9 Factors that Make You Forget Cummins ISX Years to Avoid with Miles

We can agree that Cummins produces legendary engines. Yet, there are a few Cummins ISX years to avoid. The dip in quality came between 2002 and 2007. The downgrade was because of manufacturing standards set by environmental protection authorities.

New rules forbid companies to use certain parts, making the engines expensive and difficult to repair. We have prepared this article so you can purchase from the best model years, read the pros and cons of the models, determine the issues of engines, and more. Let’s turn the ignition!

An Insight into Cummins ISX Engine Years to Avoid

According to the majority of reviews by users post-2002 and up to 2007 Cummins engines have been bad. Whether the engine produced from 2002 to 2004 or from 2005 to 2007 were the worst years remains debatable.

2002 to 2007 model years had issues with Turbocharger, EGR, Camshaft, timing wedge problems, and cylinder liners. These are reflected by overheating of the engine, coolant leaking, and unusual decrease in pressure.

However, Cummins’ diesel engines evolved and returned to their well-earned name. It introduced Cummins ISX 15. Its impressive specs, speak for themselves. Have a look:

Cummins ISX Specs

Following are the detailed specs:

Production Years for Cummins ISX

The Cummins ISX engine was introduced in 2001 It replaced the N14 due to the rules set by the environmental protection authority. The rules were set to reduce emissions.

Upgrades and Comeback

Cummins had to embed major upgrades in order to get back into the good books of the users. In 2010 after the launch of the new version of the ISX15, the Cummins engines again became the crowd favorite.

Not only the specs were better but they also had improved Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Selective Catalytic Reduction, and lastly Diesel Exhaust Fluid in accordance with EPA 2010.

Best Model of Cummins ISX Engines

The series after 2010 would serve you great. Also, if you are looking for the best in the ISK engine series, go for the latest ISK15. It is credited as the top of our list due to its enhanced fuel efficiency and EPA emission technology. Its state-of-the-art components include the following.

What Components Cause Issues in Cummins ISX

We want to help you recognize the problems of the Cummins ISX engine. This is why we get into the details of what and where the performance issues lie. Read below.

1. Turbocharger Problem

One of the most crucial components of diesel engines is the turbocharger. They are in charge of supplying the inlet air required to increase engine performance.

The notorious turbo-lag problem is one of the most frequent issues that these turbochargers run into. The term “turbo lag” refers to the sluggish throttle response that occurs prior to the engine receiving additional power from the turbocharger.

Attention! Clogged filters, engine block failures, or problems with lubrication can all contribute to reduced fuel intake. The earlier the problem is identified and treated, the less likely it is that it will cause engine damage.

Diagnosing Turbo-charger Problems

To detect if your turbo-charger needs attention you should assess the following:

2. EGR Valve Problem

Nitrogen oxide is a hazardous substance that is produced by all engines. Due to tighter emission regulations, many automobiles include an EGR system and EGR valve that recycles gases released by the engine. As a result, the amount of nitrogen oxide released is reduced.

The EGR valve is the main component of the system. The operation and circulation of the system are affected when the EGR valve has a fault. This leads to issues with performance as well as a gain in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Diagnosing EGR Valve Problems

There could be various issues in exhaust gas recirculation and it’s valve (EGR valve) due to it being a complete system. Thankfully we have techniques to catch them. Here they are:

Engine Performance Problems

If you observe unsatisfactory engine performance such as bad fuel efficiency, or weaker acceleration, leaking EGR valve could be the root of the problem.

Check Engine Light

The “check engine” will light up if there are concerns with the circuit or EGR valve position.

Rough Idle

If you can sense rough idling as soon you turn the ignitions of your car and the RPMs fluctuate, it is a sign that you have a leaking EGR valve or the valves have some other faults.

3. Faulty Camshafts and Faulty Rocker Arms

The intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed by a rotating shaft or piston known as a camshaft. It relies on the engine’s speed, load, and throttle position.

Unfortunately paying attention to the engine performance is the only way to catch if the camshaft is troubling. On the plus side, however, just replacing the camshaft or faulty rocker arms will fix the problem.

4. Timing Wedge Problems

The timing wedge refers to the metal component that is placed between the cam gears. Its purpose is to capture the dripping oil from the cam.

It collects the droplets and then throws them back up to cam lobes to keep them lubricated. It compresses the oil found in the sump to enable it for passing through the pump housing and into the engine block.

Head to your local adrenaline diesel repair shop or search Cummins ISX engine experts online that are near your place and provide assistance fast.

5. Problems with Cylinder Liners

The four-cylinder head liners are engineered to perform along with Cummins ISX engines. Yet, there is a chance of the engine suffering significant damage if the cylinder liners fall into the borehole.

The signs of an ill-performing cylinder liner are shown via a decrease in pressure, leaking coolant, and overheating of the engine. The causes of the cylinder liner breaking could be one of the following:

6. Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter

An essential component of the 6.7 Cummins engine’s exhaust system is the diesel particulate filter.

