Cummins KTA 50 Engine Parts - Connecting Rod Section

Connecting Rod Parts for Cummins KTA50 Engines

The Cummins KTA50 is a high-horsepower, industrial-grade engine designed for the most demanding applications—ranging from marine propulsion and offshore platforms to mining, oil and gas, and heavy-duty power generation. At the heart of its internal structure lies one of the most crucial components for sustained performance: the connecting rod assembly.

Whether you are planning a full in-frame overhaul or replacing worn internals due to metal fatigue, sourcing reliable connecting rod components is critical. Diesel Pro Power supplies a full range of Cummins KTA50 connecting rod parts, including bearings, bushings, and rod bolts—precision-engineered to meet or exceed OEM performance standards.

Complete Catalog of KTA50 Connecting Rod Components

Standard Connecting Rod Bearing Set – KTA50

Application: Cummins KT38 and KTA50 Engines
Type: Standard Size Bearing
Contents: One upper and one lower bearing shell, enough to service a single connecting rod.

Standard-size bearings are designed for use in crankshafts that have not been reground. These bearings form a precision oil film layer between the crankshaft and the connecting rod, reducing metal-to-metal contact and protecting both the crank journal and the rod bore.

Features:

• Manufactured from durable tri-metal or bi-metal alloys for high-load operation.
  
  

• Designed for high-pressure oil film integrity under continuous full-load operation.
  
  

• OEM-grade tolerance for tight clearance matching.
  
  

0.010” Oversize Connecting Rod Bearing Set – KTA50

Application: Cummins KTA38 and KTA50 Engines
Size: 0.010” Oversize
Contents: Upper and lower bearing shells for one rod.

If your crankshaft journal has been reground due to wear or scoring, an oversize bearing is required. The 0.010" oversize bearing compensates for the reduced journal diameter and restores the correct bearing clearance.

Key Benefits:

• Maintains oil clearance even after journal regrinding.
  
  

• Excellent fatigue resistance at high RPMs.
  
  

• Factory-tested under extreme load scenarios.
  
  

0.020” Oversize Connecting Rod Bearing Set – KTA50

Application: KTA38 (compatible with KTA50 in some configurations)
Size: 0.020” Oversize
Contents: One upper and one lower bearing shell.

As engine components wear down or are machined during overhaul, increased oversize bearings such as the 0.020” option become essential for maintaining factory-spec oil clearance and mechanical performance.

Why It Matters:

• Prevents rod knock and premature bearing failure.
  
  

• Ideal for marine or industrial engines undergoing heavy-duty usage cycles.
  
  

• Maintains optimal lubrication at extended service intervals.
  
  

Cummins KTA50 Connecting Rod Bushing

Connecting Rod Bushing – K19, K38, K50, QSK19 Engines

Application: KTA50 and compatible engines
Material: High-strength bronze alloy
Fitment: Press-fit into small end of connecting rod

The connecting rod bushing provides a wear-resistant surface for the piston pin (also known as the wrist pin). These bushings are engineered to reduce friction and are critical to ensuring smooth oscillation of the piston under compression and combustion.

Technical Overview:

• Designed for oil-lubricated environments with minimal clearance.
  
  

• Micropolished internal surface for wrist pin compatibility.
  
  

• Precision machining ensures concentricity and dimensional stability.
  
  

When to Replace:

• If there is noticeable side-to-side play at the wrist pin.
  
  

• During any major overhaul to restore top-end efficiency.
  
  

• When rod bushings exhibit signs of scoring or deformation.
  
  

Cummins KTA50 Connecting Rod Bolt

Connecting Rod Bolt – KTA38 and KTA50 Engines

Part Type: High-Tensile Rod Bolt
Application: Two bolts required per connecting rod
Thread Type: Fine-threaded for precise torque application

Connecting rod bolts play a critical role in clamping the big end of the rod securely around the crankshaft. During combustion, they endure enormous tensile loads as the piston reverses direction. For this reason, rod bolts must always be replaced during rebuilds.

Key Specifications:

• Heat-treated alloy steel for maximum clamping strength.
  
  

• Engineered for high fatigue resistance and vibration control.
  
  

• Recommended for one-time use only.
  
  

Torque Procedure:
Always follow Cummins factory torque and angle specs. Improper torqueing of rod bolts can result in rod failure and catastrophic engine damage.

Understanding the Role of the Connecting Rod in the Cummins KTA50 Engine

Function of the Connecting Rod

The connecting rod serves as the mechanical link between the piston and the crankshaft. It converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotational motion of the crankshaft, transmitting combustion force during every power stroke.

Engineering and Stress Factors

In the KTA50, which operates at high horsepower levels, connecting rods must withstand:

• Massive compressive loads during combustion.
  
  

• Tensile forces as the piston is pulled down during the exhaust stroke.
  
  

• Lateral forces due to the angular motion of the crankshaft.
  
  

This makes the condition of the bearings, bushings, and bolts a critical factor in the engine’s reliability.

When Should You Replace Connecting Rod Bearings and Bushings?

• Excessive engine knock: Often indicates worn bearings or insufficient oil clearance.
  
  

• Low oil pressure readings: Can be due to bearing clearance exceeding factory limits.
  
  

• Metal flakes in oil samples: Usually a sign of bearing or bushing wear.
  
  

• During any rebuild: Rod bearings and bushings should be replaced with every overhaul or in-frame rebuild as preventative maintenance.
  
  

Installation Best Practices for KTA50 Connecting Rod Components

Bearing Installation Tips

• Always clean and inspect crankshaft journals for scoring or taper before installation.
  
  

• Use plastigage to measure clearance before final assembly.
  
  

• Ensure proper lubrication on bearing surfaces before torquing.
  
  

Rod Bolt Torque Procedure

• Apply engine assembly lube to threads and under bolt heads.
  
  

• Tighten in stages using the correct torque-plus-angle method specified by Cummins.
  
  

• Replace bolts with each rebuild—do not reuse.
  
  

Bushing Press-Fitting & Sizing

• Bushings should be pressed into the rod’s small end using a precision hydraulic press.
  
  

• After installation, use an adjustable reamer or hone to achieve the correct piston pin clearance.
  
  

Interchangeability Across K-Series Engines

Many parts used in the KTA50 are interchangeable with its smaller siblings:

• KTA38: Shares rod bolts, bushings, and many bearing specs.
  
  

• KT38 / KTA19: While not fully interchangeable, some serviceable components like bushings may share dimensions.
  
  

• QSK19: Shares certain legacy components such as the small-end bushing.
  
  

Always verify with a CPL number (Control Parts List) when ordering to ensure compatibility with your engine variant.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for KTA50 Connecting Rod Parts?

With over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide, Diesel Pro Power is the trusted source for Cummins K-Series parts, offering:

• Fast Shipping: Same-day order processing for in-stock parts.
  
  

• Experienced Support: Expert customer service with marine and industrial engine knowledge.
  
  

• Precision Fit: OEM-equivalent components with guaranteed performance.
  
  

Whether you need one bearing or a complete set of components for all 16 rods in a KTA50 engine, Diesel Pro Power has you covered.

Additional Services Offered

• Engine overhaul consultation: Work directly with a specialist to plan your rebuild.
  
  

• Custom kits: We can assemble full rebuild kits by CPL or application.
  
  

• Technical documentation: Available upon request to assist with your rebuild procedures.