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A part that almost fits is a part that doesn’t fit. When the wrong oil pan or water pump shows up, the truck stays in the shop, the part goes back, and you wait again.
Most of these mistakes come from a handful of details that are easy to check before you call. Here is what we ask for at AKMI, and why each one matters.
1. Aftermarket Cummins and CAT engines: the engine serial number
For Aftermarket Cummins and CAT engines, the engine serial number (ESN) is the biggest help. It tells us the exact version of the engine, which matters because many engines changed over the years while keeping the same name.
Cummins ISX engines, for example, were built for more than a decade, and the oil pan changed along the way. On our Aftermarket Cummins ISX oil pans page, the right pan depends on the version and the emissions year of the engine.
The ESN is on the engine dataplate, usually on the valve cover, the gear housing or the side of the block. The dataplate also shows the engine model and, on many engines, the build or parts list number, so a photo of it answers most of our questions at once.
2. Aftermarket Detroit Diesel, Mack and Volvo engines: the part number from a dealer
For Detroit Diesel, Mack and Volvo engines, the most reliable route is the truck’s VIN. Contact a dealer, give them the VIN and ask for the part number of the part you need. Send us that number and we’ll cross it to our aftermarket part. The VIN is printed on the driver’s door jamb and on the dashboard, where it can be read through the windshield.
3. The emissions year
Emissions rules (EPA 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2017) brought changes to many engine parts. Two engines with the same name can take different parts depending on the year. For example, the AK-3692887 oil pan is for EPA13 ISX15 engines, while the AK-4386821 is for EPA17 X15 engines. Check the emissions label on the engine or the truck’s model year.
4. The part number on the old part
The number cast or stamped on the old part, or printed on the work order, is the fastest way to a match. Even if it’s an OEM number, we can cross it to our part. That’s why our pages list cross-reference numbers. The Aftermarket CAT C15 water pumps page, for example, lists the other numbers each pump replaces, so you can search by the one you have.
5. Position, size and material
Some parts come in versions that look alike but mount differently:
- Front or rear sump. Oil pans for the same engine can have the sump at the front or the rear, depending on the truck. The AK-23522282 Aftermarket Detroit Series 60 oil pan is a front sump pan. For a rear sump Series 60, we carry the AK-23522283.
- SAE size and starter position. Flywheel housings must match the transmission and put the starter in the right spot. Our flywheel housings page lists both for each housing.
- Aluminum or cast iron. Some parts come in both. Weight and fit can be different, so tell us which one you’re replacing.
6. What comes with the part
Ask what’s in the box. Some oil pans need a gasket that’s sold on its own, like the AK-4026684 for the 15-liter Aftermarket Cummins pans. A worn starter ring gear can be replaced on its own, without buying a new flywheel, if you know the flywheel number. Our flywheel ring gears page lists the flywheels each gear fits. Order the gaskets, bolts and seals at the same time, so the truck isn’t waiting on a small part.
A quick checklist before you call
- Cummins or CAT: the engine serial number (ESN), from the dataplate
- Detroit Diesel, Mack or Volvo: the part number from a dealer, using the truck’s VIN
- Engine model and version
- Emissions year or truck model year
- Number on the old part or the work order
- Position or size, if the part comes in more than one
- Photos of the old part and the dataplate
With these details we can usually confirm the right part on the first call. Call AKMI at 1 800 247 7669 or send us a message from any product page.