Quick Answer: D11 and D13 camshaft replacement procedures may share several inspection and service stages, but the camshafts and related valvetrain components are not automatically interchangeable. Compatibility must be checked by engine variant, serial number, VIN, existing OEM number, engine-brake configuration, and old-part details. This guide helps fleet buyers and repair shops identify the correct camshaft for Volvo D11 and D13 engines, understand the key differences between engine variants, and prepare the information needed for accurate OEM matching and sourcing.
Table of Contents
Why Volvo D11 and D13 Camshaft Identification Matters
The Volvo D11 (10.8 L) and D13 (12.8 L) engines power the majority of Volvo FH, FM, FMX, FL, and FE trucks worldwide. The D13 alone has been produced in over 1 million units since its introduction, making camshaft replacement and repair a common service event for fleet maintenance programs and independent repair shops.
However, ordering the wrong camshaft — whether by mixing D11 and D13 parts, selecting the incorrect engine variant, or ignoring the engine brake (VEB/VEB+) configuration — leads to return costs, delayed repairs, and extended vehicle downtime. A structured identification and verification process is essential before sourcing any replacement camshaft.
Volvo D11 vs D13 Camshaft: Key Decision Table
The following table outlines the critical checkpoints for camshaft identification across D11 and D13 engine families. Each factor should be verified independently for the specific engine in question.
| Check Item | Volvo D11 | Volvo D13 |
| Engine family variants | D11F, D11H, D11J, D11K, D11M | D13B, D13F, D13H, D13J, D13M |
| Camshaft OEM numbers | 21189194, 21745877, 20746807, 20746808 | 20742610, 20758404 |
| Engine brake configuration | VEB (standard) | VEB or VEB+ (VEB+ uses 4-rocker arm camshaft design) |
| Emission generation | Euro 5 / Euro 6 | Euro 5 / Euro 6 |
| Related rocker arms | Must match camshaft lobe profile | Must match camshaft lobe profile; VEB+ requires specific rocker set |
| Camshaft bushing (common) | 135440997 | 135440997 |
| Camshaft thrust plate (common) | 135440994 | 135440994 |
| VIN / serial verification | Required before ordering | Required before ordering |
Note: The D11K engine (Euro 6) uses a specific camshaft (OEM 21745877) that differs from the earlier D11 camshaft (OEM 21189194). The D13 VEB+ engine brake involves a special camshaft design with four rocker arms per cylinder, which differs from the standard VEB configuration. Always verify the engine serial number and existing camshaft part number before ordering.
Common Camshaft Replacement Context: Shared Inspection Logic
While the specific camshaft part numbers differ between D11 and D13 engines, several high-level inspection and replacement stages are common across both platforms. These shared areas can be discussed in a combined guide:
- Pre-disassembly verification — Confirming engine model, serial number, VIN, OEM part number, and engine brake type before disassembly.
- Camshaft, rocker arm, and bearing component inspection — Checking lobe wear patterns, rocker arm pad condition, camshaft bushing clearance, and thrust plate end play.
- Timing and engine brake configuration importance — Understanding how VEB (D11) or VEB/VEB+ (D13) affects camshaft lobe design and rocker arm compatibility.
- Reference to engine-specific service documentation — Recommending that all torque values, clearance specifications, and installation angles be verified against the applicable Volvo service manual for the specific engine variant and model year.
Important: This guide provides identification and sourcing context only. For repair-specific torque values, clearance specifications, and installation procedures, always refer to the Volvo service manual for the exact engine variant and model year. Volgen Power does not provide repair instructions and is not responsible for errors resulting from the use of unverified specifications.
Volvo D11 Camshaft Identification and OEM Numbers
The Volvo D11 engine family includes multiple variants (D11F, D11H, D11J, D11K, D11M). Each variant may use a different camshaft depending on the emission generation, engine brake configuration, and production year.
Confirmed D11 Camshaft OEM Numbers
| OEM Number | Engine Application | Vehicle Models | Notes |
| 21189194 | Volvo D11 | Volvo FH, FM, FL, FE | Earlier D11 camshaft; verify variant and model year |
| 21745877 | Volvo D11K (Euro 6) | Volvo FH, FM, FL | Specific to D11K; not interchangeable with earlier D11 |
| 20746807 | Volvo D9A / DXI11 / D11 | Volvo FM, FH, FL | Cross-references with earlier D9A engines; verify application |
| 20746808 | Volvo D9A / DXI11 / D11 | Volvo FM, FH, FL | Variant with potentially different timing specification |
D11 Camshaft Related Components
- Camshaft bushing: OEM 135440997 (shared with D13)
- Camshaft thrust plate: OEM 135440994 (shared with D13)
- Cam followers/valve lifters — must be replaced when camshaft is replaced
- Rocker arm assembly — verify compatibility with camshaft lobe profile and VEB configuration
D11 Camshaft Product Pages:
- Volvo D11 Camshaft (OEM 21189194)
- Volvo D11K Camshaft (OEM 21745877)
- Volvo D9A/D11 Camshaft (OEM 20746807)
- Volvo D9A/D11 Camshaft (OEM 20746808)
- Volvo D11/D13 Camshaft Bushing (OEM 135440997)
- Volvo D11/D13 Camshaft Thrust Plate (OEM 135440994)
Volvo D13 Camshaft Identification and OEM Numbers
The Volvo D13 engine family includes multiple variants (D13B, D13F, D13H, D13J, D13M). The camshaft selection depends heavily on the engine brake configuration: D13 engines with VEB+ use a special camshaft design with four rocker arms per cylinder, which is different from the standard VEB camshaft. According to Volvo Truck Corporation specifications, the VEB+ system provides higher braking power and requires a distinct camshaft lobe profile and rocker arm set.
