| Home / Industrial Engines / Cummins Engines / Cummins ISF2.8 |
Cummins ISF2.8 Specifications
| Engine Model: Cummins ISF2.8 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder common-rail direct injection liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 171 cu.in (2.8 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 107-161 Hp (80-120 kW) at 3200 rpm |
| Aspiration Type: Turbocharged and aftercooled |
____________________________________________________________________________________
| General Technical Data |
The Cummins ISF2.8 is a compact, electronically controlled, turbocharged and aftercooled four-cylinder diesel engine developed for light commercial vehicles, small trucks, buses, construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and industrial power units. As part of the Cummins ISF engine family, the ISF2.8 emphasizes low weight, high torque density, strong durability, excellent fuel efficiency, and compliance with modern emissions standards including Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5, and certain Euro 6 calibrations depending on configuration.
Known globally for its reliability, simple
maintenance, and robust performance in demanding duty cycles, the ISF2.8
has become a preferred powerplant for small- to medium-size vehicles and
machinery. Its advanced high-pressure common-rail fuel system,
electronically actuated turbocharging, refined combustion design, and
precise engine control module (ECM) strategies contribute to reduced
noise, smoother operation, and improved overall performance.
The ISF2.8 is a four-stroke, inline four-cylinder diesel engine with a
displacement of approximately 2.8 liters (171 cubic inches). Bore is
typically 94 mm (3.70 inches), and stroke is 100 mm (3.94 inches),
forming a long-stroke configuration optimized for strong low-speed
torque. Compression ratio varies slightly depending on emissions tier
but generally falls between 16.5:1 and 17.5:1. Power output ranges from
80 to 120 kW (107–161 horsepower) at approximately 3200 rpm depending on
calibration.
Peak torque typically ranges between 260 and
360 Nm (192–266 lb-ft), commonly achieved around 1600–2500 rpm. Idle
speed is typically set between 750 and 850 rpm. The firing order is
1–3–4–2. Turbocharging with electronic wastegate control enhances boost
response, while high-pressure common-rail injection improves
responsiveness, efficiency, and emissions performance.
The ISF2.8 cylinder block is cast from high-strength iron designed to
withstand increased firing pressures associated with modern
emissions-compliant diesel engines. Reinforced rib structures minimize
vibration and improve rigidity. The forged-steel crankshaft is supported
by five main bearings engineered for durability under continuous load.
Internally machined oil galleries supply
lubrication to main bearings, connecting rod journals, camshaft
bearings, and piston cooling jets. Cast-in coolant jackets around each
cylinder maintain uniform cylinder temperature, reducing thermal stress
and improving efficiency. The compact block design allows flexible
installation in tight vehicle compartments and industrial platform
frames.
The cast-iron cylinder head incorporates advanced direct-injection
combustion chamber geometry optimized for high-pressure fuel injection.
Four valves per cylinder–two intake and two exhaust–improve airflow,
torque output, and combustion efficiency. Valves are actuated by rocker
arms and pushrods driven by a camshaft located in the block.
Hardened valve seats and heat-resistant valve guides withstand severe thermal cycling. Hydraulic lash adjusters may be included depending on configuration, reducing service requirements. Integrated coolant passages maintain stable thermal conditions across the head, promoting long service life. The optimized swirl design enhances air-fuel mixing, reducing soot production and improving cold-start performance.
| Fuel System |
The ISF2.8 uses a high-pressure common-rail injection system. A low-pressure transfer pump draws fuel through filtration stages, including water separation, before feeding the high-pressure pump. The high-pressure pump delivers fuel at pressures commonly exceeding 1600–1800 bar (23,200–26,000 psi). Electronically actuated injectors provide precise metering through multiple injection events including pilot, main, and post injections.
