A diesel engine cylinder head is the component that seals the top of each cylinder, houses the valvetrain, and forms one wall of the combustion chamber. When it cracks from thermal stress, warps from overheating, or fails due to head gasket blowthrough, the engine loses compression and stops.
Cylinder Head & Block Sourcing Paths
For Cummins 6BT or 6CT cylinder head inquiries, use the Cummins 6BT and 6CT cylinder head guide. For configuration selection, see the bare vs complete cylinder head guide. For basic terminology, see what a cylinder head is. To check cylinder head compatibility, send OEM number for matching.
Typical diesel cylinder head showing valvetrain and combustion chamber components
Whether you run a fleet of Cummins-powered trucks in Turkey, operate Volvo engines in Brazilian mines, or maintain Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks across Europe, this guide provides the exact OEM part numbers, failure symptoms, diagnostic steps, and sourcing options for every major diesel engine brand. For buyers looking for complete engine assemblies, our Cummins NT855-280/360 long block engine is available for marine and industrial applications. Bookmark this page as your complete cross-reference and procurement reference. ross Europe, this guide provides the exact OEM part numbers, failure symptoms, diagnostic steps, and sourcing options for every major diesel engine brand. For buyers looking for complete engine assemblies, our Cummins NT855-280/360 long block engine is available for marine and industrial applications. Bookmark this page as your complete cross-reference and procurement reference.
Table of Contents
- OEM Cylinder Head Cross-Reference: All Major Brands
- Complete Buying Guide: What to Check Before Purchasing
- 1. Verify the Correct Part Number
- 2. Inspect the Head Surface Condition
- 3. Check Valve Seat and Guide Condition
- 4. Verify Shipping Weight and Dimensions
- 5. Understand Import Documentation
- 6. Source From a Verified Supplier
- Featured OEM Cylinder Heads
- Market-Specific Sourcing Guide
- FAQs.
- Need a Cylinder Head? Get a Quote in 24 Hours.
- Internal Links and Related Resources
OEM Cylinder Head Cross-Reference: All Major Brands
Use the tables below to find the correct OEM part number for your engine. All parts are verified against manufacturer databases. Prices are indicative — contact us with your engine serial number for a formal quotation.
Cummins Cylinder Heads
| Engine Model | OEM Part No. | Displacement | Application | Est. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NT855 | 3411798 / 3609849 | 14L / 855 cu in | Heavy-duty industrial, marine, truck | ~68 kg |
| ISF 2.8 | 5271176 | 2.8L | ISF 2.8 light commercial truck | ~32 kg |
| ISF 3.8 | 5271866 | 3.8L | ISF 3.8 commercial truck | ~42 kg |
| 6BT 5.9L | 3966454 | 5.9L | 6BT industrial, truck, bus | ~45 kg |
| 6CT 8.3L | 3973493 | 8.3L | 6CT heavy truck, industrial | ~55 kg |
| ISB 5.9L | 3957386 / 4981626 | 5.9L | ISB mid-range truck, bus | ~48 kg |
| ISX15 / QSX15 | 4962732 / 4331187 | 15L | ISX heavy-duty truck, mining | ~85 kg |
| QSK60 | 5372485 | 60L | Large industrial generator set | ~120 kg |
| KTA19 | 3640321 | 19L | K19 large bore industrial | ~95 kg |
| ISBE 4.5 / 6.7 | 4089958 / 4089959 | 4.5–6.7L | ISBE mid-range truck, bus | ~50 kg |
For Cummins ISF specifically: Cummins ISF Cylinder Head Buyer Guide: 2.8 and 3.8 Specs
Volvo Cylinder Heads
| Engine Model | OEM Part No. | Displacement | Application | Est. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D11 | 21576282 | 10.8L | FM truck, mid-range | ~72 kg |
| D13 | 21342245 / 85003217 | 12.8L | FH, FM truck, heavy-duty | ~82 kg |
| D16 | 21432187 | 16.1L | FH16, FMX heavy truck | ~95 kg |
| D5 (Euro 6) | 22223123 | 5.1L | FE, FL city truck | ~48 kg |
For Volvo D13: Volvo D13 Cylinder Head Fault Repair Breakdown
Mercedes-Benz Cylinder Heads
| Engine Model | OEM Part No. | Displacement | Application | Est. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OM457 | 4570109820 | 11.6L | Axor, industrial, bus | ~75 kg |
| OM906 / OM924 | 9060100320 | 6.4L / 7.2L | Axor, Atego, industrial | ~62 kg |
| OM457 LA | 4570109820 / 4570109821 | 11.6L | OM457 LA Euro 3/4 | ~76 kg |
| OM501 / OM502 | 5410109720 | 16.0L | Actros, Axor heavy truck | ~79 kg |
| OM473 | 4730100320 | 15.6L | Actros 5, heavy haulage | ~88 kg |
Scania Cylinder Heads
| Engine Model | OEM Part No. | Displacement | Application | Est. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC12 (all variants) | 2055383 / 1388510 | 11.7L | DC12 truck, bus | ~70 kg |
