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Cummins ISC-240 Specifications
| Engine Model: Cummins ISC-240 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle 6-cylinder CAPS or common-rail fuel injection liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 505 cu.in (8.3 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 240 Hp (179 kW) at 2200 rpm |
| Aspiration Type: Turbocharged and aftercooled |
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| General Technical Data |
The Cummins ISC-240 is a reliable, electronically controlled, turbocharged and aftercooled inline six-cylinder diesel engine designed for medium-duty trucks, buses, vocational vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial power systems. As part of the Cummins ISC/ISL engine family, the ISC-240 emphasizes fuel efficiency, durability, strong torque delivery, and emissions compliance for its production era.
The ISC-240’s 240-horsepower class rating makes
it suitable for mixed-duty cycles, urban transit applications, and
vocational operations requiring dependable torque output and stable
performance. With its high-pressure fuel system, robust cast-iron
construction, and advanced electronic management, the ISC-240 provides
strong load response, long service life, and excellent serviceability.
The ISC-240 is a four-stroke, inline six-cylinder diesel engine with a
displacement of approximately 8.3 liters (505 cubic inches). Bore
typically measures 114 mm (4.49 inches), while stroke measures about 135
mm (5.31 inches), forming a long-stroke configuration optimized for
torque-rich performance. Compression ratio usually ranges from 16.5:1 to
17.5:1 depending on emissions calibration. The engine develops
approximately 179 kW (240 horsepower) at roughly 2200 rpm.
Peak torque typically ranges between 800 and
1000 Nm (590–738 lb-ft), commonly achieved at 1300–1500 rpm. Idle speed
is normally maintained around 750 ± 50 rpm. The firing order is
1–5–3–6–2–4. Turbocharging and charge-air cooling enhance air density
and improve combustion efficiency, supporting stable operation under
heavy-duty cycles. Electronic control systems coordinate timing, fuel
pressure, and turbo response for optimized engine performance.
The cylinder block is cast from high-strength iron designed to support
high combustion pressures typical of turbocharged diesel operation.
Reinforced rib structures minimize vibration and improve structural
fatigue resistance. The forged-steel crankshaft is supported by seven
large main bearings engineered for smooth rotation and extended service
life during continuous heavy-duty use. Machined oil galleries distribute
pressurized lubrication to critical engine components.
Cast-in coolant jackets regulate temperature
distribution across all cylinders. Piston cooling jets are incorporated
into the block to manage crown temperatures under sustained load.
Threaded mounting bosses support installation of alternators,
power-steering pumps, PTO drives, hydraulic pump adaptors, and other
accessories required in vocational and industrial applications.
The cast-iron cylinder head includes direct-injection combustion
chambers optimized for efficient fuel-air mixing and reduced emissions.
Each cylinder features four valves–two intake and two exhaust–providing
improved breathing characteristics and combustion stability. Valves are
actuated using rocker arms and pushrods driven by the block-mounted
camshaft. Hardened valve seats and heat-resistant valve guides withstand
thermal cycling conditions.
Depending on engine variant, hydraulic lash adjusters may be included, minimizing routine maintenance requirements. Coolant passages are integrated to maintain stable operating temperatures and prevent hot spots. The head gasket is engineered to withstand the high cylinder pressures characteristic of modern turbocharged engines.
| Fuel System |
The ISC-240 employs an electronically controlled fuel injection system. Depending on production year, the engine may use the Cummins High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) or CAPS (Cummins Accumulator Pump System). Fuel is drawn from the tank by a lift pump and passed through primary and secondary filtration stages. The high-pressure fuel pump supplies fuel to the rail or accumulator, with pressures typically exceeding 1400–1600 bar (20,300–23,200 psi).
Electronically actuated injectors perform multiple injection events–pilot, main, and post injections–to improve torque, reduce combustion noise, and lower emissions. The electronic control module (ECM) monitors crankshaft and camshaft position, rail pressure, boost pressure, intake temperature, coolant temperature, EGR flow (if equipped), and exhaust temperatures to optimize injection timing and fuel delivery. Proper filtration is essential to protect high-precision components from contamination.
| Lubrication System |
A full-pressure lubrication system supplies oil to all critical engine components. A gear-driven oil pump draws oil from the sump through a metal strainer and delivers it through a full-flow oil filter before distributing it to the lubrication gallery. Pressurized oil reaches crankshaft bearings, connecting rod journals, camshaft bearings, rocker arms, and turbocharger bearings. Piston cooling jets reduce thermal loading on the piston crowns.
