Ricky GeldingCummins 4BT 3.9L Engine (Design, Reliability & Tuning)
Updated: Jan 9
The Cummins 4BT is a water-cooled inline four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine from the Cummins B series, it produces around 105 hp and 360 nm of torque.
It was initially intended for use in industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications.
First generation engines produce 105 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
Second generation 4BTA engines have four valves per cylinder and deliver 170 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.
4BT engines are also fairly fuel efficient for their age, delivering around 15-20 mpg.
The most common Cummins B series engines are the 3.9L inline-four and 5.9L inline-six models, four-cylinder engines of 3.3L and 4.5L are also available.
Table of Contents:
Cummins 4BT Engine Design
The engine is made of cast iron, with cylinder bores bored straight into the block. All 4BT engine blocks are similar, with the exception of the gearbox adapter plate, which varies depending on the application. The engine has an OHV valvetrain.
A camshaft is located in the block and is powered by the crankshaft via gears at the front end of the engine, as well as the oil pump. Rocker arms, pushrods, and solid tappets are used by the camshaft to enable valves to open and close.
The cylinder head is constructed of cast iron. The intake and exhaust ports are situated on the opposing sides (crossflow cylinder head). There are eight valves in total, two for every cylinder. Mechanical direct injection technology is used.
The P7100 mechanical injection pump, which is controlled by the camshaft's gear, is used in the early models of the engine.
Since the 4BT is not inherently balanced like the six-cylinder 6BT engine, it vibrates more and runs less smoothly. Numerous commercial uses, such as vans and other commercial vehicles used this engine.
The standard 4BT engine dos not have an intercooler and has a compression ratio of 17.5:1.
The 4BTA ("A" standing for "after-cooled") is a version of the engine which incorporates an intercooler, it has a compression ratio of 16.5:1
Another version called the 4B engine is naturally aspirated and has a compression ratio of 18.5:1.
4BTA Engine
The 4BTA engine is better suited for use in a light truck or pickup since it has greater power and torque, but keep in mind that it is an industrial engine. Depending on the kind and year of manufacture, several numbers are assigned to automotive charge air-cooled engines.
4B Engine
There is also the 4B, an industrial variety with naturally aspirated combustion and a compression ratio of 18.5:1. The 4BT and the 6BT share several characteristics. Since many of the components are replaceable, it is constructed similarly to the original.
Industrial machinery such as power units, drilling apparatus, enormous water pumps, and wood chippers all utilised 4B engines. In the modern world, engine swaps on Jeeps, Dodge pickup trucks, and smaller vehicles/SUVs are common.
4BT Engine Specs
Manufacturer | Cummins |
Production Years | 1983-1997 (1st Gen 4BT), 1998+ (2nd Gen 4BTA) |
Block Material | Cast Iron |
Cylinder Head Material | Cast Iron |
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Fuel System | Mechanical injection pump, some use P7100 injection pump (p pump) (1st Gen 4BT), Electronically controlled fuel injection (2nd Gen 4BTA) |
Displacement | 239 cubic inches (3.9 litres) |
Bore | 4.02 inches (102 mm) |
Stroke | 4.72 inches (119 mm) |
Configuration | Inline four-cylinder |
Valvetrain | OHV 2 valves per cylinder (1st Gen 4BT), OHV 4 valves per Cylinder (2nd Gen 4BTA) |
Type | Four-stroke, turbocharged (naturally aspirated on 4B engines) |