New International A26 12.4L Engine

My average weight is 73k with 17-20% empty miles. I can hit 9 as long as I’m not running the SouthEast like I did in December. I run a lot of congested areas in the NortEast and SouthEast as well, that’s eats into fuel mileage. I don’t have as many wide open spaces as you do. 2.2 mpg is a 33% difference, that’s pretty significant. I don’t run all over, I run Arkansas to the NorthEast and SouthEast and back.

 

Not an option for us, we have a pretty fixed route, but primarily because we run live cargo outbound, and time is more important than 20 gallons of fuel.

 

Bypass filter is complete. If anyone has an A26 and you want the Amsoil Heavy Duty system on it; they ran the supply from a T at the fuel pump and ran the return to a port at the base of the dipstick. The filter is mounted on the batter box behind the driver side front fender. I’ll include the fitting list below, they used Stratoflex fittings.

 

Can post some pictures off the install?

 

I’ll get some better ones later. There’s little space under there and it’s hard to get a good picture. Below the red line by the steering column you’ll see the shiny new fitting at the return. And the other pic of the fender well, you’ll see the filter at the bottom.

 

I’m hitting the road tomorrow. I’m excited to get a couple weeks in with it and see how the oil is. I test drove it today to check for leaks and while the oil is Black you can still read the letters and hashes on the dipstick. Usually it’s opaque and black. The filter holds a gallon of oil.

 

I read a pretty extensive review on LT with the A26 motor.
Test Drive: International's A26 Engine
The only concern in the critique is that for heavier loads 75-80K lbs he (the reviewer) would want a bigger engine. You are hauling reefer loads with similar weights. Would you say that there is anything lacking in performance when hauling heavier loads, for instance would you be any concerned if you were to go over Rockies on regular basis? I remember you said that you still were getting good mpg. I spoke with a local dealer about this truck and he said that the price range from 136 - 145K spec depending. Also, the waiting time seems better; if ordered now they could deliver as soon as May-June, pretty flexible with any type of Eaton Fuller transmission, which is a big plus. Another thing, the Emission systems they use seem very promising and low maintenance, do you have any reckoning with that already?

 

My average weight is 73k. I have the 410hp 1450/1650 torque but they have ratings up to 475hp. I drive slow and work to use as little HP as possible. There are times where I get on it to get out of a situation and, even when loaded and rolling up a grade, it will accelerate.
I don’t think it would have an issue with the longer grades in the West. I’ve run plenty of steep grades in it, the only difference is that they aren’t as long as the ones West. You just need the right rpm for your target cruising speed. I cruise at 1300 rpm with a manual and that seems to work really well. If you’re wanting an automated, the Eaton Endurant is available for the A26 now. With an Automated, you can run a downsped spec.
I think it’s important to note that for the rest of the world, our 80k lb gross is pretty light compared to what Europe, Australia, or Canada do. For 80k lb and less, on highway miles, regardless of terrain, I think the 13l class is a solid choice. I’d say up to 105,000 the 13l is a good choice. Anything over 105,000 I’d probably choose a 15l, unless you had high empty miles, I might run a 13l. Volvo has their new VNX, for example, approved up to 160k from the factory, using their 13l motor. They are very capable motors.
I haven’t had any issues out of the new single can after treatment. It is a much simpler, lighter design than the old one. Much fewer sensors and straight through design. I don’t have many passive regens in this truck unlike the Cummins I had.

 

I understand that it is technically suitable to haul up to 80K lbs without too much overstrain. In other words, you would not be concerned of premature engine problems at these weights as long as you monitor how you work the engine during climbing? How do you monitor the HP output? Do you use scan-gauge or perhaps it came equipped with such gauges?

 

Most likely by the turbo boost gauge. Max boost max hp.