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QSK50 Marine

Main Engine 4-Stroke · Main Engines (4-Stroke)

Technical data from manufacturer or class sources · not yet verified by a person​​‍​⁠⁠⁠‌‍⁠‌‌​‌​‌‌⁠‍​
16Cylinders
159 mmBore
159 mmStroke
Per manufacturer datasheetCapacity
DieselMedium
Cummins in the SpecCodex register — view brand page →

The Cummins QSK50 Marine is a medium‑speed V‑16, 4‑stroke diesel main propulsion engine delivering up to ~1860 kW (≈2500 hp) at 1500–1950 rpm, noted for its modular common‑rail fuel system and IMO Tier II/III emissions compliance.

Specifications

Technical data.reference — unverified

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Displacement50.0-50.3 Liter (3067-3068 Kubikzoll)
ConfigurationV-16 Zylinder, 4-Takt Diesel
LuftzufuhrTurbogeladen mit Nachkühlung (Zwei-Kreislauf-System)
Trockengewicht7429 kg (QSK50) / 5166 kg (KTA50)
Leistungsbereich1044-1864 kW (QSK50); 1193-1398 kW (KTA50-M2)
Fuel systemQSK50: Modular Common Rail MCRS; KTA50: PT (Pressure-Time) Mechanisch
IMO ZertifizierungIMO Tier II / III, EPA Tier 2-3 Zulassung
EmissionsstandardIMO MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 13 NOx-konform
Service

Service notes.

What our service work and the manufacturer documentation say about keeping this model running.

Maintain by Cummins marine schedule with oil sampling, filters, valve train, injectors and cooling system checks.

Inspection

Inspector Detail

Common issues

  • Injector wear and coking, leading to poor combustion and increased fuel consumption.
  • Turbocharger fouling and bearing wear, reducing boost pressure and engine power.
  • Cooling system scaling and corrosion, causing overheating and reduced efficiency.
  • Electronic sensor faults (e.g., pressure, temperature, speed) leading to false alarms or derating.
  • Lube oil consumption increase due to piston ring wear or valve stem seal issues.
  • Exhaust gas leaks from manifold joints or turbocharger connections.
  • Vibration issues due to misfires, worn mounts, or propeller imbalance.
  • Fuel system contamination (water, particulates) affecting filters and injectors.

Inspection checklist

  • Check all fluid levels (lube oil, coolant, gear oil) and inspect for leaks (oil, fuel, coolant, exhaust).
  • Visually inspect turbochargers for signs of oil leaks, excessive play in shaft (if accessible), and general condition of housings.
  • Examine cooling system for hose integrity, clamp tightness, radiator/heat exchanger cleanliness, and coolant condition.
  • Inspect fuel lines, filters, and connections for leaks or damage. Check fuel filter differential pressure if gauges are fitted.
  • Verify all engine alarms and safety shutdowns are functional (test where possible, e.g., overspeed, low oil pressure).
  • Check engine mounts for signs of deterioration, cracking, or excessive compression.
  • Listen for unusual noises (knocking, rattling, hissing) during engine operation.
  • Inspect exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, and proper insulation.
  • Check electrical connections and wiring harnesses for chafing, corrosion, or loose terminals.
  • Review engine control unit (ECU) fault codes and historical data using diagnostic tools if available.

Service intervals

Engine Oil & Filter Change250-500 hours (or annually, whichever comes first, based on oil analysis)
Fuel Filters (Primary & Secondary)250-500 hours (or annually, based on differential pressure)
Air Filters500-1000 hours (or as indicated by restriction gauge)
Valve Lash Adjustment1000-2000 hours
Injector Inspection/Service3000-6000 hours (or as indicated by performance issues)
Coolant System Flush & Replenish2000-4000 hours (or every 2-3 years, based on coolant analysis)
Turbocharger Inspection1000-2000 hours (external visual, internal at major service)
Engine Mount InspectionAnnual or 500 hours

Typical intervals for this design class, not the manufacturer’s figures for your model. The manufacturer’s manual is binding.

Typical wear limits

Cylinder Liner Wear (Max Ovality/Taper)0.05 - 0.10 mm over nominal bore (159mm)
Crankshaft Main Bearing Clearance0.08 - 0.15 mm
Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance0.08 - 0.15 mm
Piston Ring End Gap (Top Ring)Max 1.0 - 1.5 mm
Valve Stem to Guide ClearanceMax 0.10 - 0.20 mm
Turbocharger Shaft End PlayMax 0.10 - 0.15 mm (axial)
Turbocharger Shaft Radial PlayMax 0.20 - 0.30 mm (radial)

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

  • Full set of engine oil filters
  • Full set of fuel filters (primary and secondary)
  • Air filters (at least one set)
  • Spare injectors (at least 2-4 units)
  • Electronic sensors (e.g., oil pressure, coolant temperature, engine speed)
  • Drive belts (alternator, raw water pump)
  • Gasket kit for common leak points (e.g., exhaust manifold, turbocharger)
  • Raw water pump impeller kit

Safety

  • High-pressure fuel system: Risk of severe injury from fuel spray if lines are compromised.
  • Hot surfaces: Exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, and engine block operate at high temperatures, causing burn hazards.
  • Rotating machinery: Exposed belts, shafts, and fans pose entanglement risks.
  • Exhaust gases: Carbon monoxide and other toxic gases require proper ventilation and exhaust system integrity.
  • Electrical hazards: High voltage from starting circuits and alternators requires caution during inspection and maintenance.

Class survey

Class surveyors will typically focus on regulatory compliance, safety, and structural integrity. Key checks include: verification of engine operating parameters against design specifications; functional testing of all safety devices (overspeed, low oil pressure, high coolant temperature shutdowns); inspection of fuel oil system for leaks, fire hazards, and proper isolation; examination of exhaust system for integrity, insulation, and fire safety; inspection of engine mounts and foundation for structural integrity; verification of alarm and monitoring systems; review of engine maintenance records and oil analysis reports; and, depending on the survey type (e.g., special survey), potential for opening up components for internal inspection (e.g., cylinder heads, bearings) based on running hours and condition.

Estimated lifetime: 20,000 - 30,000 hours before major in-frame overhaul (top-end, bearings, liners)

Spares

Replacement Parts

Spare parts notes

Common spares: filters, injectors, sensors, water pump kit, belts and turbocharger parts.

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