Cummins ISB 5.9L 24V

Cummins ISB 5.9L 24VThe Cummins ISB 5.9L is a 5.9 l (5,883 cc, 359 cu-in) six cylinders, four-stroke cycle water-cooled turbocharged internal combustion diesel engine, manufactured by American manufacturer Cummins from 1998 to 2007.

The ISB 5.9L engine has a cast-iron block with 102.0 mm (4.02 in) cylinder bores and a 120.0 mm (4.72 in) piston stroke. The compression ratio rating is 17.2:1. The motor has a cast iron cylinder head with a single camshaft (OHV) with four valves per cylinder (24 in total); electronically controlled Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump (1998-2002) or Bosch high-pressure common rail injection system (2003-2007).

The Cummins ISB 5.9L 24V produced from 218 PS (160 kW; 215 HP) at 2,700 rpm to 329 PS (242 kW; 325 HP) at 2,900 rpm of maximum horsepower and from 420 N·m (42.8 kg·m, 309.5 ft·lb) at 1,600 rpm to 610 N·m (62.2 kg·m, 449.6 ft·lb) at 1,600 rpm of maximum torque.

General information

Engine Specifications
Engine codeISB 5.9L 24V
LayoutStraight-6, vertical
Fuel typeDiesel
Production1998-2007
Displacement5.9L, 5,883 cc (359 cu in)
Injection system Electronically controlled injection pump Bosch VP44 (1998-2002)
Bosch high-pressure common rail injection system (2003-2007)
Power adder Holset HX35W (1998-1999)
Holset HY35W (2000-2004)
Holset HE351CW (2004-2007)
Horsepower net From 218 PS (160 kW; 215 HP) at 2,700 rpm
to 329 PS (242 kW; 325 HP) at 2,900 rpm
Torque output From 420 N·m (42.8 kg·m, 309.5 ft·lb) at 1,600 rpm
to 610 N·m (62.2 kg·m, 449.6 ft·lb) at 1,600 rpm
Firing order1-5-3-6-2-4
Dimensions (L x H x W):
Weight520 kg (1,150 lbs)

Cylinder block

The cylinder block is made of cast iron. The crankshaft is supported by 7 bearings. Pistons are made of highly temperature-resistant aluminum alloy.

The cylinder bore is 102.0 mm (4.02 in), piston stroke is 120.0 mm (4.72 in) and the compression ratio rating is 17.2:1.

Cylinder block
Cylinder block alloyCast iron
Compression ratio:17.2:1
Cylinder bore:102.0 mm (4.02 in)
Piston stroke:120.0 mm (4.72 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):2/1
Number of main bearings:7
Cylinder bore inner diameter:102.000-102.116 mm (4.0157-4.0203 in)
Piston skirt diameter101.750-101.793 mm (4.0059-4.0076 in)
Piston ring end gap:First0.260-0.360 mm (0.0102-0.0142 in)
Second0.850-1.150 mm (0.0335-0.0453 in)
Oil0.250-0.550 mm (0.0098-0.0217 in)
Piston pin outer diameter339.990-40.003 mm (1.5744-1.5749 in)
Crankshaft main journal diameter:82.962-83.013 mm (3.2662-3.2682 in)

Main bearing cap tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • Step 1: 50 Nm; 5.0 kg·m; 37 ft·lb
  • Step 2: 80 Nm; 8.0 kg·m; 59 ft·lb
  • Step 3: Turn all bolts 90°

After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.

Connecting rod bearing bolts

  • Step 1: 30 Nm; 3.0 kg·m; 22 ft·lb
  • Step 2: 60 Nm; 6.0 kg·m; 44 ft·lb
  • Step 3: Turn all bolts 60°

Flywheel fixing bolts

  • 137 Nm; 14.0 kg·m; 101 ft·lb

Cylinder head

Cylinder head
Cylinder head alloyCast-iron
Valve Arrangement:OHV, gear driven
Valves:24 (4 valves per cylinder)
Intake valve stem diameter:6.960-7.010 mm (0.274-0.276 in)
Exhaust valves stem diameter:6.960-7.010 mm (0.274-0.276 in)
Camshaft journal diameter (min): №1 and 7: 54.028-54.048 mm (2.1271-2.1279 in)
№2-6: 53.962-54.013 mm (2.1245-2.1265 in)
Camshaft lobe diamete (intake):47.175-47.855 mm (1.8573-1.8841 in)
Camshaft lobe diamete (exhaust):45.632-46.312 mm (1.7965-1.8233 in)

Head tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • Step 1: 70 Nm; 7.0 kg·m; 52 ft·lb
  • Step 2: Back off 360°
  • Step 3: 105 Nm; 10.5 kg·m; 77 ft·lb
  • Step 4 Verify: 105 Nm; 10.5 kg·m; 77 ft·lb
  • Step 5: Turn all bolts 1/4 turn

Maintenance data

Valve clearance (Cold)
Intake valve0.25 mm (0.010 in)
Exhaust valve0.50 mm (0.020 in)
Oil system
Recommended engine oil10W-30 (CE or CE/SG)
Engine oil capacity With oil filter change: 11.4 L (12.05 US. qt, 10.03 Imp. qt.)

Vehicle applications

ModelYears Produced
Dodge Ram pickup1998-2007
Buses, medium duty trucks, marines
Author: Sergei Wers
About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.

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2 Comments

  1. My dad is planning to buy a salvaged light truck that he wants to fix and use for his farm. I think he should pick a performance engine like the popular Cummins brand would be great as it was mentioned here that it has a strong horsepower of 2,900 rpm and 1,600 rpm of maximum torque. This kind of specs would be especially useful when he’s hauling long distances.

  2. Can somebody please tell me what the main bearings in a 5.9L cummins motor torque at ? What do the rod bearings torque at also?

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