Marine Engine
Cummins K38 Marine Diesel Engine (1000–1350 hp)
Cummins K38 37.7 L 12-cylinder diesel engine, 1000–1350 hp (746–1007 kW), 2 ratings for marine work. Each unit nameplate-verified.
Specifications
- Engine Model
- K38-DM ~ M
- Displacement
- 37.7 L
- Cylinders & Configuration
- V12, 4-cycle
- Rated Power Range
- 746–1007 kW (1000–1350 hp) @ 1500–1900 rpm
- Aspiration
- Turbocharged Aftercooled
- Applications
- Marine
- Documentation
- Nameplate verification + load-test record per serial number
Overview
The Cummins K38 is a 37.7 L 12-cylinder Cummins diesel engine supplied in 2 factory ratings from 1000 hp (746 kW) to 1350 hp (1007 kW). Every rating listed on this page is a complete engine for marine duty, not a generator set, and each unit ships with its serial number recorded against the specification sheet that applies to it.
Ratings in this family differ in rated speed, peak torque and emissions tier rather than in displacement or cylinder count, so the choice between them is a duty-matching question. The specifications panel and the per-rating entries on this page are generated from the same source data, so a rating quoted here can be matched directly against a delivery document.
Specifications
The specifications panel lists the family-level values that are common to every K38 rating, including the 37.7 L displacement and the inline 12-cylinder layout. Ratings that share displacement and cylinder count but differ in output are listed individually in the model selection section.
Model Selection: K38 Ratings
Each entry in this section is one rating of the Cummins K38. The rated power is the output at the stated speed; the peak torque figure is the value the rating develops at the lower speed shown, which is what normally decides whether a rating suits a given machine. Each rating carries a stable anchor, so a single rating can be linked or quoted directly.
K38-DM
K38-DM — rated 746 kW (1000 hp) at 1500 rpm.
K38-M
K38-M — rated 1007 kW (1350 hp) at 1900 rpm.
Applications
K38 engines in this family are normally specified for marine work.
Marine: ratings are quoted against the propulsion or auxiliary duty required, with the gearbox ratio and the duty classification taken into account.
Verification, Documentation and Ordering
Each engine is offered with nameplate verification + load-test record per serial number. That means the model and rating printed on the engine nameplate can be checked against the record issued for that serial number before shipment, which is the point most buyers of re-rated or re-exported engines want covered.
To receive a quotation, send the exact rating from the matrix above (for example K38-M), the machine or application it will drive, the quantity, and the destination port. If the rating you need is not listed, send the model and the required output and we will confirm whether it belongs to this family or to a neighbouring one.
Buyer tip: Send your K38 specification, quantity and destination port for a verified quotation and lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the power range of the K38?
The 2 ratings listed on this page run from 1000 hp (746 kW) to 1350 hp (1007 kW), at governed speeds between 1500 and 1900 rpm.
What displacement and cylinder count does the K38 use?
Every rating in this family shares the same 37.7 L displacement and inline 12-cylinder, 4-cycle configuration. Ratings differ in output, rated speed and emissions tier rather than in the base engine.
What is the difference between K38-DM and K38-M?
K38-DM is rated 746 kW (1000 hp) at 1500 rpm, while K38-M is rated 1007 kW (1350 hp) at 1900 rpm. They use the same base engine; the higher rating is the one to specify when the driven load needs the extra torque at the lower speed.
How is a K38 rating ordered?
Send the exact rating shown in the model selection table, the application it will drive, the quantity and the destination port. The engine is then quoted against that rating and confirmed against its nameplate and load-test record.
At what speed is the K38 rated?
The ratings on this page are governed at 1500 and 1900 rpm. Rated speed fixes the speed the driven machine sees through its gearing, so confirm the governed speed before ordering rather than relying on the power figure alone.
Is the K38 a complete engine or a generator set?
Every entry on this page is a complete engine. Generator sets and packaged gen-sets are listed separately from this family and are not included here.
