Cummins M11

[Tony]

Hey everyone how's life beating you? I need some input on this engine(M11). I have looked in current and the archives(most likely I missed it) Looking at this engine in International 9800 cabover(flat floor condo),yeah I know, not exactly a great ride but cheaper than the Century class I would like and two big plusses, a longer box and more weight hauling capabilities. I would really prefer a Detroit 60 but I do not know if these engines have the same reputation for long life and reliability(if maintained properly) as the D60. Oh, by the way Lawrence, I ate the box of the maple glazed doughnuts could not hold them(GOOD STUFF!!!) :9 Thanks in advance and look forward to reading the replies. Keep the clean side up and the dirty side down.

 

[guest]

I've never owned one of these engines myself, but they do have a pretty good reputation in these parts. Many of the dump trucks have them around here. They claim to have as much power as the mechanical 400 Cummins but with better fuel mileage and longer life. A dealer has sold dozens of trucks with these little motors in them. I don't see a whole lot of them showing back up on the lots or in the boneyards.

I did talk to my mechanic about them. He told me one thing to look for was the front engine cover. If there is signs of oil leaking around the front of the engine, that can be a costly little leak to fix. I think it's pretty common on the M11's and he said probably around $1,000 - $1,200 labor. **note**, I said oil leak...i'm not absolutely sure whether it was oil or water..sorry, it's been a couple of years..lol. Weave might be able to clarify that.

The dealer here claimed they were million mile engines. My mechanic doesn't believe in million mile engines (although I do..I've owned them), but he did say that they were as close to it as any other engine.

I wouldn't have any problem using one of these engines for this application, they might be a little small for t/t, although many of the dump trucks here that are running them are pulling rock trailers @ 80,000#.

Hope this helps,

 

[Tony]

Thanks for the quick reply! If they leak a little and it won't get bad(if it is only oil)I can deal with it. My 7.3 leaks out of every possible place and my 6.5 has marked its spot in a lot of parking lots. As far as a million mile engine, I would call the Detroit 60 a two million mile engine IF maintained properly. Thanks again!!

 

[Tony]

I should have provided more end use info. This tractor will be stretched for a 28' box(102x110),tandem,liftgate possibly. The ones I am looking at are running 300k-500k miles. Figuring end cost 25-30,000 versus 40-45,000 for a Century. Thanks.

 

[Weave]

There used to be a guy, Mikecop, who posted on this forum who stretched an Old JB Hunt COE with a 28' box, and it worked out pretty good for him. The M11 doesn't have the "get up and go" of a S60, but as Arky mentioned has a great reliability reputation. The oil leak he mentioned is common on their front engine-timing gear covers. (M11 and all Cummins.) The bolts securing it like to work their way loose, but sometimes the leak can be stopped by just retorqueing the bolts, as was the case with my old Cummins. If not, the job gets expensive as to remove the cover and replace the gasket, the cylinder head needs to be removed also. Just be sure when checking the truck out that it isn't dumping out a ton of oil from that area. A little is OK, but when that perticular leak opens up, oil comes out like the Exxon Valdez. Both my dad and I had to address this problem with the Cummins engines we owned (B5.9 and C8.3.) when they got a little older and all the Cummins have nearly the same design.
Other than that little item to look for aside from the usual stuff, a Cummins M11 should serve you well, and is cheap to own and maintain, and also rebuild when the time comes.
-Weave-
I'm not sure if I believe in million mile engines or not, as I haven't had to keep my trucks that long yet. But by trading them in before they reach that point, I figure I'm just giving someone else something they will hope to believe in
-Weave-

 

[Numero_uno]

I have a freind that has a 1996 FLD 112 with a Cummins M11 and it has over a million miles on it and it runs perfect. He attributes that to religeously changing the oil evry 10-12,000 miles and he never idles the engine. He has a generator and always uses that when he parks.

 

[mikecop]

I have a 1998 used JB Hunt unit with the M11 (370/410 HP). The unit had about 550,000 miles on it when retired by Hunt; it was set at 100,000 when I bought it, and now has 301,000. Therefore, total miles are about 750,000 miles, and I have had no problems with the engine. I have the unit registered for 48,000 lbs, which gives me a payload capacity of about 22,000# in a 28' box.

Even when I'm loaded to capacity, I have no problem with the hills in PA, upstate NY, northern MD, WV, etc. I almost never need to downshift to get up steep hills.

For the money I have in this unit I can recommend one of these used JB Hunt cabovers to anyone who wants good performance at a reasonable cost. I went with the cabover to be able to get a bigger box and it has paid off for me. Mike

 

[Weave]

Thanks for the advice on the M11 Mike, just the guy I was looking for. Wasn't sure if you posted to EO anymore, haven't seen you here for a long time.
-Weave-

 

[Tony]

Thanks Weave,was really waiting to see what your thoughts were. The info will be of GREAT help.

 

[Tony]

A generator is an item I would like to add down the road. Thanks for the reminder(push the dealer to add it for free:+ , yeah right).

 

[Tony]

This is just what I was hoping to hear, someone who did this and succeeded. Your input is greatly appreciated. If you live in the Medina, Oh. area, you are who gave me this idea(thanks for the time you took out of doing P.M. to talk to a greeenhorn)if not, your time taken to help me by posting a response is appreciated just as much!!!

 

[Tony]

I don't want to keep a truck long enough to rack up a million miles, but I want to plan for the worst and work towards the best. Hope to see you on the road someday, buy you lunch and LISTEN to your thoughts on our chosen lifestyle.

 

[Tony]

Thanks everyone!!! You all have given great advice that I will listen to. Look forward to seeing any more(boy,I sure sound like suckup) don't mean to, but I want to learn more and this is a GREAT place to learn to succeed.

 

[streetsweeper]

Tony;
I have an M-11 in my '96 FLD112, 10spd and 4.11 rear single axle. While it's easy on the fuel and the pocket book, it'll handle the mountains of the Western US just fine!

And if does need rebuilding, it's affordable. Researched it a lot before getting it. Good Luck, treat it well, their a work horse.

 

[Tony]

Thank's for the input. Sounds like I did not go wrong on the engine.

Stand up for what you believe in, don't do something just because everyone else is!