Need to Buy Spare Cummins Starter & Alternator

[Dougfuller]

I want to purchase a spare alternator and a spare starter for a Cummins
6BTA Turbo 370 HP. Where (on line) can I find these items for a good price?
Thanks,
Doug

[GordMay]

Does your engine have (or you wish) the Cummins “Prelub Starter” system?
Any alternator, having a suitable voltage/amperage, and mounting feet should do. An alternator shop can cross-reference.

Cummins Engine Parts?
Let me google that for you

[David M]

I have a couple B-series turbo diesel engines on board. I buy starter motors from a local company who rebuilds starter motors and alternators. In my opinion, rebuilts are as good as new. They are definitely cheaper than the local dealer/distributor. Your B series engine block is a very common truck engine therefore starter motors are readily available and not outrageously priced like you might find with a Volvo starter. Don't let anyone tell you that you need a "marine grade" starter motor.

Those engines are up to 370 horsepower now? That's over 1 horsepower per cubic inch. Impressive.

[Dougfuller]

David,
I agree that rebuilt should be as good as new. Could you give me the name of the company that sells the rebuilt units?

My mechanic told me, in this case, the marine version is a little different than the Dodge truck engine starter. Something about the bell housing.
Doug

[klem]

I haven't priced a starter directly from cummins in a while but I remember it being something like $400. The guys with the dodge trucks report having some problems with different aftermarket starters but I don't know any more than having heard a few bad experiences. I have had good luck with rebuilt starters but make sure the shop has a good reputation before buying from them.

In my experience, what wears out in the starter/solenoid for these engines is almost always the contacts and plunger. I have never compared the marine version with the one in the dodge truck but it is probably worth seeing if the internals of the solenoid are the same. FosterTruck sells improved contacts and plunger for the dodge application for under $40 which would be very wise to do if they are interchangeable. When I pulled the contacts on the starter for the 6BT in my truck, they were like razor blades and had very little area left.

I hope that I am not sending you on a wild goose chase looking for improved solenoid parts but it is worth it if they will fit. I don't have a marine version of the starter here right now so I can't compare.