Hello all,
First post here! I have a question that I was hoping someone could answer for me...

With regards to the Cummins engines, what electronic components are used to control them. I am familiar with gas engines, but not diesel, so I need an education.

I hope the question makes sense...

All help is greatly appreciated.


Regards,
Bigfeet

 

Depends on what year. First gens dont need anything much, guages, power for fuel shutoff which could be cable controled and battery to start. Oh yeah, grid heaters if you wanna get fancy. The later ones run computers so I couldent say for sure. Im sure someone else will add to your question

 

Say it was a 2004 model, like the ones here:

http://www.fordcummins.com/04engines.jpg



Bigfeet

 

The 24v engines rely on a couple of sensors. The crankshaft position sensor reads off of a tone ring on the crankshaft. This lets the ECM know if the engine is at TDC. The camshaft then takes it further by reading off of the cam gear and telling the ECM if it is at #1 TDC. This info is passed back thru the sensors to the ECM which, with these readings, change the fuel timing, fuel curve etc. Other sensors involved are the intake air temp sensor, APPS and MAP sensor. The ecm will send a 5 volt supply signal to the sensors, after the reading has been sensed, the remaining voltage goes out the signal wire to the ECM. Some will operate using OHMs.

 

Some of the Engine Evolution changes listed here might help.
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Facts/epa_changes.htm

A better explanation of some 24valve engine components.
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/mt_...sb_changes.htm

 

Help me out here...what are you looking to do?

 

Steve,
Thanks for asking for more detail. Here you go:

I am looking to take a Chevy Suburban ranging from 1984-1991 and drop a non electrical Cummins diesel engine in it. I would also like to hook up a decent transmission to it (the only name brand I know about is Allison) as well. So again, I would like for the engine and transmission to have no electronic components to it whatsoever (no computer, etc.). Similar to a points system on older cars and trucks prior to distributors.

Let me know if this does not make sense.


Regards,
Bigfeet

 

Then you're looking at an older 12V motor. All mechanical. The computer only ran cruise and the gauges was my understanding. The newer motors all need more smarts to run.

Allison autos I thought were all electronic controlled. But they do have their own controller. I thought their website had a good description of what it needed to operate correctly.

It might be worth considering a 12V motor and 47RE from a wrecked Dodge. Get the 47RE built up, and you'll probably be money ahead of an allison, PLUS you'll be mechanical. Shoot, the "E" in 47RE means electronic.

 

Steve,
That sounds like what I am looking for. As for the tranny, I know very little about them, so I would be open to suggestions. I am looking for a tranny that will be dependable and reliable. As for the wrecked Dodge, around what year should I be looking for?


Bigfeet

 

The engine's easy, get any 12 valve (pre '98 in Dodges) Cummins and all you need is power for the fuel shutoff solenoid so you can stop the engine. And you can get rid of that and rig up a shutoff cable if you want. If you don't want any electronics with the trans, I'd recommend a manual trans. The only non-electronic Allisons that could handle this are too big for a Suburban and pricey, too. You're really going to need an overdrive gear to have decent highway speed and fuel economy at the same time. If it has to be an auto without electronics, a Torqueflite 727 with a Gear Vendors overdrive will handle it if you keep the engine mild. The bolt on overdrives can handle the torque of a stock engine, but even a little extra is sometimes too much. If you want all your pieces to come out of one truck, look for an '89 to '91 non-intercooled Dodge with an automatic. You'll get an non-electronic engine and a 727 trans, then all you need is the overdrive unit.

 

See thats the way it should be. The Superduty body with the Cummins motor.

 

Outstanding!! Thank you very much...

This is exactly the information I was looking for.


Regards,
Bigfeet

 

I agree with you!

Bigfeet

 

See thats the way it should be. The Superduty body with the Cummins motor.

I thought I'd agree until I drove a 3G Dodge, F150, and F350 back to back. The F350 required constant steering correction over bumpy roads, which just drove me nuts. The HD dodge drove more like the F150.