Confirmed D13 Camshaft OEM Numbers
| OEM Number | Engine Application | Vehicle Models | Notes |
| 20742610 | Volvo D13 | Volvo FH, FM, FMX | Standard D13 camshaft; verify VEB or VEB+ config |
| 20758404 | Volvo D13 | Volvo FH, FM, FMX, FL | Premium replacement variant; confirm engine variant compatibility |
D13 Camshaft Related Components
- Camshaft bushing: OEM 135440997 (shared with D11)
- Camshaft thrust plate: OEM 135440994 (shared with D11)
- Cam followers/valve lifters — must be replaced when camshaft is replaced
- Rocker arm assembly — VEB+ engines require a specific 4-rocker arm set; standard VEB uses a different configuration
D13 Camshaft Product Pages:
- Volvo D13 Camshaft (OEM 20742610)
- Volvo D13 Camshaft (OEM 20758404)
- Volvo D11/D13 Camshaft Bushing (OEM 135440997)
- Volvo D11/D13 Camshaft Thrust Plate (OEM 135440994)
Camshaft OEM Matching Checklist for RFQ Preparation
To ensure accurate camshaft matching, prepare the following information before contacting your supplier:
Required Information
- OEM part number stamped on the existing camshaft
- Complete engine model (e.g., D13F, D11K)
- Engine serial number
- Vehicle VIN
- Engine brake configuration: VEB or VEB+ (D13)
- Required quantity
- Destination country
Recommended Supporting Information
- Photo of the engine nameplate
- Photo of the camshaft part number stamp
- Photo of camshaft lobes and bearing journals
- Current mileage on the engine
- Whether ancillaries are needed: camshaft bushings, thrust plate, cam followers, rocker arms, timing components
- Preferred shipping method and delivery timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Volvo D11 camshaft be used in a D13 engine?
No. The D11 and D13 camshafts have different lengths, lobe profiles, journal diameters, and engine brake configurations. They are not interchangeable. Always order the camshaft specific to your engine platform and variant.
What is the difference between VEB and VEB+ on the Volvo D13 camshaft?
According to Volvo Truck Corporation specifications, the VEB+ system provides higher braking power through a special camshaft design with four rocker arms per cylinder, compared to the standard VEB configuration. The camshaft lobe profile and rocker arm set differ between VEB and VEB+ engines. Verify the engine brake type before ordering a replacement camshaft.
What causes premature camshaft wear on Volvo D13 engines?
Common causes include: extended oil change intervals beyond Volvo-recommended 45,000 km (28,000 miles), incorrect oil viscosity, contaminated oil (fuel dilution or coolant leakage), worn cam followers that accelerate lobe wear, and low oil pressure due to oil pump wear or clogged oil passages.
Should I replace the camshaft bushings and thrust plate with the camshaft?
Yes. Volgen Power recommends replacing the camshaft bushings (OEM 135440997) and thrust plate (OEM 135440994) whenever the camshaft is replaced. Worn bushings reduce oil pressure to the camshaft journals and can cause premature failure of the new camshaft.
Do I need to replace the cam followers when replacing the camshaft?
Yes. Reusing old cam followers on a new D11 or D13 camshaft is the single most common cause of early camshaft lobe wear. The followers develop a wear pattern that matches the old camshaft lobes; installing them on a new camshaft will accelerate lobe wear on the new component.
How do I know which D11 variant I have (D11F, D11K, etc.)?
The engine variant is stamped on the engine data plate, usually located on the valve cover or the side of the cylinder block. The engine serial number can also be used with Volvo Tech Tool or your Volvo dealer to confirm the specific engine variant and compatible camshaft part numbers.
Submit Your Camshaft Request for OEM Matching
Volgen Power supplies camshafts for Volvo D11, D11K, and D13 engines, including OEM numbers 21189194, 21745877, 20746807, 20746808, 20742610, and 20758404. We also provide camshaft bushings (135440997), thrust plates (135440994), and related valvetrain components for complete camshaft service.
To request a compatibility check, submit your engine platform, serial number, OEM part number, and supporting photos. Our team will verify fitment and provide a quotation with available stock and lead time.
Check D11 or D13 Camshaft Compatibility → Send Engine Serial Number and OEM Number →
