Cummins has built a reputable name for itself over the decades, but how did it get to where it is today? In this guide, we’ll discuss how Cummins started as a strong partnership, then transformed into an impressive engine manufacturing company. Diesel Pro Power will take you through the ISX series’ specs, common issues and featured products, whether you have one of the original units or a modern version.

Cummins ISX15 with SmartTorque2. Cummins ISX15 with SmartTorque2 (ST2) is available exclusively with the SmartAdvantage™ Powertrain. Higher torque is delivered earlier in the rpm range so you can cruise at 1150 – 1240 rpm and still get the torque and power needed to match real-time load demand. A Cummins ISX engine is an Inline-6 diesel with a duel-fuel configuration — meaning it can run on diesel or natural gas — although, diesel is the most common. If you’re in the market for an ISX, its.

When you know the ins and outs of your engine system, you can better prepare your marine or generator applications to make functional repairs when necessary.

A Brief History

Clessie Cummins founded Cummins Engines in 1919 and partnered with J. Irwin Miller, a knowledgeable man in business practices. By combining Cummins’ expertise in diesel and Miller’s business skills, they were able to expand the company to how we know it today. Through the decades, the Cummins brand has integrated itself into a multitude of areas within the diesel industry.

For example, in 1973, Cummins bought Holset Engineering Co., which was a company focused on engineering engine parts. Cummins also acquired Onan in 1986, a company that manufactured generator sets. The name was later changed to Cummins Power Systems.

In 1989, Cummins began working with Dodge Ram, and the name soon changed to Cummins Emissions Solutions.

Cummins is an engineering company that has its foot in multiple critical areas of the market. With growing expertise in engine manufacturing, emissions solutions, gensets and parts engineering, Cummins excels in manufacturing products and solutions for marine engines and generators.

Cummins ISX History

The initial design of the Cummins ISX began in 1998. The original engine in the series was the N14, but over time, it became an obsolete line of engines, as stricter Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws came into play.

In 2002, the ISX15, also known as the “Signature” series, started production. It upheld its name because it had an innovative fuel system called the “Interact System.” The “IS” in ISX stands for “Interact System.”

Since its launch, the ISX has been the core of Cummins’ diesel engine fleet. Not only has it advanced with quicker processing, but it has also increased fuel efficiency since its debut.

In 2002, the ISX became one of the first diesel engines to incorporate an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler system. The technology takes the engine’s exhaust and recirculates it back to the intake chamber, reducing NOx particles. The ventilated exhaust lowers the combustion chamber temperature.

The ISX started featuring the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system in 2006. It injects urea, which is an active element in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), into the exhaust. Ammonia in the urea chemically reacts with the NOx particles and converts them into nitrogen and water inside the catalytic converter. DEF reaches high temperatures in the holding tank, then pumps into the injector and decomposition tube, causing it to react to the NOx in the exhaust.

New advancements in emissions technology emerged when Cummins introduced the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The system captures the exhaust produced from the combustion chamber and neutralizes the soot through oxidation. The oxidized ash transforms into dust. Then, it’s regenerated through the turbo in a process known as regeneration.

The ISX had a dual overhead camshaft design. One cam activated the injectors, and the second initiated the valve train. This complicated injection system was cam actuated to form injection pressure and deliver fuel. However, it didn’t last into the next ISX versions after 2010.

The Cummins engine underwent a redesign to meet the 2010 EPA standards through developments in the emissions technology. The company’s advancements focused on a single overhead camshaft instead of a dual solution. They also innovated the common rail fuel system, which eradicated the need for an injector camshaft to generate pressurized fuel.

In the common rail fuel system, diesel fuel becomes pressurized via multiple piston pumps. Then, it’s distributed through the tubing to the rail system for storage under extreme pressures— about 35,000 PSI or higher.

This version of the ISX relies on an engine control module (ECM) to monitor the timing and pressure. The ECM can activate each fuel injector up to five times per combustion cycle. The single camshaft improvement creates a better fuel economy and reduces emissions to stay parallel with EPA standards.

By 2013, the ISX gained on-board diagnostics to track the engine’s emissions. This change increased fuel efficiency compared to previous versions. Each year, Cummins continues to update the ISX15 to meet EPA standards.

Cummins ISX Specs

A Cummins ISX engine is an Inline-6 diesel with a duel-fuel configuration — meaning it can run on diesel or natural gas — although, diesel is the most common. If you’re in the market for an ISX, its specification log includes:

– 400-600 hp

– 2,050 lb.-ft. maximum peak torque

– 2,000-2,100 RPM engine speed

– 1,000 lb.-ft. clutch engagement torque

– Six cylinders

– 14 gallons of oil capacity

– 15-liter design

– 3,093 lbs. system weight

– 3,021 lbs. dry weight

– 72 lb. aftertreatment

Throughout each improved generation, the ISX engine now has several prominent features that make it one of the most sought-after solutions. Compared to the original N14 series back in the late 1990s, the ISX now delivers an exceptional line of components that have been engineered and upgraded each year, including:

Cooled exhaust gas recirculation:If your engine was made after 2002, it has an EGR system. Recirculation within the engine lowers the combustion temperatures, which reduces optimized MPG and emissions.

Crankcase ventilation system:The ISX’s advanced crankcase ventilation only needs replacement after every third or fourth oil change, allowing you to operate for longer.

Cummins Intebrake™: The Intebrake™ can reach up to 600 braking HP, which helps control the machine and reduce brake wear.

Dual overhead camshafts: If your ISX was manufactured before 2010, it has a dual camshaft system. The first cam creates high-pressure fuel injection for clean power while the second has a set of lobes to operate the integrated engine brake. The second set of camshafts also moves the intake and exhaust valves. With a high-pressure fuel injection system, a marine engine can produce complete combustion.

High-pressure fuel injection system:The high-pressure system forms a clean and complete combustion phase.

Cummins Isx Exhaust Manifold Bolt Torque Specs

Integrated electronic controls: Engines produced after 2010 rely on an ECM. The engine’s ECM controls the aftertreatment. It also synchronizes interactions between the ABS, transmission, engine brake, cooling fan and other components.

Low maintenance: An ISX engine can run up to 15,000 miles between oil and filter changes.

Mid-stop cylinder liners: Cylinder liners within the ISX have a strong design to allow for variations in coolant chemistry.

Particulate filter:An ISX engine has a fully integrated particulate filter for uncompromised performance by reducing particulate matter.

Single overhead camshaft: Versions made after 2010 have a single camshaft system with a common rail fuel operation that relies on piston pumps to inject diesel.

Variable geometry turbocharger:The turbocharger has a sliding nozzle to boost durability and reliability. Its electric actuation enhances its responses and control for adjustment. The component also delivers a definite increase at any RPM.

Cummins has mastered the engineering process by integrating each possible solution into one unit.

Common Cummins ISX Issues

When you find your ISX engine is experiencing issues, refer to your manufacturer’s manual. Address any problems right away to avoid more severe damage. Here are some tips to keep in

Cummins Isx Torque Specs