Normal operating oil pressure typically ranges from 300 to 500 kPa (44–72 psi). Idle pressure normally falls between 100 and 150 kPa (15–22 psi). Oil capacity generally ranges from 20 to 25 liters (21.1–26.4 US quarts), depending on sump configuration. Engines with emissions aftertreatment require low-ash oil to protect downstream components.
| Cooling System |
The ISC-240 uses a closed-loop liquid cooling system featuring a belt-driven centrifugal water pump. Coolant circulates through cast-in block and head passages to absorb heat. The thermostat begins opening around 82°C (180°F) and becomes fully open near 95°C (203°F). Cooling system pressure typically ranges from 90 to 110 kPa (13–16 psi).
Coolant capacity commonly ranges from 25 to 35 liters (26.4–37.0 US quarts) depending on radiator size. Air-to-air charge-air cooling lowers intake temperature, improving torque and combustion efficiency. Proper coolant chemistry, functional thermostats, and clean radiator and aftercooler cores are essential to maintain stable operating temperatures and prevent cavitation and corrosion.
| Other Systems |
Turbocharging improves intake density, fueling efficiency, and torque output. Depending on calibration and emissions tier, the ISC-240 may use wastegated or variable-geometry turbochargers. Charge-air cooling enhances thermal stability. The intake air system includes a dry-element air filter with optional dual-stage filtration for dusty conditions. The exhaust manifold is constructed of heat-resistant cast iron capable of withstanding high exhaust gas temperatures.
Electrical systems may operate on 12- or 24-volt configurations with alternators rated between 60 and 120 amperes. The ECM provides diagnostics, protective derating, overspeed shutdown, and emissions control strategies. PTO drives, hydraulic pump mounting flanges, and accessory brackets enhance application versatility in vocational and industrial installations.
| Dimensions and Weight |
Length: 1150–1350 mm (45.3–53.1 inches)
Width: 750–900 mm (29.5–35.4 inches)
Height: 1050–1350 mm (41.3–53.1 inches)
Dry weight typically ranges from 650 to 800 kg (1433–1764 lbs) depending
on turbocharger layout, cooling arrangement, and accessory installation.
The engine’s compact modular structure supports installation into
diverse equipment and vehicle platforms.
| Maintenance Data |
Oil and filter changes are recommended every 500 hours or 15,000–25,000 km (9,300–15,500 miles). Fuel filters must be serviced every 500 hours, and water separators should be drained frequently. Air filter replacement intervals range from 250 to 500 hours depending on dust exposure. Coolant replacement generally occurs every two years.
Valve lash inspection or adjustment may be required on engines without hydraulic lash adjusters. Emissions-related components such as EGR valves, DOCs, or DPFs (if equipped) require periodic inspection and servicing. ECM diagnostic logs support predictive maintenance scheduling and troubleshooting.
| Tightening Torques |
Cylinder head bolts: 180–210 Nm (133–155 lb-ft)
Main bearing caps: 150–180 Nm (111–133 lb-ft)
Connecting rod bolts: 70–90 Nm (52–66 lb-ft)
Flywheel bolts: 220–260 Nm (162–192 lb-ft)
Crankshaft pulley bolt: 240–280 Nm (177–207 lb-ft)
Injector hold-down: 20–25 Nm (15–18 lb-ft)
Intake heaters or glow plugs (if equipped): 10–15 Nm (7–11 lb-ft)
Oil drain plug: 30–40 Nm (22–30 lb-ft).
| Vehicle Applications |
The Cummins ISC-240 is widely installed in medium-duty trucks, public transit buses, vocational service vehicles, municipal fleets, agricultural tractors, wheel loaders, excavators, cranes, generator sets, industrial pumps, and auxiliary power systems. Its excellent balance of fuel efficiency, torque output, reliability, and serviceability makes it a trusted powerplant for mixed-duty work environments.
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