Engine Life After an Inframe, 2016 Cummins?

Have a friend with a older 389 2013 model?? It has a ISX that had the big “D” operation, now has a reoccurring problem of computer issues, needless to say it’s in the sideline…..

 

This 388 I just did is a 2012 model it had the same operation .. but I think it went into surgery after the damage was done .. the guy said it was using 2.5 gallon of water in 40 miles .. I pulled the head and everything was pretty much junk so it was his choice to repower it
I respect you & your Knowledge on Cummins.. is there anything you would try to salvage a sick ISX .. I'am not Intentionally try'n to put you on the spot ..

 

I honestly don’t know much about the ISX itself. Dad was a track & wheel specialist in the U.S Army in the 60’s, and finally closed his toolbox in 2005.

One thing I always remember him telling me is, Cummins should have never dropped the N14.

He explained to me that Caterpillar built a workhorse with the overhead design they put on the market, and Cummins just wanted to follow suite with their own overhead engine design which was a boat anchor in a sense.

I have a friend in NC who works on the ISX as well as many other engines. He tells me the ISX is not as bad as it once was, but I see a lot more ISX heartbreak stories than I do anyone praising them.

But you know me, I personally run a old Big Cam Cummins with a twist in it’s tail every week. And I have a 7FB setting here to be gone through for my 1983 Cabover, but that Cat may find it’s way in to my 95 W900L Glider…..

 

You know me .. and my like'n ..lol I have come across a couple 59's that I realy like I tell myself .. Gus just walk away cause its got a Cummins.. then I try to convice myself yea but I know a guy out east that could build that cummins .. I just can't bring myself to do it though

 

You can build a good strong Big Cam out of them, thing is you have to know when to drive it with your big toe, and when you can drive it with your foot lol. You and I can do that…. many drivers who never dealt with oldskool trucks would burn it down, not because they are a bad driver, but because they are use to modern trucks making all the needed adjustments on a hard pull.

The weak spot in a big Cam for one is the aluminum pistons, start lugging them with a twist in their tail and the wrist pin bores will crack on top. Eventually that crack works it’s way up to the top.

My engine is a 315, it says so right on the tag….​

 

Shoulda just painted it the right shade instead of swapping it out with different make. Lol!

 

You are spot on in what you just posted ..
315 ya say .. thats pretty good for a shinny 290 .. you muat of switched springs ..lol

 

Lol, I think the only thing still original is the block. It’s a hot CPL 625 now….