Adrenaline Diesel Blog
Cummins ISX: 3 Most Common Problems
It goes without saying that the Cummins ISX is one of the most popular and well loved diesel engines on the road today. Initially released in 1998 as a response to tightening EPA emissions standards, the ISX replaced the N14, Cummins’ original workhorse engine.
The Cummins ISX is definitively North America’s most popular heavy-duty engine. And the only engine offered by every major Class 8 truck manufacturer. With horsepower ratings that range from 400-600 and up to 2050 pound-feet peak torque it’s no surprise that this engine is a favourite for fleet operators and drivers alike.
But despite the engine’s popularity, it isn’t perfect. Let’s run through some of the most common issues.
Advertised Horsepower: (400hp, 298kW)(450hp, 336kW)
Peak Torque: (1450/1650 lb-ft, 1966/2237 Nm) (1550/1750lb-ft, 2102/2373 Nm)
Governed Speed: 1800 rpm
Clutch engagement torque: 1000 lb-ft, 1356Nm
Cylinders: 6
Dry Engine Weight: 2964lbs
Like many other engines with an EGR, the Cummins ISX is prone to typical EGR problems. On the ISX the culprit is often a leaky EGR valve. This can seem innocent enough but the problem will compound over time and it’s often difficult to diagnose.
What to look out for:
If you suspect a leaking EGR valve, it’s best to bring your Cummins ISX to our experts.
Notoriously, every model and rendition of the ISX has had issues with the camshaft. It’s prone to flattening out. This is largely because of an issue with the rocker arms. An issue in production with the rocker arms starved the components of proper oil from which makes them stick and hit the camshaft. This will eventually cause the lobes to become flat.
There aren’t specific symptoms that will indicate whether you have these faulty rocker arms. So it’s very difficult to diagnose until you’ve already seen a drop in the performance of your engine.
The ISX is a mid stock steel cylinder liner equipped engine. That means that from the factory you have a cylinder liner that goes into the engine block and it’s supported halfway down the liner. If a piston seizes the cylinder liner breaks at the bottom. If the connecting rod or piston gets free of the liner it starts to destroy the whole engine block. Which is not only obviously detrimental to your vehicle but also very expensive to fix. That’s why you’ll want to diagnose any issues early.
What to look out for:
Give us call or fill out our service request form to schedule your vehicle in for service at Adrenaline Diesel.
Adrenaline Diesel has extended service hours to ensure you get the best appointment time possible.
Sourcing parts for complex jobs is our specialty. We always aim for the fastest turnaround possible.
