Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Cummins has a history of producing strong, long-lasting diesel engines, including some of the most popular ones for on-highway applications. Two of their engines in particular, the N14 and the ISX, continue to remain popular diesel choices. So what make the two different from each other? Why did Cummins make the switch from the N14 to the ISX applications? In this article, we dive into the history and the differences between the engines.

Cummins N14 and ISX Development History

The N14

Prior to the release of the N14, the NTC was the workhorse of the Cummins line. For a while, it was really one of the best over-the-road engine applications. It had two versions: a small cam with a diameter of under 2 inches, and a larger cam to help support the increasing injector pressures. They also began putting electronics in the engine, resulting in two different NTC applications with electronic systems—the PT Pacer, which had a cruise control system, and the Pace unit, which included a cruise control system with a PTO setting (this means you could select the engine RPM and it would sustain it no matter the load, up to a certain point).

Cummins eventually got their electronics and parts people together in the same room with the goal of creating a 1,000,000 mile engine. The N14 was the result. It has the same cubic displacement as the NTC, but included more electronics, like the injectors.

After a while, though, the EPA began to release new emissions restrictions and standards that the N14 couldn't meet. Cummins needed to move to an Integrated Management System, which was full electronics. This became the base for the ISX, which would replace the N14 as the Cummins workhorse.

The ISX

In order to meet these increasing restrictions, they really needed to increase pressure to better atomize fuel, which would then result in better emissions. So they worked to improve the electronic fuel controls that would appear in the ISX, allowing the engine to meet the EPA guidelines.

A few years later, though, the EPA came out with even stricter emissions guidelines, and in order for the ISX to continue to meet standards, Cummins really had to control fuel injection, making it more precise. This led to the production of the common rail injectors. The ECM controls the timing of these injectors, leading to more precision, and the rail keeps the pressure constant. This increases efficiency and kept the ISX in line with EPA regulations.

Despite this development, though, the exhaust was still "dirty" and produced a fair amount of soot. They then came out with after treatment (DPF), which acted like a sponge that collects soot. If it cracked, it was easy to tell, as black would begin to leak out.

In 2013, in order to clean exhaust even further, though, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) was developed. After the exhaust goes through the DPF, the DEF molecularizes it, cleaning it even further. The DPF would heat the catalytic converter. The chemically produced heat of up to 1,200 degrees would burn the carbon to reduce the volume of soot. This helped result in clean stacks—if there's black soot on your stacks, your system is broken.

Differences Between the Engines

Electronics

While the N14 does include some electronic components, the ISX has more. It's name is even based on this (IS stands for Interact System). This move toward more electronic controls is what allowed the ISX to continue to meet the EPA regulations

Size

The two engines are physically different in size. Two versions of the ISX were involved in the phase out of the N14 and the M11 (the little brother of the N14, which was likewise unable to meet emissions standards), the ISX12 and the ISX15.

Components

Because of the shift to electronic controls, the N14 has more valve train components than the ISX. To learn more about valve train components, read our blog post on the topic. This reduction in the amount of components likewise reduced a lot of possible wear. The ISX is more of a direct injection type of device than the N14.

Despite their shared history in the Cummins lineup, the N14 and ISX are very different engines. Both have their pros and cons, though, leading to operators having strong feelings about one or the other.

Need help with parts for your Cummins engine? Our certified technicians can give you a hand! Call them at 844-304-7688, or request a quote online.

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#1  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-04-2009, 03:45 AM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

tcr1016

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Rookie

Thread Starter

Join Date: Jan 2008

Posts: 21

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
Detroit Series 60 vs. Cummins N14??


I am looking at trucks and mainly looking at the engine that is reliable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive parts. No Kitty Cats for me. I have an RV with a Cummins b-Series and simple to work on since it is a 94 mechanical. The engine/ truck will be from the mid to late 90s.

What engine would those of you prefer and had experience with?? I see the injectors alone on the N14 are an arm and a leg. On my B-series Cummins they are expensive too. But how are the Detroits? I do LOVE the sound of the Series 60. Ahh hell I just love diesel sounds, but not Chevy or Ford.

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#2  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-04-2009, 12:25 PM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

heavyhaulerss

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Senior Board Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: north alabama

Posts: 1,200

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


ser 60 det!!!!!

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#3  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-04-2009, 04:03 PM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Windwalker

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Board Icon

Join Date: Oct 2005

Location: Been there and gone...

Posts: 6,412

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


The Detroits I've driven spent a lot of time in the shop. They seemed to have an appetite for injectors, as that's what were (seemed like) constantly being replaced. For my own money, I won't buy a Detroit, because when I'm running my own truck, I need to be on the road, not in the shop.

