to verify power output, fuel consumption rates, oil pressure, and cooling stability before packing. Engines are cleaned, treated with anti-corrosion spray, and secured in heat-treated, export-standard wooden cases.
We manage all export documentation, including CCEC original factory inspection certificates, marine classification society certificates (such as CCS IMO Tier II compliance), and bill of lading clearances. Standard delivery lead times range from 20 to 30 business days, with flexible payment options including T/T and L/C.
Cummins K38-M Series (K38 Marine Engine), marine propulsion engines for commercial and recreational applications, original products from Chongqing Cummins Engine Plant(CCEC). This series mainly includes KT38-M600, KT38-M780, KT38-M800, KT38-M850, KT38-M900, KTA38-M1 (1000 HP), KTA38-M1 (1100 HP), KTA38-M2 (545 HP), KTA38-M2 (1050 HP), KTA38-M2 (1200 HP), KTA38-M2 (1300 HP), KTA38-M2 (1350 HP). All engines complete with sea water pump, heat exchanger, CCS/IMO certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average fuel consumption of the Cummins KTA38-M1 at full load?
At its continuous rating of 746 kW (1000 HP) at 1800 rpm, the KTA38-M1 consumes approximately 195 to 205 grams of diesel per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh). This equals roughly 200 to 210 liters of fuel per hour at 100% continuous load.
Is the CCEC KTA38-M1 compliant with marine emission standards?
Yes, the standard CCEC KTA38-M1 marine engine complies with IMO Tier II NOx emission regulations. It comes with the necessary technical documentation for vessel registration and marine survey compliance.
Can HekoPower supply complete propulsion packages including the gearbox and control panel?
Yes. HekoPower supplies complete marine power packs, including the KTA38-M1 engine, matched marine gearbox, instrument control panels, exhaust silencers, flexible couplings, and engine rubber mounts.
What spare parts are included in a standard overhaul kit for the KTA38-M1?
A standard lower and upper overhaul kit includes wet cylinder liners, piston kits, piston rings, main bearings, rod bearings, complete engine gasket sets, PT injector nozzles, and turbocharger rebuild kits. HekoPower ships genuine CCEC replacement parts worldwide.
What is the dry weight and physical size of the KTA38-M1 engine?
The KTA38-M1 marine propulsion engine has a dry weight of approximately 4,200 kg to 4,500 kg (depending on heat exchanger options). Typical installation dimensions are roughly 2,100 mm in length, 1,400 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height.
