Komatsu SAA6D170 Marine Engine Parts
The Komatsu SAA6D170 belongs to Komatsu’s heavy-duty 170-series diesel engine family. It is an inline six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine using turbocharging and charge-air cooling to support the airflow required for demanding high-output operation.
In marine and marinized applications, the SAA6D170 can be found working in installations where reliability under sustained load is important. As these engines accumulate operating hours, maintenance requirements can progress from filters and seals to injectors, turbocharger components, cooling-system parts, cylinder-head components and eventually major internal engine parts.
But with an engine of this size, replacing a component simply because it appears related to a symptom can become expensive very quickly.
If an SAA6D170 begins producing black smoke, for example, the turbocharger may deserve inspection—but so do the air filters, charge-air system, fuel system and engine load.
If oil pressure falls, the oil pump may be involved—but bearing clearances and overall internal engine condition also matter.
If coolant temperature rises only under heavy load, the problem may be somewhere in the engine cooling circuit or, on a marine installation, in the seawater side.
Alfa Marine Spare Parts supports Komatsu SAA6D170 Marine Engine Spare Parts requirements for:
- Routine Maintenance
- Fuel-System Repair
- Turbocharger Repair
- Charge-Air System Repair
- Cooling-System Repair
- Lubrication-System Repair
- Cylinder Head Repair
- Internal Engine Repair
- Major Engine Overhaul
Depending on availability, supply options can include:
- Genuine Komatsu Parts
- OEM-Quality Components
- Selected Aftermarket Parts
- Remanufactured Components
- Maintenance Parts
- Repair Parts
- Overhaul Components
What Is the Komatsu SAA6D170 Engine?
The Komatsu SAA6D170 is an inline six-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine from Komatsu’s 170-series family.
Its major engine systems and assemblies include:
- Cylinder Block
- Cylinder Heads and Valve Components
- Pistons
- Piston Rings
- Piston Pins
- Connecting Rods
- Crankshaft
- Main Bearings
- Connecting Rod Bearings
- Camshaft
- Timing Components
- Fuel Injection System
- Turbocharging System
- Charge-Air System
- Intake System
- Exhaust System
- Cooling System
- Lubrication System
- Starting System
- Charging System
The engine's heavy-duty construction makes individual system condition particularly important during repair and overhaul.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Technical Information
Exact specifications depend on the particular SAA6D170 version, rating and application. The engine identification plate and serial number should therefore be used when confirming parts and application-specific technical information.
Technical InformationKomatsu SAA6D170ManufacturerKomatsuEngine Family170 SeriesEngine ModelSAA6D170Engine TypeHeavy-Duty DieselCylinder ArrangementInline 6-CylinderOperating CycleFour-StrokeBore170 mmStroke170 mmDisplacementApprox. 23.15 LitresAspirationTurbochargedCharge-Air SystemCharge-Air CooledCoolingLiquid CooledLubricationPressure LubricationFuelDiesel
Rated power and operating speed should be confirmed from the exact engine specification because SAA6D170 ratings can vary according to application.
What Does Komatsu SAA6D170 Mean?
The complete model designation helps identify the engine configuration within the Komatsu 170-series family.
The 6D170 portion identifies the six-cylinder engine family built around a 170 mm bore.
The additional letters distinguish important configuration differences within the family.
Related engine designations can include:
S6D170
SA6D170
SAA6D170
Although these engines share a family relationship, their complete configurations are not identical.
What Is the Difference Between S6D170, SA6D170 and SAA6D170?
One of the important differences is the air-handling arrangement.
In general:
S6D170 → Naturally Aspirated
SA6D170 → Turbocharged
SAA6D170 → Turbocharged with Charge-Air Cooling
This distinction matters when identifying replacement components.
It can affect:
- Turbocharger Components
- Charge-Air Cooler Components
- Intake Manifold Components
- Air Pipework
- Exhaust Manifold Components
- Exhaust Connections
- Cooling Components
- Hoses
- Gaskets
- Mounting Hardware
Some internal engine components may be related across the 170-series family, but interchangeability should always be confirmed rather than assumed.
Is the Komatsu SAA6D170 Turbocharged?
Yes.
The Komatsu SAA6D170 uses turbocharging together with charge-air cooling.
The turbocharger uses exhaust-gas energy to compress incoming air. The compressed air then passes through the applicable charge-air cooling arrangement before entering the engine.
