Cummins families you will meet here
| Engine | Used in | Years (model years, per sources) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.9 12-valve (6BT) | Dodge Ram pickups | 1989 to mid-1998 |
| 5.9 24-valve ISB (VP44 pump) | Dodge Ram pickups | mid-1998 to 2002 |
| 5.9 common rail | Dodge Ram pickups | 2003 to 2007 |
| 6.7 (ISB, later B6.7) | Dodge / Ram pickups | mid-2007 on |
| 5.0 V8 Turbo Diesel | Nissan Titan XD | 2016 to 2019 |
| ISL9 / L9 / ISC8.3 | Motorhomes, buses, trucks | see Cummins documentation |
Pickup years per Cummins, MotorTrend and DieselHub. For engine specs, generations and identification, see the Cummins engine guides at cumminsboard.com. This library sticks to symptoms.
Cummins in a Ram: the truck around the engine
A heavy diesel adds weight to the front axle. If the truck shakes violently after a bump, see the death wobble page. Dodge Off Road builds suspension and steering for 1994-on Rams by generation: 2nd gen (1994-2002), 3rd gen (2003-2009), 4th gen (2010-2012) and 5th gen (2013-on). For towing, see its air bag systems and traction bars. It does not sell engine parts.
Cummins-specific pages
Starting
Why is my Cummins hard to start when it is cold?
Troubleshoot →Fuel systemWhy is my diesel oil level rising, and does it smell like fuel?
Troubleshoot →Fuel systemHow do I know if my 24-valve Cummins lift pump is failing?
Troubleshoot →Front endMy Ram shakes violently after a bump. Is that the engine?
Troubleshoot →StartingHow do I know if my glow plugs or grid heater have failed?
Troubleshoot →Power & drivabilityWhy is my Cummins exhaust brake not working?
Troubleshoot →CoolingWhy does my diesel pusher motorhome run hot on grades?
Troubleshoot →EmissionsWhy does idling cause DPF problems on diesel school buses?
Troubleshoot →Common to all diesels
These apply to Cummins engines too.
- Cranks, will not start
- White smoke
- Black smoke
- Blue smoke
- Low power / limp mode
- Rough idle
- Water in fuel light
- Overheating when towing
- Losing coolant
- DPF and regeneration
- Cold-weather gelling
- DEF / SCR faults
- NOx sensor problems
- Clogged EGR valve
- Turbo whistle / boost leak
- Injector knock
- Wet stacking
- Hot transmission when towing
- Fuel filter restriction
- Air in the fuel
- Oil consumption
- Crankcase blow-by
- Cavitation / liner pitting
- Maintenance basics
- Winter diesel prep
- Buying a used diesel
- Is a DPF/EGR delete legal?
Where this comes from
- Cummins: Follow the liter, evolution of the 5.9L to the 6.7L pickup engine
- MotorTrend: 5.9-liter Cummins history and specs
- DieselHub: 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins FAQ
- Nissan News: Cummins 5.0L debuts in the 2016 Titan XD
- Cummins: Motorhome maintenance and operation, L9/ISL9/ISC8.3 (owner-forum copy, PDF)
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: confirm with your service information and a qualified diesel technician.