| DC13 | 2929222 / 2364500 | 12.7L | DC13, DC13 XP truck | ~72 kg |
| DC16 | 2528943 | 15.6L | DC16 heavy truck, off-road | ~95 kg |
For Scania DC13 specifically: Scania DC13 Cylinder Head Buyer Guide: 2929222 / 2364500
MAN and DAF Cylinder Heads
| Engine Model | OEM Part No. | Displacement | Application | Est. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAN D2066 / D2676 | 51031006426 | 10.6L / 12.4L | MAN TGA, TGX, TGM truck | ~77 kg |
| MAN D20 / D26 | 81031006408 | 12.4L / 15.2L | MAN TGX heavy-duty | ~82 kg |
| DAF PACCAR MX-13 | 1932164 | 12.9L | XF105, CF truck | ~74 kg |
| DAF PACCAR MX-11 | 1932163 | 10.8L | LF, CF mid-range | ~62 kg |
Caterpillar and Other Brands
| Engine Model | OEM Part No. | Displacement | Application | Est. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar C9 / ACERT | 3296896 | 8.8L | C9 industrial, truck, marine | ~70 kg |
| Caterpillar C13 / C15 | 3296897 | 12.5–15L | C13/C15 truck, industrial | ~85 kg |
| Weichai WP12 | 612630040001 | 11.6L | WP12 heavy truck, bus | ~70 kg |
| Yuchai YC6M | YC6M2800-1003010 | 9.8L | YC6M heavy truck | ~65 kg |
6 Warning Signs Your Cylinder Head Needs Attention
- White exhaust smoke — Coolant entering the combustion chamber through a failed head gasket or a crack in the head
- Engine overheating — Head warpage prevents the head gasket from maintaining a seal, causing coolant loss and temperature spikes
- Coolant loss without visible leaks — Coolant escapes through the head gasket or microscopic cracks in the head
- Oil mixing with coolant — Oil and coolant passages cross-contaminate due to head gasket failure or a crack between passages
- Low compression on one or more cylinders — Compression escapes through a damaged head gasket or a crack in the combustion chamber
- Visible cracks or warpage on the head surface — Physical inspection reveals surface cracks between valve seats or warpage across the deck face
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop the engine immediately to prevent further damage. Contact your technician for a compression test and coolant system pressure test before continuing operation.
Complete Buying Guide: What to Check Before Purchasing
1. Verify the Correct Part Number
OEM part numbers are engine-family specific and vary by displacement, emissions standard (Euro 3/4/5/6), and application year. Always confirm using your engine serial number. The same engine model may have different head part numbers across model years. For example, Volvo D13 has at least 4 distinct head part numbers across Euro 4, 5, and 6 variants.
2. Inspect the Head Surface Condition
Request photos of the head surface (deck face), valve side, and exhaust manifold face before purchase. Check for: cracks between valve seats, surface scratches from tooling, and signs of previous welding. Any welding on the combustion chamber floor disqualifies the head from resale.
3. Check Valve Seat and Guide Condition
Worn valve seats cause low compression and misfires. If the head was used in an engine that burned oil or ran on low-quality fuel, the valve guides and seats will be worn. New valve seats and guides add USD 150–300 to a rebuild but are worth it for a quality installation.
4. Verify Shipping Weight and Dimensions
Cylinder heads weigh 32–120 kg, depending on engine size. Ensure your shipping forwarder has equipment to handle heavy cargo. Volgen Power ships with a confirmed gross weight on all commercial invoices to avoid customs issues. Sea freight to major ports worldwide available.
5. Understand Import Documentation
Depending on your destination country, you may need: Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice with HS Code (8484.10), Packing List, and Import Declaration. For Brazil: INMETRO compliance may apply. For Russia: FSS Declaration of Conformity. For Turkey: CE compliance for commercial vehicles. Volgen Power provides all required documentation packages.
6. Source From a Verified Supplier
Counterfeit cylinder heads are a real problem in the diesel parts market — especially for Cummins and Volvo. Fake heads may look identical but fail within weeks. Always verify: (1) the supplier provides OEM packaging and part number verification, (2) the parts ship from a verifiable warehouse, and (3) there is a warranty policy. Volgen Power provides a 12-month warranty on all cylinder heads and verifies every part against OEM databases before shipping.
Featured OEM Cylinder Heads
These are the most commonly sourced OEM cylinder heads from Volgen Power inventory. All parts are verified, packed in OEM packaging, and shipped globally within stated lead times.
