ISX engine durability proven in high-mileage evaluation

June 1, 2005
Cummins Inc has successfully completed a high-mileage durability evaluation of on-highway ISX engines used in North America. The results, based upon engines

Cummins Inc has successfully completed a high-mileage durability evaluation of on-highway ISX engines used in North America. The results, based upon engines with almost 600,000 miles (965,607 km) of commercial service, confirmed company projections that the engines certified and compliant to the 2004 Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards would have the same or better durability than the engines they replaced.

“The proof is in the parts,” stated Tom Kieffer, Cummins executive director of marketing. “The analysis concluded that the major contributors to engine durability exhibited outstanding results. In fact, the results indicate that today's ISX engine will have the same or better durability than the N14 engine — long regarded as the industry standard for durability. Our engines are achieving the durability levels we always said they would. With proven durability now added to the ISX performance, reliability, and fuel economy leadership as reported by our customers, this means they can depend on our products to provide the best value during their ownership period — and increased resale value.

“For 2007, we will use the same proven cooled-EGR emissions architecture with the addition of the Cummins Particulate Filter. Customers have confidence in our current product durability and tell us that they appreciate the stability our product plans will offer.”

Engine durability is typically defined as the point requiring an in-frame engine overhaul resulting from excessive component wear or oil consumption. The evaluation showed that the engines are corrosion free. Cummins officials reported no signs of acid damage in the engines.

Cummins officials added that durability is not about carbon in the intake. They contend that the high-mileage evaluation gave no indication that carbon buildup is reducing the lifecyle of EGR engines.

The evaluation engines were fully disassembled and all major components — from the crankshaft to camshafts, from the EGR subsystem to the power cylinder — were analyzed. Engineering analysis confirmed both the integrity of oil control and combustion control with components exhibiting normal and expected wear. Power cylinder components showed only 20% to 25% wear after 600,000 miles (965,607 km), with connecting rod and main bearings expected to have 50% additional life remaining.