Last Updated on: 7th September 2023, 12:44 am
The Cummins R2.8 (also known as the ISF2.8) engine is a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with the lowest and lightest displacement in the ISF engine family.
The Cummins ISF2.8 is a modern engine that combines power and efficiency in a single package.
It’s the most suitable power unit for light commercial vehicles such as pickup trucks, vans, and utility vehicles.
In this article, we’ll explore the design, specs and reliability of the Cummins R2.8 ISF engine.
Design of the Cummins R2.8 ISF Engine
The Cummins R2.8 engine’s cylinder block is built of cast iron and has interchangeable liners. As a consequence, exceptional strength was achieved while utilising less metal.
Long-term dependability and repairability are provided by traditional low-cost materials.
The ISF2.8’s cylinder head is built of cast iron as well. Each cylinder features four valves, a single chain-driven overhead camshaft, and fuel injection nozzles in the centre.
The camshaft controls the valves, which are controlled by the rocker arms (short ones are for intake valves and long – for exhaust valves).
All of the valve stems are chrome-plated and made of heat-resistant steel. Although the intake and exhaust valves seem to be interchangeable, they are not.
The timing chain and tensioner are located on the flywheel side. The chain is not required to be maintained for the whole life of the engine.
In the 2.8L diesel, a high-end electronically controlled Common Rail fuel injection system is utilised. This system is fed by the high-pressure gasoline pump on the front end of the engine.
A gear operates the gasoline pump from a camshaft.
The ISF2.8 comes with a HE 200 WG turbocharger instead of an intercooler. This diesel has start-up relief features for low temperatures.
An electric spiral heats the intake manifold.
Cummins R2.8 ISF Engine Specs
- Manufacturer: Columbus, Indiana; China
- Production years: 2009-present
- Cylinder block material: Cast Iron
- Cylinder head material: Cast Iron
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Fuel system: Common rail direct injection
- Configuration: Inline
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Valves per cylinder: 4
- Valvetrain layout: SOHC
- Bore: 94.0 mm (3.70 in)
- Stroke: 100.0 mm (3.94 in)
- Displacement: 2,781 cc (171 cu in)
- Type: Four-stroke, turbocharged
- Compression Ratio: 16.9:1
- Power: 107-160 hp (80-120kW) at 3,600 rpm
- Torque: 206-265 lb-ft (280-360 Nm) at 1,500-3,000 rpm
- Engine weight: 214 kg (503 lbs) dry weight
- Firing order: 1-3-4-2
- Engine oil weight: SAE 15W-40
- Engine oil capacity: 5.0 litre – oil pan, 0.436 litres – oil filter, 1.0 litre – one mark on the engine oil dipstick.
- Oil change interval: 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months
- Applications: Foton Tunland pickup, GAZelle NEXT, commercial vehicles.
Reliability & Issues of the Cummins R2.8 ISF
In China, the ISF2.8 is developed and produced. The ISF2.8 engine, according to Cummins, will endure 300,000 kilometres (500,000 kilometres).
This engine, however, has a negative reputation in the Asian market owing to its low-quality construction and components.
The cylinder walls rapidly wear down, which is the engine’s most common failure mode. As a result, oil consumption has increased dramatically.
The next problem is a broken crankshaft caused by bad connecting rod bearings.
Aside from that, the engine has a tendency to overheat. There is a significant risk of coolant penetration into the cylinders. The list could go on indefinitely.
The ISF 2.8 engine complies with Euro 3, Euro 4 emission requirements, depending on modifications.
The R2.8 is manufactured in Columbus, Indiana, and comes with a 90-day guarantee. Cummins engine blocks that were machined in China are used.
The crate R2.8 engine complies with the EPA’s Tier 0 (LDT 1 and 2) and Tier 1 emissions requirements. It is only relevant to vehicles made before to 1999 in this case.
