Old School Engine Discussion - Small Cam Cummins Driveability

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Hogleg, Dec 21, 2016.

  1. Hogleg

    Hogleg Medium Load Member

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    Salem, Illinois
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    From the engine serial, cummins site reports originally build in 1973 as a 290. Have yet to find a CPL number.

    But wouldn't you think that if we don't know anything about the engine and it's previous service we should check the valve settings and have the injectors flow tested? At this point I am not looking for HP increases but rather trying to determine what the specs the engine was rebuilt to and if it is achieving those numbers.

    Right?

    John
     
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  3. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    I agree on running the overhead. Not sure about flow testing. I will probably catch some flak over this but I would consider running some Lucas fuel additive through it to clean the injectors. Believe it works, if others don't i'm ok with that. When I do it I follow mfg. directions and usually will add it until I have gone through 4 gal.
     
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  4. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    For injector cleaner a lot of people filled the new fuel filter with with ATF and started it wide open. Don't do that with other fuel systems! Would be good to know rail pressure under load, CPL # on pump, an injector and if you have an aftercooler.
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2016
  5. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    That's it. If there is a Summit Racing near you they have it in the $20+ range. At the T/S it is $30+. Have you checked out thediesel garage.com go to medium- heavy and google small cam cummins. Sometimes people over there are a little rude. I would overlook that. Lots of good info. Not everyone who says they are an expert is. So before taking any action. Check several sources.
     
  6. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    Isn't that supposed to be "shiney hiney and a 290"?

    ...referring to the polished stainless doors on an O/O reefer and a 290 under the hood.
     
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  7. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

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    Absolutely. That's always a great idea. Get the engine up to spec, then make decisions from there.
    As you mention, it seems like the engine just does not respond to the loads of a slight rolling terrain. It should at least make an attempt to compensate. So I for one, fully agree with your idea to get the engine up to spec first.
     
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  8. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    I drove a 270 and a 350. Sure the 350 outran the 270. But it wasn't like the 270 could not hold its own in rolling terrain. Coming out of Sandusky Crushed Stone (Parkertown,Oh.) and heading down toward Cleveland didn't phase it much at all. My guess is when you get that 290 straightened out, you will forget about swapping motors.
     
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  9. SmokinCAT

    SmokinCAT Road Train Member

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    Actually it's not that far off as non top stop injectors do need adjusted more frequently.
     
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  10. SmokinCAT

    SmokinCAT Road Train Member

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    A button check requires the spring pack to be disassembled.

    There are very few shops I trust to do that sort of work, one that has very knowledgeable people is diesel controls out of Ohio. I have had a few sets of injectors from them and have quite a few friends running their parts without any issues.
     
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