The N-14+ (500 hp redhead) I owned had good power, and spent little time in the shop other than oil changes. Yes, I did have a couple of times that it cost me money, but replacing the original air compressor after 800K or replacing the clutch after 750K really doesn't mean there is a weakness in the engine. Yes, I did have to have a front main seal replaced once. By the time I got rid of it, it had over 900K on it. Come to think of it, I did have to replace one injector shortly after I got it. Many times, I've been sorry I don't have it anymore. Who knew how fuel prices were going to go down. Then again, with the EPA regs, maybe it's just as well I don't have it anymore.

Compared to the Detroit that the company just got rid of, Just this year, it had been in the shop (and I was off work) a total of 9 weeks. It had 534K on it when they got rid of it.

__________________

( R E T I R E D , and glad of it)
YES ! ! ! There is life after trucking.
a GOOD life

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#4  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-04-2009, 04:33 PM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

allan5oh

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Senior Board Member

Join Date: Aug 2005

Location: jackassville (winnipeg, mb)

Posts: 3,280

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


Was it an EGR detroit?

I'd avoid those like the plague. Anything EGR for that matter.

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#5  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-04-2009, 11:28 PM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

heavyhaulerss

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Senior Board Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: north alabama

Posts: 1,200

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


I am just going by my 94 ser 60 1.5 mil & not even an inframe yet. injectors after 1 mil. factory cltuch til 1.1 mil, still org turbo still going everyday. burns & leaks a lil oil, but still has power. 11.1 h.p.

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#6  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-06-2009, 02:41 AM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Copperhead

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Senior Board Member

Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: Kellogg, IA

Posts: 534

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


I have been around both engines for several years. The Detroits are pretty good engines overall. They will get better fuel mileage on average than an N-14, but the N-14 beats it out in torque and low RPM lugging power, and usually the engine brake is a lot stronger. Pittsburgh Power will tell you that the N-14 is a more solid engine, but that doesn't mean the Detroit is a slacker either. N-14's will tend to be a little pricier for parts than a Detroit. My choice would be for the N-14, but if the price were good, I would have no problem opting for a good Detroit.... specifically the 12.7 pre egr version. Very reliable engine and when matched with good tranny/rearend specs, really good mpg.


Last edited by Copperhead; 08-06-2009 at 02:44 AM.

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#7  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-06-2009, 02:59 AM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

LBF

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Member

Join Date: Jul 2009

Location: Ontario, Canada

Posts: 110

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


1997 S60 DDEC III 470 HP is the year the DD techs I know would own, if they were buying one for themselves.

__________________
Lightblue Freightshaker :thumbsup:

Ontario, Canada

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#8  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-06-2009, 05:06 AM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

heavyhaulerss

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Senior Board Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: north alabama

Posts: 1,200

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


Detroit! It's settled. No more opinions, other than detroit !!! This question is closed to other opinions!!

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#9  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-06-2009, 04:22 PM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Gearjammin' Penguin

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Rookie

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Central AZ

Posts: 33

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyhaulerss

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Detroit! It's settled. No more opinions, other than detroit !!! This question is closed to other opinions!!

You wish, fool. (flips the bird) (lol)

The N14 is the most awesome motor I've ever had. The last Detroit I drove ate its turbo after only 60K miles. The N14 could pull Mount Everest out of the ground without complaint. Even set far below its power threshold, I outran owner/ops uphill at 79,580(at least until 68mph).

N14. There is no substitute.

__________________
No load is worth your life.
Or anyone else's.

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

 

#10  

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
08-06-2009, 10:19 PM

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

heavyhaulerss

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Senior Board Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: north alabama

Posts: 1,200

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 1 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)

Tagged: 0 Thread(s)

Is the cummins n14 a good engine


Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearjammin' Penguin

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

You wish, fool. (flips the bird) (lol)

The N14 is the most awesome motor I've ever had. The last Detroit I drove ate its turbo after only 60K miles. The N14 could pull Mount Everest out of the ground without complaint. Even set far below its power threshold, I outran owner/ops uphill at 79,580(at least until 68mph).

N14. There is no substitute.

I take it, you like the n-14 ?

Is the cummins n14 a good engine

Is the cummins n14 a good engine
Is the cummins n14 a good engine

All times are GMT. The time now is 01:45 AM.

How much horsepower does an N14 Cummins have?

Overview:.

What Cummins Engine is the best?

Cummins 5.0L V8 TURBO The Cummins 5.0L V8 TurboDiesel is the best Cummins engine for smaller trucks and drivers who don't need as much pulling power. It utilizes a compacted graphite iron block for a durable construction that is still light enough for smaller applications.

What trucks have Cummins N14?

The Cummins N14 Celect Plus factory reman engine is backed by a 3 year 300k mile nationwide warranty..
Peterbilt 389..
Peterbilt 386..
Kenworth T800..
Kenworth W900..
Freightliner Columbia..
Freightliner Coronado..
Western Star 4900 (special order).

What replaced the N14 Cummins?

The Cummins X-series engine is an Inline (Straight)-6 diesel engine produced by Cummins for heavy duty trucks and motorcoaches, replacing the N14 in 2001 when emissions regulations passed by the EPA made the engine obsolete.