How to get a Cummins to pull properly

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Cummins 15, Oct 17, 2016.

  1. Cummins 15

    Cummins 15 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 17, 2016
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    I have a isx 525 cummins with a 18 spd. Can anyone tell me how to get to pull stronger?? It's the first one I've ever driven but i can not find the sweet spot to get it to pull. Have a buddy with same set up but will walk away from me pulling a grade. Thank you in advance for the help
     
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  3. Yves kanevil

    Yves kanevil Medium Load Member

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  4. Cummins 15

    Cummins 15 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 17, 2016
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    Haha if i can't figure it out i might have to lol
     
  5. Blackshack46

    Blackshack46 Road Train Member

    Take it out of truck, chain it to tree.


    Done.
     
  6. Blackshack46

    Blackshack46 Road Train Member

    It's not just the engine.

    What rears do you have?
    What torque are you getting out the back end?
    What kind of trans is it?
    Anything else, I know im missing something critical. Just having a brain fart.


    Two trucks spec'd exactly the same, one will always pull better.
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2016
    rabbiporkchop and Cummins 15 Thank this.
  7. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Check CAC for leaks?
     
  8. Cummins 15

    Cummins 15 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 17, 2016
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    hqve 3.36 rears 1850 tq eaton fuller buddy has the same thing
     
  9. Sportster2000

    Sportster2000 Road Train Member

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    You should see full torque from this engine starting at 1200 rpm. It will stay there till 1500 to 1600 rpm. This is around the same rpm range where you hp and torque meet each other. Normally I would say keep it lower rpm's but see what happens when you run it at 1500 rpm on the hills. Also what year is it? If it is newer than 2010 check to see if load based speed control is turned on. If it is see if you can get it turned off and then see what you have.
     
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  10. W900AOwner

    W900AOwner Heavy Load Member

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    I have to beg to differ on the opinion of 1200-1500 RPM. I'm sure he's referring to a newer style ISX than I have, which is a 2000 model ISX 600. Mine INDEFINITELY will fall on it's face if you let it drop to 1500 RPM. Just like you shut the key off. 1550-1700...it's similar to a locomotive. Just a fact of life for this generation ISX, they like their higher sweet spots than the newer versions. Lugging them takes those mid mounted counter bore liners for a bad ride prematurely as well.

    I have driven 2011's but they were castrated. I couldn't make those do anything normal, all they did was act numb no matter what. Glad I don't have to put up with that all day, every day.
     
  11. poppapump1332

    poppapump1332 Road Train Member

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    I found the best pulling power on a isx was around 1550-1600.I ran two of them one was a 550hp 2050 other was 525 1850 both had 18 speeds and I believe 3.55's.
     
    rabbiporkchop and Cummins 15 Thank this.
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