Potential requirements in this area can include:
- Complete Turbocharger
- Turbocharger Cartridge
- Compressor Components
- Turbine Components
- Turbocharger Bearings
- Turbocharger Seals
- Oil Supply Components
- Oil Drain Components
- Charge-Air Cooler Components
- Intake Connections
- Exhaust Connections
- Gaskets
- Mounting Hardware
Why Is Charge-Air Cooling Important on the SAA6D170?
Compressing air in a turbocharger increases its temperature.
Cooling the compressed air before it reaches the cylinders helps increase the density of the intake charge.
If the charge-air system becomes restricted, contaminated or develops leakage, engine performance can suffer even when the turbocharger itself is still operating.
Possible symptoms can include:
- Reduced Power
- Black Smoke
- Poor Response Under Load
- Higher Intake-Air Temperature
- Increased Exhaust Temperature
This is why a low-power complaint should not automatically lead to turbocharger replacement.
What Spare Parts Are Available for the Komatsu SAA6D170?
Parts requirements can range from normal service items to complete major engine components.
Fuel-System Parts
Potential requirements include:
- Fuel Injectors
- Injector Components
- Fuel Injection Components
- Fuel Transfer Components
- Fuel Filters
- Fuel Pipes
- Fuel Return Components
- Injector Seals
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
Turbocharger and Charge-Air Parts
Potential requirements include:
- Complete Turbocharger
- Turbocharger Components
- Charge-Air Cooler Components
- Air Filters
- Intake Pipes
- Intake Hoses
- Exhaust Connections
- Turbocharger Gaskets
- Charge-Air Gaskets
- Seals
- Clamps
Cooling-System Parts
Potential requirements include:
- Cooling-Water Pumps
- Water-Pump Components
- Thermostats
- Thermostat Housing Components
- Cooling Pipes
- Cooling Hoses
- Oil Cooler Components
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
- Seals
Lubrication-System Parts
Potential requirements include:
- Engine Oil Pump
- Oil Pump Components
- Engine Oil Filters
- Oil Cooler Components
- Oil Pressure Components
- Oil Pipes
- Oil Lines
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
- Crankshaft Seals
Cylinder Head and Valve-Train Parts
Potential requirements include:
- Cylinder Head Components
- Cylinder Head Gaskets
- Intake Valves
- Exhaust Valves
- Valve Guides
- Valve Seats
- Valve Springs
- Rocker Components
- Valve-Train Components
- Injector Sealing Components
- Valve Cover Gaskets
Internal Engine Parts
Potential requirements include:
- Pistons
- Piston Ring Sets
- Piston Pins
- Connecting Rods
- Connecting Rod Bearings
- Main Bearings
- Thrust Components
- Crankshaft
- Camshaft
- Timing Components
- Bushings
- Seals
Komatsu SAA6D170 Fuel-System Parts
Good combustion depends on the engine receiving the correct amount of clean fuel together with sufficient combustion air.
Potential requirements can include:
- Fuel Injectors
- Injector Components
- Fuel Injection Components
- Fuel Transfer Components
- Primary Fuel Filters
- Secondary Fuel Filters
- Fuel-Water Separator Elements
- High-Pressure Fuel Pipes
- Fuel Return Components
- Injector Seals
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
What If the Komatsu SAA6D170 Becomes Difficult to Start?
Hard starting does not automatically mean the injectors need replacement.
Possible causes can include:
- Restricted Fuel Filters
- Poor Fuel Supply
- Air Entering the Fuel System
- Fuel Injection Problems
- Injector Problems
- Low Cylinder Compression
- Valve Problems
- Low Battery Voltage
- Poor Electrical Connections
- Insufficient Cranking Speed
Fuel supply, compression and cranking performance should be considered together.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Fuel Injectors
Potential requirements can include:
- Complete Fuel Injectors
- Injector Components
- Injector Seals
- Fuel Pipes
- Fuel Return Components
- Associated Hardware
What Are Possible Signs of Injector Problems?
Possible symptoms can include:
- Difficult Starting
- Rough Running
- Uneven Cylinder Performance
- Increased Smoke
- Abnormal Combustion Noise
- Reduced Engine Power
- Increased Fuel Consumption
- Abnormal Cylinder Exhaust Temperature
Similar symptoms can also result from compression, valve, airflow or fuel-supply problems.
The symptom should therefore guide diagnosis rather than automatically determine which component is replaced.
