Cummins KTA38 Camshaft & Valve Train Components

The camshaft system of the Cummins KTA38 engine plays a central role in engine timing and performance. It controls valve opening and closing as well as injector actuation, ensuring smooth combustion and efficient fuel delivery across all 12 cylinders. For KTA38 operators, especially in heavy-duty marine and industrial settings, a reliable camshaft assembly is essential to maintain uptime and prevent catastrophic engine failure.

At Diesel Pro Power, we provide a complete range of aftermarket Cummins KTA38 camshaft components, including bushings, lock plates, gaskets, push rods, cam follower rollers, pins, and seals—all built for long-term reliability under extreme conditions.

Function of the Camshaft in the KTA38 Engine

The camshaft is gear-driven and sits within the engine block of the Cummins KTA38. It synchronizes the mechanical movement of the engine’s internal parts and ensures that:

• Valves open and close at the proper time
  
  

• Injectors fire in a precise sequence
  
  

• Push rods and followers transfer camshaft motion to the top-end valve gear
  
  

Because the KTA38 is a four-stroke turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine, the demands on the camshaft and its associated components are significant. Any loss of timing precision or mechanical alignment due to worn bushings, damaged followers, or bent push rods can lead to poor performance, increased emissions, and in extreme cases, engine failure.

Cummins KTA38 Camshaft Bushings

Camshaft Bushing for K38 and K50 Engines

The KTA38 engine uses two camshaft bushings to support and align the camshaft within the block. These bushings are designed to reduce friction, maintain oil clearance, and resist wear from long-term load cycles.

Key Specifications:

• Compatible with K38 and K50 series engines
  
  

• Bronze alloy construction for strength and lubricity
  
  

• Supports camshaft alignment and oil control
  
  

• Replaces factory-installed bushings during in-frame overhauls or full rebuilds
  
  

Installation Tip: Always inspect camshaft journals and block bore for scoring or wear before pressing in new bushings. A line bore may be required for proper alignment.

Camshaft Lock Plate for KTA38

Lock Plate for the Camshaft

This small but critical part prevents axial movement of the camshaft. Without the lock plate, camshaft endplay can disrupt timing, cause cam gear damage, or even lead to valve train misalignment.

Features:

• Securely holds camshaft in axial position
  
  

• Prevents gear walk or movement under load
  
  

• Steel construction with factory bolt pattern
  
  

• Compatible with Cummins KTA38 engines
  
  

When to Replace: During any rebuild involving camshaft removal. Inspect for wear, warping, or distortion from prior torque cycles.

Accessory Drive Oil Seal

Oil Seal for the Camshaft Accessory Drive

This high-performance rubber seal is located where the camshaft interfaces with the accessory drive. It is crucial in maintaining oil integrity at the front of the engine where gear-driven accessories operate.

Seal Benefits:

• Compatible with KTA38 and KTA50
  
  

• Designed for high-temperature, high-pressure environments
  
  

• Prevents oil leaks and contamination in the gear train
  
  

• Easy to install during front cover service
  
  

Failing seals can lead to oil loss, overheating of gears, and debris contamination—shortening the life of critical engine components.

Gaskets for Camshaft and Follower Components

Camshaft Hole Cover Gasket

This gasket seals the camshaft access cover and prevents oil seepage around the crankcase inspection port. Compatible with KTA19, KTA38, and KTA50 engines.

Features:

• High-temperature fiber construction
  
  

• Easy installation with no RTV required
  
  

• Essential for maintaining crankcase pressure
  
  

Cam Follower Cover Gasket

Seals the housing for the cam follower assemblies. This area sees constant splash lubrication and must maintain tight sealing under thermal cycling and vibration.

Key Details:

• Engineered for KTA19, KTA38, and KTA50
  
  

• Prevents oil leaks near valve train
  
  

• Helps maintain top-end lubrication control
  
  

Cummins KTA38 Cam Follower Rollers and Pins

Injector Cam Follower Roller

This roller fits the cam follower for the fuel injector lobe. It converts rotational motion from the camshaft into linear motion for fuel injection timing.

Specs:

• Made of hardened steel for high load capacity
  
  

• Compatible with K19, K38, and K50 engines
  
  

• Precision-ground for optimal cam contact
  
  

Valve Cam Follower Roller

Handles valve actuation by rolling along the camshaft’s valve lobes. Works in conjunction with push rods and rocker arms.

Highlights:

• Reduces friction and wear on cam lobes
  
  

• Prevents flat-spotting and spalling
  
  

• Long service life under high-cycle operation
  
  

Cam Follower Pins

These hardened steel pins retain the cam follower rollers and allow for smooth, precise rotation during valve or injector actuation.

Features:

• Available for both injector and valve follower rollers
  
  

• Compatible across K19, K38, and K50 platforms
  
  

• Designed for press-fit installation
  
  

Pro Tip: Replace pins during every rebuild to avoid premature follower failure due to wear or galling.

Push Rods for KTA38 Valve Train

Valve Rocker Push Rod

Transmits motion from the cam follower to the valve rocker arm, opening and closing the valves with exact timing. It must be perfectly straight and free of oil passage blockages.

Product Highlights:

• Precision steel tube construction
  
  

• Internal oil passage for rocker lubrication
  
  

• Fits KTA19, KTA38, KTA50, QSK19
  
  

Replace if bent, scored, or clogged.

Injector Rocker Push Rod

Transfers cam follower motion to the injector rocker arm for proper fuel timing.

Features:

• Supports consistent injection cycle pressure
  
  

• Heat-treated for long service life
  
  

• Should be replaced if there’s injector misfire or push rod bending
  
  

When to Replace Camshaft-Related Parts in a KTA38

Even small issues with camshaft components can lead to large-scale problems over time. Watch for the following indicators of failure:

• Ticking or knocking from the valve cover
  
  

• Injector misfire or rough idle
  
  

• Oil leaks from front gear housing or cam follower covers
  
  

• Increased blow-by or oil consumption
  
  

• Valve lash that won’t hold adjustment
  
  

Camshaft Maintenance Best Practices

1. Always replace seals and gaskets when removing the front cover or cam follower housings.
   
   

2. Check camshaft lobes for wear patterns—especially injector lobes, which wear faster.
   
   

3. Use new bushings and align properly to avoid oil pressure issues.
   
   

4. Never reuse bent or scuffed push rods—straightness is essential for proper timing.
   
   

5. Use clean engine oil to prevent wear in rollers and followers.
   
   

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for KTA38 Camshaft Parts?

At Diesel Pro Power, we’ve built a reputation among commercial operators and rebuilders for providing reliable, aftermarket Cummins KTA38 components that:

• Meet or exceed Cummins specifications
  
  

• Ship fast and fit right the first time
  
  

• Are supported by expert staff and bilingual service
  
  

• Backed by 40,000+ satisfied customers globally
  
  

Whether you’re servicing a vessel, rebuilding an industrial power unit, or stocking parts for your fleet, our camshaft catalog offers dependable options built for heavy-duty endurance.