New International A26 12.4L Engine

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by Cowpie1, Mar 2, 2017.

  1. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

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    Sorta an old bump but wanted to get some opinions. Price wise surprisingly the two engines are the same but I am building an International HV. the two engines choices I have is the Cummins L9 or the A26. The cummins L9 I can get at 345hp and 1150 ft/lbs. Or I go with the A26 at probably around 400/ 1500 or so. Im just skeptical in going with an International engine giving their track record. But its tempting because its a larger engine with a little more torque. Truck will be averaging a total weight of about 40 to 50K. I would rather stick with cummins but the L9 would be turned to its max versus a slightly lower spec A26. Reliability is my concern. What would you guys do?
     
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  3. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    At which speed will you mostly run?
    Interstate or city traffic?
    Flatlands or mountain?
     
  4. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

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    interstate 65 to 70 average running the east coast through the Appalachia and out towards the Mississippi. Truck will rarely see the Rockies. If I were to be out into the heavy hills, Im probably going to be watching what Im loading.

    shes mostly a regional truck but may go out farther if needed. Will be running either a eaton 10 or 13 speed manual with 3.20 gears im thinking.
     
  5. Star4900

    Star4900 Medium Load Member

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    I have no experience with the new A26, and I'm not trying to turn you away from it, but from what you just said about interstate running and no big hills, the smaller Cummins will probably be better for the emission system. Because it will always be working and running hotter combustion temps.

    Just my thoughts. I have no scientific proof, but all I know is my DD15 505/1650 torque couldn't make it through an 8 hour shift without calling for a parked regen. My DD13 505/1850 rarely ever calls for a parked regen.

    So is it the smaller motor? Is it product improvement? Was the DD15 defective? Who knows?
     
  6. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

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    Knoxville Tennessee
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    see that's what I'm not sure. A larger motor usually provides more torque which equals less stress to get your turd moving and keeping going. The L9 is a 10 litter engine and doesn't produce the same amount of torque as a 13.5L engine that the a26 is. So I kinda assumed that the A26 would run cooler than the maxed out L9 since its not working as hard. But honestly im not sure. And I wouldn't call the smokies cake walk hills. There's still some decently sized routes through here but obviously nothing like what you find out west. Idk that's one of the reasons why I'm trying to figure out if I should consider the A26. People seem to be reporting slightly better fuel averages with that engine over what Ive seen with the L9. But at the same time I don't see too many people running the L9 in long distance runs. They are almost all ran in local gigs.
     
  7. Star4900

    Star4900 Medium Load Member

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    There's only one thing important nowadays. A good dealer. Because they are all pretty much junk now, so you need a good dealer.
    If you have a good International dealer close by, I would try an A26.

    I myself prefer International products over all others. But the local Star dealer treats us better. So that's what we have.
     
  8. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

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    I would love to run a western star. There's a dealer near to me that I plan to stop into some day with a spec sheet to the international I have and say "match this" and see what they come up with. My international dear isn't exactly my first choice. Small and not that well know. The sales guy seems to know whats up. I wish I was still back in columbus ohio. They had a fantastic dealer out there with a huge show room. Here its just 15 or so new trucks that sit on the lot. I haven't actually asked the sales guy about the A26 yet since I've only recently started to consider it, but I just have a feeling he would spew biased opinions since its an international product. We'll see
     
  9. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    I have an A26 with 283k miles in it now. Only issue I’ve had was replacing a sensor on the after treatment canister. Wasn’t a big deal. Averaging 8.8 mpg pulling reefer, East of 35 and North of 40, 72k average weight.

    with your total weight not exceeding 50k very often, get the lower HP rating A26, a direct drive transmission, and a fast rear end ratio. With that low of a total weight, you could probably spec the truck as a single axle and add on a lift axle in the pusher position. With your gross weight on the low end, you could easily spec an 11mpg+ truck.
     
  10. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

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    That's actually exactly what I'm doing in terms of the way the truck will be built. Glad to see the engine is treating you well. I'm going to talk to the sales rep and see how biased he sounds. Might actually consider it. Would love to hear from others tho
     
  11. Star4900

    Star4900 Medium Load Member

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    Mach, I just tried out two new International HX models. They were X15 500 Cummins powered though.

    But I can say, as far as truck, that was the nicest, smoothest, quietest trucks I have ever drove. I thought my Stars were smooth and quiet......The HX is even better. And one of the HX's had rubber block suspension and it was still as smooth riding as my Star. And the fit and finish and build quality was perfect.

    But the Star's cab has more room and I like the dash in the Star. You can get every kind of gauge you can imagine.
    And if you go Star, I am very happy with my latest DD13. It is the 505/1850 and it easily outpulls the DD15 505/1650 and is getting better fuel mileage, less regens and engine braking power is the same and just as good as a Cummins.
     
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