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The 210 HP Cummins is most likely the 5.9L 6BT/ISB engine.
The most common application in which it is seen is the Dodge 3/4 ton and bigger trucks.
It is also seen in many school buses made by Blue Bird and Thomas.
Depending upon what you are referring to as far as reliable, it is a pretty good light/medium duty engine.
It has had some problems with front case cracking and injection pump mount cracking. Most of those problems were dealt with under warranty and eliminated with newer designs.
Like most Cummins engines, it doesn't like to start when the ambient temp goes below 40 degrees F. It is particularly tempermental if the humidity is over 85% with the ambient temperature below 40 degrees F. Plugging the engine heater in for an hour before starting eliminates almost any cold starting issues.
The engine is very fuel efficient. In school bus route use it isn't unusual to see 10-12 MPG.
It will pull hills better than just about any gas V-8 and it will pass every V-10 when the V-10's stop twice as often for fuel.
In an RV of less than 35' and under 30K GCVW it should be a very good engine choice.
Banks and other aftermarket companines have power kits that can pump the 210 HP to well in excess of 300 HP. If you pump the power over 250-275 HP reliability issues related to heat become a problem.
Good fuel, clean air, regular oil changes, and not allowing it to ever overheat should see the little Cummins going well in excess of 300K miles with no problems.
Mark O.
Castle Rock, WA |
RV and bus conversion info since 1996.
email Mark O.
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