The ECM monitors engine speed, load, rail pressure, crankshaft position, camshaft position, boost pressure, intake temperature, coolant temperature, exhaust temperature, and emissions components where applicable. Fuel filtration includes primary and secondary filters to protect system components from contamination. The system supports smooth operation, improved throttle response, and clean combustion under all duty cycles.
| Lubrication System |
The lubrication system is a full-pressure wet-sump design. A gear-driven oil pump draws oil through a metal mesh strainer in the sump and directs it through a full-flow filter before distribution to major internal components. Lubrication targets include main bearings, connecting rod bearings, camshaft journals, rocker assemblies, and turbocharger bearings. Piston cooling jets manage crown temperature during heavy-load operation.
Normal operating oil pressure typically ranges between 300 and 450 kPa (44–65 psi). Idle pressure usually falls between 100 and 150 kPa (15–22 psi). Oil capacity ranges from 7 to 9 liters (7.4–9.5 US quarts) depending on sump configuration. Low-ash oil may be required for engines fitted with DPF or SCR aftertreatment systems.
| Cooling System |
A closed-loop liquid cooling system maintains stable engine temperatures. A belt-driven centrifugal water pump circulates coolant through block and head passages. The thermostat begins opening around 82°C (180°F) and is fully open by approximately 95°C (203°F). System pressure typically ranges between 90 and 110 kPa (13–16 psi).
Coolant capacity generally ranges from 8 to 12 liters (8.5–12.7 US quarts). The engine uses either air-to-air or air-to-water charge-air cooling depending on installation. Proper coolant chemistry is essential to prevent corrosion, scaling, and cylinder liner cavitation. The ECM monitors coolant temperature and can initiate derating or protection modes under overheating conditions.
| Other Systems |
Turbocharging enhances engine performance, with wastegated or electronically controlled turbochargers used depending on model version. Charge-air cooling increases air density and improves combustion stability. The intake system includes heavy-duty filtration with optional dual-stage filters for dusty environments. The exhaust system may incorporate DOC, DPF, and SCR components depending on emissions tier.
Electrical systems may be 12- or 24-volt, with alternators commonly rated between 60 and 100 amperes. The ECM provides real-time monitoring, protection functions, and diagnostic fault codes. Additional systems may include PTO drives, air-conditioning compressor mounts, hydraulic pump brackets, and auxiliary power interfaces.
| Dimensions and Weight |
Physical dimensions include:
Length: 600–750 mm (23.6–29.5 inches)
Width: 600–700 mm (23.6–27.6 inches)
Height: 700–900 mm (27.6–35.4 inches)
Dry weight generally ranges between 230 and 280 kg (507–617 lbs)
depending on configuration, turbocharger type, aftercooling arrangement,
and accessory installation. The lightweight design contributes to
improved vehicle payload and installation flexibility.
| Maintenance Data |
Routine oil and filter changes typically occur every 500 hours or manufacturer-recommended intervals based on duty cycle. Fuel filters should be replaced every 400–500 hours, with water separators drained regularly. Air filter service intervals range from 200 to 400 hours depending on environmental dust levels.
Coolant replacement is recommended every two years or according to coolant chemistry. Valve lash inspection may be required on non-hydraulic configurations. Aftertreatment systems require periodic regeneration and cleaning depending on usage. ECM data logs support predictive maintenance planning and troubleshooting.
| Tightening Torques |
Cylinder head bolts: 150–180 Nm (111–133 lb-ft)
Main bearing caps: 120–150 Nm (89–111 lb-ft)
Connecting rod bolts: 60–70 Nm (44–52 lb-ft)
Flywheel bolts: 150–180 Nm (111–133 lb-ft)
Crankshaft pulley bolt: 180–220 Nm (133–162 lb-ft)
Injector hold-down: 20–25 Nm (15–18 lb-ft)
Intake heaters/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 ISF2.8 is widely used in light commercial trucks, delivery vans, minibuses, agricultural tractors, compact loaders, excavators, forklifts, industrial pumps, compressors, small generator sets, and specialized machinery. Its compactness, strong torque output, emissions compliance, and reliability make it ideal for both urban and off-road applications.
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |