[Weave]

The early 1999 ISC Cummins had a lot of fuel system problems, including defective pumps and injectors. I don't really care for the ISC's fuel system, it is computer controlled, but still uses a mechanical pump-line-injector setup that I think is outdated. From what I know Cummins got the problems with the system ironed out, but not until recently. Jeff Jones at Kenworth of Fort Wayne, who builds the legendary KW HDX expediters will not build them with the 3126 anymore. The issues with it were far more serious ones than issues that have come up with the ISC. To be honest, now having the luxury of a class 8 engine I wouldn't really bother with any of the little engines again.
-Weave-

[Weave]

I think Davekc is under the impression I don't like CAT engines, which is simply not true! The C10,12, and 15's are bulletproof, and owners love them. I haven't heard of too many complaints with the bigger CAT's, just the little ones. CAT is coming out with a new medium sizer, the C9. It is only available for the marine market now, but a truck version is on its way. http://www.batborsen.no/news/2003/08/06152835.html
I still don't think their HEUI system is great guns, but it is used on the big CAT engines too now. Reason there haven't been problems with is there is they hold a lot more oil than the 3126's and it stays cleaner longer.
-Weave-

[davekc]

Any idea on when they are going to make this available? I wonder how much different they will make it for the truck market. They did say they can make alot of computer changes, which may or may not be a good thing. It will be interesting to see what happens.

[simon says]

Problem (as Weave alluded to): Longevity vs. initial price! Cat 3126/C7 is meant to be used (viz. Cat itself ) as a short to medium haul motor. If you keep clean oil (I ran 12K on short sump Pete, using 10W40 SB Rotella) and have proper gearing and hsp/torque (275 min. with 860 torque), you can do well for a period. If you run west of Mississippi, I wouldn't have one again. New C7 doesn't hit peak torque now until 1600 rpm- which is ridiculous! just to meet emmissions, and has catalytic and muffler.
I have priced and searched for C9 extensively, and only Freightshakers,& Sterlings offer them in the L7500 - 9500 range. This is where you first run into higher cost. Pete,KW only offers in baby 8 mode, 800 and 385 trucks. At Sterling, in L8500, additional cost for C9 over base 6.4 MBE (04 will be 7.2L above 250 hsp + EGR), is $5000! Out of my range, = difference of almost $200 in mthly payments. 2004 MBE 926 280-300 hsp starting to look real good.
New ISC/ISL will have common rail fuel delivery (finally) and improvements. However, If you see a truck with a P + C= lemon sign on the back door, it's me. I have had so much downtime with my 2000 ISC
with over-cooling, engine shut-off at speed, rebuilt Horton after 190K and new water pump- I wouldn't have another if you gave it to me.
x(

[davekc]

sorry to hear about your isc cummins. Many of your problems have been experienced by others. You are right, that if the C9 is a $5,000 option, I would have serious thoughts myself. As far as the 3126, yes, if you are a west coast runner, a 3126 is not the motor you want to do serious mountain climbing with. You need the larger engines. The smaller mercedes engine I would think will have the same climbing issues that the cat does in that regard.

[simon says]

Just a brief comment once again: I may have to eat crow. Did talk to Jeff Jones @KW, and for the money, may just have to get a Pete or KW class 7/8 truck. With interest rates low, and used truck market more favorable now due to depletion of good units, now until next year may be best time to finance again. Unless one wants to spend the extra $5K or so for C9 (Sterling L-line)or ISL (in Pete 385/KW T800), ISC does look better than MBE 926 for re-sale and longevity. If Cummins can convince me (spec 315 hsp/950 torque) and if some sort of exhaust brake is avail., for my $$, this is the way to go still... P.S. KW or Pete 330 is still a lot of resaleable truck compared to an Acterra!

[Weave]

ISC 8.3 is still the largest engine available for the clsss 7 KW300/Pete 330. The bigger engines won't fit under the low hood of those models. Getting something with a C9 or bigger CAT, Cummins ISM, Detroit 60 or such will require getting into a class 8 truck.
This was my reason for wanting a class 8 truck- I didn't like the lack of nice engine and tranny choices available in the class 7's or the class 7's having little resale worth to them after 5 or 6 years.
A class 8 chassis is WELL WORTH $5000 over a class 7 if you can manage it in the beginning, as you'll get that extra $5000 back in the end and maybe even more.
Plus climbing hills is actually FUN in a straight truck with power :)
-Weave-