Cummins R2.8 Engine (ISF2.8): Specs, Problems, and Reliability. The R2.8 (or ISF2.8) engine is a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, the littlest and lightest engine of the ISF engine family. The Cummins ISF2.8 is a modern engine that combines two main qualities – power and compactness. It is an optimum choice of a power unit for light commercial vehicle applications like pickups, trucks, vans, utility vehicles.
The Cummins R2.8 engine has a cast iron cylinder block with liners that could be switched out. This gave high strength with less metal use. Low-cost traditional material provides long-term reliability and repair possibility. The ISF2.8 has a cast iron cylinder head. There are four valves per cylinder, a chain-driven single overhead camshaft, and fuel injection nozzles during each cylinder.
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Cummins R2.8 Engine (ISF2.8): Specs, Problems, and Reliability
The camshaft actuates valves by rocker arms (short ones are for intake valves and long – for exhaust valves). All valves are made of heat-resistant steel and have a chrome-plated stem. The intake and exhaust valves look the same, but they are not interchangeable. The timing chain and tensioner are located on the flywheel side. The chain does not require maintenance for the entire life of the engine.
The 2.8 L diesel has a high-end electronically controlled Common Rail fuel injection. This system is fed by the high-pressure fuel pump mounted on the front end of the engine. The fuel pump is driven by a camshaft through a gear. The ISF2.8 comes with HE 200 WG turbocharger without an intercooler. This diesel is equipped with start-up relief devices at low temperatures. An electric spiral provides heat air for the intake manifold.
Cummins R2.8 Engine (ISF2.8): 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, mm | 94.0 (3.70 in) |
| Stroke, mm | 100.0 (3.94 in) |
| Displacement, cc | 2,781 cc (171 cu in) |
| Type of internal combustion engine | Four-stroke, turbocharged |
| Compression Ratio | 16.9:1 |
| Power, hp | 107-160 hp (80-120kW)/ 3,600 |
| Torque, lb ft | 206-265 lb-ft (280-360 Nm)/ 1,500-3,000 |
| Engine weight | 214 kg (503 lbs)- dry weight |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Engine oil weight | SAE 15W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.0 – oil pan; 0.436 – oil filter; 1.0 – one mark on the engine oil dipstick. |
| Oil change interval, mile | 12,000 (20,000 km)/12 months |
| Applications | Foton Tunland pickup, GAZelle NEXT, commercial vehicles. |
Cummins R2.8, ISF2.8 Engine Problems and Reliability
The ISF2.8 is built and set up in China. Cummins says what the ISF2.8 engine has 300,000 miles (500,000 km) longevity. In reality, this engine has a terrible reputation in the Asian market because of its low-quality constructing and materials. The most common failure of this engine is the quick wearing of cylinder walls.
As a result, increased oil consumption. The next problem is bad connecting rod bearings damaging a crankshaft. Besides that, the engine is easy to overheat. There is a high risk of coolant penetration inside cylinders. The list goes on and on. The ISF 2.8 engine meets Euro 3, Euro 4 emission standards, depending on modifications.
The R2.8 is integrated in the Cummins factory in Columbus, Indiana (500 engines in 2017) and only carries a 90-day warranty. They use engine blocks machined at Cummins’s Chinese plant. The crate R2.8 engine meets EPA’s Tier 0 (LDT 1 and 2) and Tier 1 emissions standards. Within this case, it appropriates only for vehicles produced until 1999.
