1. Is the Cummins ISB a good engine?
The Cummins ISB are good, reliable engines. The implementation of improved technology advancement on the engine makes the engine a unique one.
For example, the engine makes use of a VGT turbo. The turbo helps to support the braking system of the truck by controlling the flow of air when necessary in order to slow down the engine.
The engine also has an electronic engine management control that controls the air inflow and combustion system.
The filter of the engine also helps to reduce the rate of emissions by 90%. The common rail fuel system also helps in terms of fuel precision, which boosts the combustion rate.
2. What does ISB stand for in ISB Cummins engine?
The ISB stands for ‘interact system B’. This is an electronically controlled engine by Cummins to achieve high fuel efficiency and comply with emission regulations. This engine is mostly used where there are strict tolerance of emissions control.
3. What are some common problems of the Cummins ISB engines?
- a. Wear on the turbocharger: This mostly occurs due to oil starvation on the turbo.
- b. Clogged particulate filters: Due to the build-up of soot or failed regeneration process, the DPF filter could experience clogging.
- c. Injector problems: This mostly happens due to contaminated fuel or irregular changes in fuel filters.
4. What are the specifications of this engine?
Talking about the engine specifications, these are the terms involved;
- i. Torque: The torque of the engine ranges between 500 to 1,000 lb-ft. Depending on the engine configuration.
- ii. Displacement: The displacement of the engine is 6.7 liters.
- iii. Horsepower: The horsepower of the engine is dependent on some factors. But the HP ranges between 200-400 horsepower.
5. How can you improve the fuel economy on the Cummins ISB engine?
Due to the electronically controlled engine, the ISB model is highly fuel efficient. Yet you can still improve the fuel efficiency.
One of the things you can do is to ensure regular maintenance on the engine especially the fuel filter, oil, and air filter.
The quality of the fuel you are using will also be another factor that could increase the efficiency of the fuel.
I would also like to mention the regeneration process, which you must ensure that you complete to ensure proper burning of soot to avoid clogged DPF.
6. What is the expected lifespan of this ISB engine?
One thing you need to know is that the maintenance you are giving the engine will prolong or shorten the lifespan of the engine.
However, the engine engine can serve more than 500,000 miles or more. The lowest could be 350,000, while the highest could be 1,000,000.
7. When is maintenance scheduled on the ISB engine?
This answer is best answered by the service manual, and I will advise you to follow the manufacturer’s manual instructions.
However, as a rule of thumb, you could follow this;
- a. Oil Change: You should change it every 15,000 miles.
- b. Fuel filter: The fuel filter should be changed at 15,000-2000 miles.
- c. Air filter: You need to inspect it every 15,000 miles and change or clean it when necessary.
- d. Coolant: You can drain the coolant at every 30,000 miles
8. Which application best suits the ISB Cummins engine?
These engines can be used in different industries, such as agricultural equipment, construction equipment, buses, and medium buses.
It also runs well in industrial equipment such as forklifts, cranes, etc
9. Can biodiesel be used on ISB Cummins engines?
The answer is yes. Cummins allows the use of biodiesel on ISB but with certain conditions which are;
i. The blend should be 20%, which means 20% of biodiesel and 80% of petroleum diesel. When the blend is right it could be used on the engine.
- ii. The biodiesel should be of the right standard by ASTM.
- iii. It should be compatible with the equipment emissions control. It should not cause soot formation that could affect the DPF of the engine.