One SAA6D170 Cylinder Is Running Differently — What Should Be Checked?
When one cylinder behaves differently from the others, possible areas to investigate include:
- Injector Performance
- Fuel Delivery
- Cylinder Compression
- Intake Valve Condition
- Exhaust Valve Condition
- Valve Adjustment
- Piston Condition
- Piston Ring Condition
- Cylinder Condition
Cylinder-to-cylinder comparison can provide valuable information before the engine is dismantled.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Turbocharger Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Complete Turbocharger
- Turbocharger Cartridge
- Compressor Components
- Turbine Components
- Bearings
- Seals
- Oil Supply Components
- Oil Drain Components
- Intake Connections
- Exhaust Connections
- Turbocharger Gaskets
- Mounting Components
The SAA6D170 Has Lost Power — Does It Need a New Turbocharger?
Not necessarily.
Possible causes of reduced power can include:
- Restricted Air Filter
- Intake Restriction
- Charge-Air Leakage
- Charge-Air Cooler Restriction
- Turbocharger Wear
- Exhaust Restriction
- Restricted Fuel Filters
- Poor Fuel Supply
- Injector Problems
- Fuel Injection Problems
- Low Compression
- Valve Problems
- Excessive Engine Load
A new turbocharger cannot correct a leaking charge-air connection or low-compression cylinder.
What Are Possible Signs of SAA6D170 Turbocharger Problems?
Possible symptoms can include:
- Reduced Engine Power
- Poor Response Under Load
- Black Exhaust Smoke
- Abnormal Turbocharger Noise
- Oil Leakage
- Increased Oil Consumption
- Reduced Boost Performance
- Higher Exhaust Temperature
The turbocharger should be inspected together with its intake, exhaust and lubrication systems.
Why Can a Replacement SAA6D170 Turbocharger Fail Again?
Because the damaged turbocharger may be the result of another problem.
Before installing a replacement, investigate:
- Lubricating-Oil Supply
- Turbocharger Oil Drain
- Engine Oil Condition
- Intake Restriction
- Foreign-Object Damage
- Exhaust Restriction
- Excessive Exhaust Temperature
Finding the original cause helps protect the replacement component.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Charge-Air Cooler Parts
Depending on the exact engine arrangement, requirements can include:
- Charge-Air Cooler
- Cooler Core
- Cooler Housing
- End Covers
- Air Connections
- Cooling Connections
- Charge-Air Pipes
- Hoses
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
- Seals
Can a Charge-Air Leak Cause Black Smoke?
Yes.
The turbocharger may compress the air correctly, but if some of that air escapes before reaching the cylinders, the engine receives less air than expected.
Possible symptoms can include:
- Black Smoke
- Reduced Power
- Poor Acceleration
- Higher Exhaust Temperature
- Poor Performance Under Load
This is why the complete air path should be inspected.
What Can Cause an SAA6D170 Charge-Air Cooler to Lose Efficiency?
Possible causes can include:
- Internal Deposits
- Oil Contamination
- Cooling-Side Deposits
- Restricted Cooling Flow
- Corrosion
- Damaged Seals
- Air Leakage
A cooler does not necessarily have to be completely blocked before engine performance begins to change.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Cooling-System Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Cooling-Water Pumps
- Water-Pump Components
- Thermostats
- Thermostat Housing Components
- Cooling Pipes
- Cooling Hoses
- Oil Cooler Components
- Charge-Air Cooling Components
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
- Seals
Why Can the Komatsu SAA6D170 Overheat?
Possible causes can include:
- Low Coolant Level
- Poor Coolant Condition
- Thermostat Problems
- Reduced Water-Pump Performance
- Restricted Cooling Passages
- Oil Cooler Restriction
- Charge-Air Cooler Cooling Problems
- Cooling-System Contamination
- Restricted Coolant Flow
For a marine installation, the seawater circuit should also be considered.
Why Does the SAA6D170 Overheat Mainly Under Load?
At higher engine load, considerably more heat must be removed.
A cooling system that has lost some capacity may still keep temperature under control at idle or light load but struggle when the engine is producing more power.
Possible areas to investigate include:
- Cooling-Water Pump Performance
- Thermostat Operation
- Coolant Flow
- Oil Cooler Condition
- Charge-Air Cooling
- Cooling-System Restrictions
On a marine installation, also investigate seawater flow and heat-exchanger condition.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Cooling-Water Pump Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Complete Cooling-Water Pump
- Pump Housing
- Pump Shaft
- Bearings
- Mechanical Seal
- Impeller
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
Does the Water Pump Have to Leak Before It Is Bad?
