big cam cummins

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by md1967, Mar 11, 2008.

  1. md1967

    md1967 Bobtail Member

    46
    1
    Mar 10, 2008
    Hanska, MN
    0
    can anyone tell me what they know about big cams and the difference between 1-4... looking at an older truck with bc1... nice looking and only 700k for 4g... any opinions and or knowledge?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    older motor....cheap to rebuild...i think between 6-8k

    in my experiance with them they are good motors, but get em to hot and the head bolts start shearing off
     
  4. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

    5,799
    6,440
    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
    0
    I can't tell you all the difference. Depending on what h rating there will be timing and compresion diferences. I've got a big cam II in my 86 where someone removed the BC IV that was originally in it. I know the 4's had a low flow cooling syste that works well under stock hp if it is well maintained but can cause some problems. The earlyer BC motors don't have the lower ress fit (lpf) liners which means they usually only last about 500k. When you rebuild the motor have it machined for the lpf and that ill eliminate the biggest problem area. They do tend to blow head garskets and break bolts but the wonderfull thing about the big cam is they are super cheap to work on. You can buy a whole new head cheaper then machining and rebuilding one in most cases.
    Go to Pittsburg diesel injections website and they have year and years of articles on these motors online. Fid your cpl# off the identification tag and that will tell you what exactly you have there for a motor.
    If you don't buy it then tell me wher eit is. I'm looking for another motor to start rebuilding in my spare time. WOould like to build a nice 800+ hp big cam
     
  5. md1967

    md1967 Bobtail Member

    46
    1
    Mar 10, 2008
    Hanska, MN
    0
    Thanx all. Being cheap to repair is one of the things I always heard about these motors... I sent the engine number to cummins so hopefully they can tell me exactly what it is... I started it yesterday and it started right up after sitting for some time. I have not driven yet but that is next on the agenda. I think it might be a nice starter truck to be sure.... thanx again.
     
  6. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

    5,799
    6,440
    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
    0
    just to let you know a few things. Those motors smoke so doen't be surprised when you crank it up ad it smokes out the neighborhood. They smoke untill they get hot. Also depending on which version it is they tend to smoke at idle.
    Also when you look at the side of the block you can see the metal head gaskets. If you see bubbles coming from them it does not necessarily mean a blown head gasket. The head gaskets are only held tight around the sleeve and they vibrate while the truck runs and if oil has leaked down the motor and runs in between them and the head or block they will bubble.
     
  7. 1989 Pete

    1989 Pete "Pine Tree Eater"

    I have a big cam in my 89 pete works like a man just leaks oil like hell:biggrin_2556:
     
  8. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

    5,799
    6,440
    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
    0
    Ya, I have that issue too. I think I need to replace the front head gasket too
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.