Cummin's ISX, how bad are they?!

Id buy a new cummins and pose all over the block while someone takes pics of me

 

I think they might have gotten most of the big problem issues taken care of with newer ISX's. They were having cam related problems due to poor rockers that weren't allowing proper lube between them and the cam lobes. There was a TSB out about that a few years ago. Most that replaced the cam and put on a complete set of newer rockers didn't seem to have a recurring problem. The EGR and coolers were prone to problems, but I think that has become less of an issue with the SCR equipped engines. I had a 2006 ISX, and had some of these problems, lost a cam at 780,000 and the turbo at 820,000. The EGR valve quit working at around 380,000, but it froze in the closed position and so I didn't bother messing with it. Still had that EGR valve when I got out of that truck and into my new one.

In retrospect, I wouldn't buy any ISX prior to 2011. The pre-SCR versions had all the issues I mentioned, and the earliest SCR equipped ones had quite a few bug that needed to be worked out. Seems from 2011 on, they are much better engine. I have other issues with Cummins, so for me getting another Cummins is very remote.

 

Yes, the Volvo on the picture is my old rig. She is in very good shape for her age, (almost 15 years old) I try to keep the rust under control too, but eventually I am the looser. To put it into top shape would cost 30-40.000$ and there would be lot of old stuff, what eventually will go wrong. The market value of her would raise from 10.000$ to maybe 20.000$. My other choice to keep running as it is, but it would means more break ups, more unscheduled fixes and since I am not good with the wrenches, everything would come out of my pocket, plus a lot of of stress. Finally in the case of a catastrophic failure I would have to buy a dealer spec truck. Based on my calculation a right specification for my job can save 100.000$ over the next 15 years.