Big cam Cummins

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by GCK, Dec 3, 2018.

  1. GCK

    GCK Bobtail Member

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    I'm looking at buying a older Peterbuilt 379 with a rebuilt big can Cummins and 13 speed. Any experience with these or opinions welcome. Thanks in advance
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Paging @OLDSKOOLERnWV :director:

    You’re special brand of wisdom is needed. :)
     
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  4. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    Cream of the crop in 1987. In 88 the BC4 cam out with step timing and low flow cooling. Some had step timing. Probably still more dependable than a lot of this newer emission stuff. 6 1/2 mpg was about average.
    Normal questions. Paper work? Rust? Condition?
     
  5. GCK

    GCK Bobtail Member

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    88 model. Yes on paperwork and all other work. Super clean well maintained Florida truck
     
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  6. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    florida also had a lot of flooding. run big dig rig report
     
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  7. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    Still running a 1986 Big Cam every week. Basic maintenance and keeping the filters changed goes a long ways. Was originally a BC4 but I changed mine over to High flow.

    Don't lug it down to far, and don't keep it against the governor all day every day.
     
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  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I don't know too much about the rebuild. But that 13 speed should be a redeeming factor. Makes you ladder up and down without having to wait on the clock for that poor cummins to wind out.

    Cummins like one RPM, particularly close to high horse. If your torque is say 1300, and your high horse is around 1700 with redline at 2100 you will spend alot of time at or near 1600. If you hear music maintaining cruise speed, you are definately in a very good position with that engine powerwise.

    Do not waste your time standing on it all day. All that RPM will just go away like a COPD patient reaching for his inhaler at the slightest upgrade.
     
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  9. tnpete

    tnpete Medium Load Member

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    Ran a few of those. And always enjoyed the 855's. Ran a 87 in a tri axle dump truck. Grossing 74,000 lbs, still got 5.8 for the whole year. Then pulled the third axle and bed off. Pulled logs with it, and MPG dropped to 5.2 over the next 2 years. But averaged loaded weight was 89000 lbs.
     
  10. Dogman22

    Dogman22 Bobtail Member

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    i have 83 military general 915 , big cam 3 aswell with allison 4 speed.i forgot rears,what do i need to swap out to get 6.5mpg,i think i will get 5mpg at most.i dont know.
     
  11. Dogman22

    Dogman22 Bobtail Member

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    now its close to what ive heard.
     
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