An affordable but temporary solution to this problem is to clean the filter. Alternatively, you can spend about $1000 for a restored one. Some customers choose to completely replace the truck’s exhaust system with an aftermarket one to fix it.

Note: You will be able to reduce the possible DPF blockage in the future, although you should know that it is against the law from an emissions control standpoint.

7. Fuel Dilution

Diesel engines are prone to fuel dilution due to the way they operate. However, the 6.7 Cummins is known to be more susceptible to it than some other engines.

8. Head Gasket Issues

A very good way to detect an issue with the head gasket is if white smoke starts to escape from the engine.

For more details watch this video.

Cummins Diesel Engines That Are Actually Great

Even in’s worst years, Cummins was able to put out engines that are worth the look. Many customers have been satisfied and would recommend them. Let’s have a look at those honorable mentions:

Cummins Engine (2004)

The Cummins ISX engine launched in 2004 performed fairly well. Its torque would be a minimum of 550 lb-ft and exceed 650 lb-ft. The engine oil capacity was impressive at 11.4 liters which allowed the drivers to hit the road, carefree.

Bottomline 2004 was better than its predecessors in comparison when it came to power and efficiency.

Cummins Engine (2008)

The amazing torque and horsepower had drivers raging for this one. It had 1000 lb-ft and 350 to 400 horsepower respectively. The popularity was also due to the vehicle it came with. A four-door, huge pickup truck with an advanced power train.

Cummins Engine (2011)

In 2011 the powerful engine ranges introduced by Cummins had Electronic Stability Control. That provided the vehicles with control and better maneuvering.

Cummins Engine (2019)

The latest ISX engines unsurprisingly are worth the money. These are famous among the drivers due to them featuring new trim levels and technological components that were added. This could even power bigger and heavy trucks making it a good engine choice, to say the least.

Cummins ISX Engine – The Preferred Choice for Drivers

From professional truck drivers to auto enthusiasts, Cummins engines are commonly regarded as the finest in the business. What are the features that let them gain everyone’s trust? Let’s find out!

Impressive Torque

Compared to other automobiles on the road today, Cummins engines offer higher torque, increasing the truck’s potential for pulling and towing.

Longevity & Durability

The Cummins Corporation manufactured these engines with power and dependability at the forefront of its design.

Cummins ISX Reviews

The reviews by the public have been mixed. There are few who have loved the engine series and their trucks have lasted for years, meanwhile, some would not give their time of day to it.

The ISX series had a lot on its shoulders and after EPA placed new restrictions it failed to impress many. The cursed years continued until 2007. After the phasing out of the 2007 model year, Cummins gained back its lost reputation.

We want to share some of the most upvoted reviews for credibility. Read below.

Reviews

The following reviews are given by drivers and vendors. Do check out the embedded videos to further learn about their experiences. Let’s have a look.

Bottomline

Some hardcore fans still do not think Cummins ISK production line is as good as N14 if not better. The difference comes from pollution reduction devices the new ISK engines have but the majority agrees that they can rely on the ISK engines.

Cummins ISX Diesel Engines – Good or Bad

The Cummins ISX had a bad run during the early 2000s. You can read about it in the specifics in our section “Cummins ISX Engine Years to Avoid”. In the same section, you can view the commendable specs of the engine and note that it is indeed a great one.

Cummins ISX did overcome its problems and the newer production line of diesel engines was more than impressive. If you are planning to invest in Cummins engines go for ISK15 or above. Nowadays most truck drivers and RV owners are trusting the Cummins ISX so it is a safe bet.

Running Miles of a Cummins ISX Engine

Cummins engines are jaw-dropping when it comes to the number of miles they can give.

The lifespan of your engine will ultimately depend upon your driving conditions. 2 or even 3 of the cylinder head pumps will last up to 400, to 000 miles. Although replacing them can cost you $6,000.

Cummins ISX Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a Cummins ISX diesel engine depends on how much you drive it in a year. An engine that has done 20,000 miles a year only, can go up to 30 years in life. The motor that is being used for 100,000 miles a year will last 6 to 10 years.

It depends on your upkeep and regular maintenance too. If your usage is rough, and the engine is put under a lot of strain, it will exhaust in much fewer years than it should. Cummins ISX can last up to 1,000,000 miles easily but be sure to use it right and avoid engine damage.

The EGR Implementation in Cummins ISX Engine

The engine that was without EGR were 2002 models. This implies that any motor built before 2002 won’t experience any EGR issues. You can cross that one typical issue off your list.

But some of the best engines tend to become damaged due to the implications of EPA rules, increasing their cost and difficulty to repair.

Our Verdict

While Cummins ISX has had a few bumps, it learned from its customer feedback. It developed engines that made it one of the leading manufacturers again.

You can select from 2009 and later models with trust but make sure to not overload the engine. Rough usage can reduce its life.

FAQ

Conclusion

Our conclusion is simple. A newly produced Cummins ISX engine would be a valuable investment. You have to make sure to not select from the early to mid-2000s.

When you have made your purchase make sure to study how to maintain and take care of the engine to ensure you get maximum miles out of it with little need of repairing. Let us know in the comments which Cummins ISX engine model year will you be going for.