Cummins says it is prepared to meet the emissions challenge of 2007 with the same essential engine it released in 2002 to meet less stringent U.S. EPA regulations. The company’s ISX engine will meet the new standard by integrating the Cummins Particulate Filter with current exhaust-gas recirculation engine technology.
The particulate filter, which is made by Cummins subsidiary Fleetguard, will reduce particulate matter emissions by 90 percent from current levels – provided petroleum refiners can deliver low-sulfur fuel to the market by 2007. Petroleum manufacturers now say low-sulfur fuel may have more parts per million of sulfur when it reaches the market than the 15 ppm they agreed to produce by 2006. Cummins expects the government to hold the oil industry to its promises, said Joe Loughrey, president of Cummins engine business.
The company also demonstrated to the press the successful performance of one of its current model ’02 emissions-compliant engines, an ISX with more than 580,000 miles on it. The engine showed the same wear typical for a pre-2002 Cummins N14 at the same mileage. Indeed, engine components – linings, rings, pistons, bearings, etc. – appeared pristine, showing only normal wear and little of the carbon and soot buildup, scratches or grooves that have worried carriers.
In all of the 2002 engines the company has torn down, Cummins said power cylinder components showed only 20 to 25 percent wear after 600,000 miles, and rods and main bearings are expected to have 50 percent additional life remaining.