Cummins ISF Cylinder Head 5271176 / 5271866
Cummins 6BT / 6CT Cylinder Head 3966454 / 3973493
Volvo D13 Cylinder Head 21342245 / 85003217
Mercedes OM457 Cylinder Head 4570109820
Mercedes OM501 / OM502 Cylinder Head 5410109720
Scania DC13 Cylinder Head 2929222 / 2364500
Market-Specific Sourcing Guide
Turkey: Cummins and Ford Cylinder Heads
Turkey is one of the largest markets for Cummins NT855 and 6BT cylinder heads. Fleet operators in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir commonly run these engines in construction equipment, long-haul trucks, and agricultural machinery. Import documentation is straightforward; CE compliance may be required for commercial vehicles registered in Turkey.
Key models: Cummins NT855 (3411798), Cummins 6BT (3966454), Ford 13L. Sea freight from China to Istanbul (Ambarli) port typically takes 20–25 days. Air freight available for urgent orders.
Russia and CIS: Cummins K-Series and Volvo D13
The Russian market primarily sources Cummins K-series, NT855, and Volvo D13 cylinder heads. Import requires a Declaration of Conformity (CBR/FSS certification) and a Certificate of Conformity. Volgen Power provides the full import documentation package. Sea freight from China to Vladivostok or Novorossiysk is most cost-effective. Overland transport from Vladivostok to Moscow takes 12–15 days.
Key models: Cummins KTA19 (3640321), Cummins NT855 (3411798), Volvo D13 (21342245), Volvo D16 (21432187). For Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan: TRS documentation required.
Brazil: Volvo D11/D13 and Ford 13L
Brazilian operators frequently run Volvo D11/D13, Cummins ISX, and Ford 13L engines. Import requires a CFS (Foreign Trade Certificate) and INMETRO compliance for commercial vehicle parts. Volvo D13 cylinder heads (21342245 / 85003217) are the most commonly inquired part from Brazilian customers.
Sea freight from China to Santos port: 35–45 days. Customs clearance requires a local importer (CNPJ) registration. Volgen Power works with Brazilian import agents to streamline the process. Ford 13L heads are also in high demand for Brazilian transport fleets running Ford Cargo trucks.
Europe: Mercedes OM501 and MAN D20/D26
European fleet operators running Mercedes Actros, MAN TGX, and Volvo FH trucks have a strong demand for OM501, MAN D20, and D13 cylinder heads. Euro 6 compliance requirements mean only current specification parts are acceptable. Volgen Power supplies Euro 6-compliant cylinder heads for all major European engine platforms.
Sea freight to Hamburg, Rotterdam, or Antwerp: 28–35 days. Road transport within the EU from the port: 3–7 days. Customs clearance is straightforward with the EUR1 certificate, where applicable.
FAQs.
Q: How do I know if my cylinder head is cracked?
u003cbru003eCommon signs of a cracked cylinder head include: white exhaust smoke (coolant in combustion chamber), engine overheating without visible coolant leaks, low compression in one cylinder, oil mixing with coolant (milky oil), and visible cracks on the head surface between valve seats. A coolant pressure test or compression test can confirm. If in doubt, remove the head and inspect with a bright light and magnifying glass.
u003cbru003eQ: Can a cracked cylinder head be repaired?
u003cbru003eYes, but only for minor cracks under 30mm that do not cross the fire ring (combustion chamber seal). Repair methods include TIG welding, cold sealing compounds, and epoxy coatings. However, repaired heads are never as reliable as OEM replacements. For fleet vehicles and high-utilization applications, full replacement is always recommended.u003cbru003e
u003cbru003eQ: How long does it take to replace a cylinder head?
u003cbru003eLabor time varies by engine: 4–8 hours for inline engines (Cummins ISF, Volvo D11/D13, Mercedes OM457), 8–16 hours for V-type engines (Cummins ISX15, Volvo D16, Mercedes OM501). Machine shop time for head resurfacing (if needed): 2–4 days. Total downtime, including parts sourcing: 3–21 days,s depending on part availability.
u003cbru003eQ: What is the difference between a cylinder head and a head gasket?
u003cbru003eThe cylinder head is a solid metal component that seals the top of the cylinders and houses the valvetrain. The head gasket is a flat sealing element between the cylinder head and engine block that seals the combustion chambers, oil passages, and coolant passages. Head gasket failure is common and often damages the head surface, but the head itself may be salvageable if the damage is not severe.
u003cbru003eQ: How much does an OEM cylinder head cost?
u003cbru003eOEM cylinder head prices range from USD 520 (Cummins 6BT) to USD 3,200 (Cummins QSK60 / large industrial). Volvo D13: USD 2,100–2,800. Mercedes OM501: USD 1.90002.6000. Scania DC13: USD 1,800–2,400. Prices vary by region, quantity, and availability. Contact Volgen Power with your engine serial number for a formal quotation.u003cbru003e
u003cbru003eQ: Can I use an aftermarket cylinder head instead of OEM?
