Big Cam Cummins reliability

Then you can easily turn the thumbscrew in, and run it on manual without electricity.

 

Yes I agree, in that sense they are easier.

Modern engines have a port to plug into and diagnose what it needs to run properly, these old mechanical engines are like a young baby though, when they cry you need to use your head. There is no port to do the diagnostics for you....

 

There's a mechanical override for that solenoid? I didn't know that.

 

^^^^^ This, actually is a big problem today. Still a lot of good heads out there, slowly slipping away though.....

 

Look on the front side of the solenoid, there is a thumbscrew that you can screw in to start the engine ( no wire needed ). It will run until you screw it back out. It’s a mechanical override.....

 

I'm not trying to single out mechanics. It's a problem in all industries. The art of thinking is no longer being taught. Now it's all memorization and regurgitation. The is a reason my kids go to good private schools, I want them to learn how to think.

 

I have been thinking back on some of the problems I've had with my engine and the advice that my friend gave me. Since he has been working on these engines since the 80s he was able to pinpoint the problems instantly.

I think that I have to revise what my point is. If you need maintenance or a part replaced, a mechanic should be able to do that.

If you are having a problem that requires real diagnosis, you would be better off with someone that really understands those engines.

 

Exactly. And since big cams haven't been produced in almost 30 years, there just aren't a lot of guys still working that have enough hands on experience with them to really know them.

Perfect example, I have to get a dot inspection every six months. When I went in for one last summer, the kid doing the inspection failed me for "illegal modifications of exhaust components". He claimed I removed the egr system. It's a 2000 n14. I say kid but he was probably in his mid 30s. If he has never seen an n14, what's the possibility he can quickly narrow down a rough idling issue or run the overhead correctly?

 

Yup, and it's even knurled so your fingers won't slip! Cummins thoughtful engineering!
Not on the N-14, though,it's computer controlled.

 

I am fortunate enough to be be able to do all my own work from A to Z. Still don’t know it all, non of us do.....