No.
Reduced pump performance can also result from:
- Bearing Wear
- Mechanical-Seal Problems
- Impeller Damage
- Internal Corrosion
- Cavitation
- Coolant Contamination
Cooling performance should be evaluated as a complete system.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Marine Seawater Pump
A marinized SAA6D170 may use additional raw-water equipment specific to the marine installation.
Potential requirements can include:
- Complete Seawater Pump
- Pump Housing
- Pump Shaft
- Bearings
- Mechanical Seal
- Impeller Where Applicable
- Wear Components
- Cover Components
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
Are All SAA6D170 Marine Seawater Pumps the Same?
Not necessarily.
The seawater pump can form part of the marine conversion rather than the standard base-engine configuration.
Different installations may therefore use different equipment.
For accurate identification, provide:
- Pump Manufacturer
- Pump Model
- Existing Pump Number
- Engine Serial Number
- Clear Photographs
- Mounting Arrangement
- Pipe Connections
Komatsu SAA6D170 Marine Heat Exchanger Parts
Depending on the marine installation, potential requirements can include:
- Complete Heat Exchanger
- Heat Exchanger Core
- Tube Bundle
- Housing
- End Covers
- Cooling Connections
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
- Seals
Marine heat exchangers can gradually lose efficiency because of:
- Salt Deposits
- Scale
- Sediment
- Marine Growth
- Corrosion Products
- Debris
- Restricted Seawater Flow
A partially restricted heat exchanger may appear satisfactory at low load but become a problem when the engine is working harder.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Lubrication-System Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Engine Oil Pump
- Oil Pump Components
- Engine Oil Filters
- Oil Cooler
- Oil Cooler Components
- Oil Pressure Components
- Oil Pipes
- Oil Lines
- Gaskets
- O-Rings
- Front Crankshaft Seal
- Rear Crankshaft Seal
What Can Cause Low Oil Pressure on an SAA6D170?
Possible causes can include:
- Low Engine Oil Level
- Incorrect Lubricating Oil
- Deteriorated Oil
- Restricted Oil Filter
- Oil Pump Wear
- Pressure-Regulating Problems
- Excessive Main-Bearing Clearance
- Excessive Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
- Internal Engine Wear
- Oil Pressure Sender or Instrumentation Problems
This is why an oil pump should not automatically be replaced simply because pressure is low.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Cylinder Head and Valve Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Cylinder Head Components
- Cylinder Head Gaskets
- Intake Valves
- Exhaust Valves
- Valve Guides
- Valve Seats
- Valve Springs
- Rocker Components
- Valve-Train Components
- Injector Sealing Components
- Valve Cover Gaskets
When Should the SAA6D170 Cylinder Head Be Inspected?
Cylinder-head inspection may become necessary following:
- Engine Overheating
- Coolant Loss
- Head-Gasket Failure
- Low Compression
- Valve Problems
- Uneven Cylinder Performance
- Abnormal Combustion
- Major Engine Overhaul
Once removed, the relevant head components should be inspected before deciding which parts can be reused or require replacement.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Pistons and Piston Rings
Potential requirements can include:
- Pistons
- Piston Ring Sets
- Piston Pins
- Piston Pin Bushings
- Retaining Components
Possible indications of piston, ring or cylinder wear can include:
- Excessive Blow-By
- Increased Oil Consumption
- Reduced Compression
- Difficult Starting
- Exhaust Smoke
- Reduced Engine Performance
Does Excessive Blow-By Mean the SAA6D170 Only Needs New Rings?
Not necessarily.
Possible causes include:
- Worn Piston Rings
- Cylinder Wear
- Piston Wear
- Ring-Groove Wear
- Internal Engine Damage
New rings cannot compensate for excessive cylinder or piston wear.
Inspection and measurement should determine the repair requirement.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Connecting Rod and Bearing Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Connecting Rods
- Connecting Rod Bearings
- Big-End Bearings
- Small-End Bushings
- Connecting Rod Bolts
- Main Bearings
- Thrust Components
Connecting rods deserve particular attention after bearing failure, lubrication problems or major piston damage.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Crankshaft Parts
Potential requirements can include:
- Complete Crankshaft
- Main Bearings
- Connecting Rod Bearings
- Thrust Components
- Crankshaft Gear Components
- Front Crankshaft Seal
- Rear Crankshaft Seal
Why Should the SAA6D170 Crankshaft Be Measured Before Ordering Bearings?