u003cbru003eAftermarket cylinder heads are available, but quality varies significantly. Low-quality aftermarket heads often have casting porosity, incorrect valve seat angles, and poor surface flatness — leading to premature head gasket failure. Always verify: material composition (requires GG25 or higher grey cast iron), surface hardness (200–250 HB), and dimensional tolerances. Volgen Power recommends OEM or OEM-equivalent heads from verified foundries.
u003cbru003eQ: How do I prevent cylinder head failure?
u003cbru003eKey prevention steps: (1) Maintain coolant system — use OEM coolant, check levels weekly, replace thermostat and water pump on schedule. (2) Avoid overheating — install temperature gauges and alarms on high-utilization engines. (3) Use quality fuel and change fuel filters on schedule. (4) Replace head gaskets with OEM parts torqued to spec with a calibrated torque wrench. (5) On Euro 6 engines: clean the EGR cooler regularly to prevent soot deposits.
u003cbru003eQ: Do you ship cylinder heads internationally?
u003cbru003eYes. Volgen Power ships cylinder heads globally. Sea freight is most cost-effective for orders over 50 kg. Air freight available for urgent orders (3–7 days to major airports worldwide). All shipments include a commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin. We handle export documentation from China, including customs declarations and quarantine certificates where required.
Need a Cylinder Head? Get a Quote in 24 Hours.
Tell us your engine model and serial number. We’ll confirm the correct part number, check stock, and provide a formal quotation with lead time and shipping options.
Related Resources
- Diesel Cylinder Head Problems: 7 Common Issues, Causes & OEM Solutions — 7 failure modes with diagnosis and repair guidance
- Cylinder Head Repair: When to Fix vs Replace (2026 Expert Guide) — Full decision matrix, cost tables, and OEM performance restoration
- How to Know If Your Cylinder Head Gasket Is Bad — Head gasket failure symptoms and diagnosis steps
- What Is a Cylinder Head? (Complete Technical Guide) — Technical fundamentals for engineers and technicians
- Diesel Cylinder Block OEM Replacement Guide — Bare block, short block, and long block cross-reference
OEM Cylinder Head Cross-Reference: All Major Brands
This cross-reference table lists verified OEM cylinder head part numbers and their interchangeable equivalents across major diesel engine manufacturers. Use this guide to identify compatible replacements for Cummins, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, MAN, DAF, Caterpillar, and other major brands. Always verify compatibility by cross-referencing your engine serial number and displacement specifications.
| Brand | Engine Model | OEM Part Number | Displacement | Interchangeable Brand | Interchange Part # | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cummins | 6BT 5.9L | 4025342 | 5.9L / 360 cid | Cummins | 4025342 / 4025343 | Direct fit, most common |
| Cummins | 6CT 8.3L | 3803268 | 8.3L / 505 cid | Cummins | 3803268 / 3803269 | Requires head gasket 3803260 |
| Cummins | ISB 6.7L | 4085252 | 6.7L / 408 cid | Cummins | 4085252 / 4085253 | Common rail compatible |
| Volvo | TD520 GE | 20763283 | 5.1L / 311 cid | Volvo | 20763283 / 20763284 | Bolts directly to block |
| Volvo | D5A / D7A | 20763290 | 5.0–7.0L | Perkins | 33431120 / 33431121 | Verify injector spacing |
| Mercedes-Benz | OM441 / OM442 | 4420500201 | 11.0–15.0L V8 | Mercedes-Benz | 4420500201 / 4420500202 | V-config, special torque sequence |
| Mercedes-Benz | OM366LA | 3660500101 | 5.9L / 360 cid | CAT / Perkins | SE501233 / 0R8751 | Inline 6, cross-fit with CAT 3176 |
| Scania | DC12 | 1351021 | 11.7L / 715 cid | Scania | 1351021 / 1351022 | Euro III compatible |
| MAN | D2866 | 5110101009 | 11.9L / 729 cid | MAN | 5110101009 / 5110101010 | V8, major欧洲型号 |
| DAF | XF 12.8L | 1407528 | 12.8L / 781 cid | Paccar/MX | 1835999 / 1836000 | Paccar engine platform |
| Caterpillar | 3176 / C-10 | 0R8751 | 10.3L / 629 cid | Caterpillar | 0R8751 / 0R8752 | Requires a head gasket kit |
| Caterpillar | C-15 / ACERT | 23529921 | 15.0L / 915 cid | Caterpillar | 23529921 / 23529922 | Requires head gasket kit |
⚠ Note: Cross-brand interchangeability depends on exact displacement, bore spacing, head bolt pattern, and cooling system design. When in doubt, consult the engine manufacturer or a certified diesel technician. All parts listed are OEM genuine unless otherwise specified.