A long-serving engine may already have undergone previous repairs.
Its crankshaft may have been:
- Polished
- Repaired
- Reground
- Replaced
During overhaul, inspection should consider:
- Main Journal Diameter
- Connecting Rod Journal Diameter
- Surface Condition
- Scoring
- Taper
- Out-of-Round Condition
- Heat Damage
- Evidence of Previous Machining
Bearing selection should follow the actual crankshaft condition.
Measure first. Select bearings second.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Gaskets and Seals
Potential requirements can include:
- Complete Engine Gasket Set
- Upper Gasket Set
- Lower Gasket Set
- Cylinder Head Gaskets
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Intake Gaskets
- Exhaust Gaskets
- Turbocharger Gaskets
- Charge-Air System Gaskets
- Oil Cooler Gaskets
- Cooling-System Gaskets
- Injector Seals
- O-Rings
- Front Crankshaft Seal
- Rear Crankshaft Seal
The gasket package should always be matched to the exact SAA6D170 engine specification.
Komatsu SAA6D170 Overhaul Parts
A major overhaul can require:
- Pistons
- Piston Rings
- Piston Pins
- Main Bearings
- Connecting Rod Bearings
- Thrust Components
- Connecting Rod Bushings
- Cylinder Head Components
- Intake Valves
- Exhaust Valves
- Crankshaft Seals
- Complete Gasket Sets
- Engine Seal Kits
- Fuel-System Components
- Turbocharger Components
- Charge-Air Components
- Cooling-System Components
- Lubrication-System Components
Depending on inspection results, additional requirements can include:
- Cylinder Head Components
- Crankshaft
- Connecting Rods
- Camshaft
- Fuel Injectors
- Fuel Injection Components
- Complete Turbocharger
- Charge-Air Cooler
- Cooling-Water Pump
- Oil Pump
- Oil Cooler
- Starter Motor
- Alternator
Should an SAA6D170 Overhaul Kit Be Ordered Before the Engine Is Opened?
Routine and planned replacement components can be prepared in advance.
For a major overhaul, however, the final parts requirement should ideally follow inspection and measurement.
Once the engine is disassembled, the workshop can determine:
What condition are the cylinders in?
Can the pistons be reused?
Has the crankshaft previously been machined?
Which bearing specification is required?
What condition are the cylinder-head components in?
Are the connecting rods serviceable?
Does the turbocharger require repair or replacement?
Does the charge-air system require attention?
A practical overhaul sequence is:
Identify → Disassemble → Clean → Inspect → Measure → Confirm Parts → Rebuild
What Information Should You Send for Komatsu SAA6D170 Parts?
For accurate Komatsu SAA6D170 Marine Engine Spare Parts identification, provide:
- Engine Model: Komatsu SAA6D170
- Complete Engine Variant
- Engine Serial Number
- Engine Identification Plate
- Existing Komatsu Part Number
- Component Manufacturer Number
- Part Description
- Quantity Required
- Clear Photographs
- Vessel or Equipment Application
- Delivery Country or Nearest Port
For turbochargers, charge-air coolers, fuel equipment, cooling pumps, seawater pumps, starter motors, alternators and marine conversion components, identification directly from the currently installed component is particularly useful.
Who Do We Supply?
Alfa Marine Spare Parts supports Komatsu SAA6D170 requirements for:
- Shipyards
- Ship Repairers
- Marine Engineers
- Chief Engineers
- Technical Superintendents
- Fleet Operators
- Marine Service Companies
- Commercial Fishing Companies
- Offshore Operators
- Government Fleets
- Maritime Contractors
- Boat Builders
- Marine Equipment Distributors
- Commercial Vessel Operators
Worldwide Komatsu SAA6D170 Parts Supply
Alfa Marine Spare Parts supports Komatsu SAA6D170 Marine Engine Spare Parts requirements for customers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, the Caribbean and other international marine markets, including Spain, Italy, Monaco, France, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Dubai and the UAE, Nigeria, Miami, Texas and Toronto.
Whether the requirement involves injectors, a turbocharger, charge-air components, cooling parts, cylinder-head components, crankshaft parts, bearings or a complete SAA6D170 overhaul package, accurate engine identification should always come first.