'90 Cummins Sound - Non Intercooled Cummins Sound

[cmmns_ptr]

Hello everyone,



I want to know about the idle sound of non-intercooled engines. The ones I heard sounded 'rickety' while idling. I've only heard a couple of engines - an '89 and '90 and they both sounded the same - 'rickety'

Like it had some loose valves or something. Do all non-intercooled engines sound like that? Maybe if the idle was turned up a bit it'll sound like the 2nd gen. 12V engines? Please let me know because I have a chance to purchase a '90 with 40K original miles.



Thanks,



cmmns_ptr

 

[pepecat]

the non i/c stock engines have higher timing and compression than the later models. They do have a distinct tractor type racket to them as opposed to the later trucks as well.

 

[JLEONARD]

They sound even better with a low idle.

 

[Greenleaf]

I don't notice any difference in sound untill the VP pump-24 valve. I work with these engines everyday... ... .



Maybe I'm tone challenged?

 

[Jgolden]

Mine is in what is pretty much a Bus. Only had the sound you described if you open the front access hatch and get your head in the opening. Check oil, trans etc. Only there at slow idle.

Glad to hear it might be normal. Can't hear it from the driver seat and I'm sitting right next to the engine.

 

[tugboatphil]

Scott,

You're tone challenged. Old Blue and The Silver Bullet sound different.

 

[RedRamAndy]

Howdy cmmns_ptr,
Did you get the truck?? The non IC first gens do sound more like a tractor. I love it. I have a mechanic friend who retired 20 years ago that worked on diesels. Back then he said, "The noisier the better. " Referring to the diesel sound, the more noise meant better compression. Obviously this is not to imply that bad bearings and valve slop make things better. Any way you slice it, 40K orig miles on one of these babies is quite a find! I hope you got a good deal. Here's link to mine with 180K on it. My cheap little vid cam makes things even tickier, but you'll get the idea.

YouTube - 1989 DODGE CUMMINS Truck idling

 

[cmmns_ptr]

Hey there there red ram andy! Thanks for the the input and video. I already saw your video a couple weeks ago for the purpose of comparing idle sounds! Thanks anyways!! No I did not buy because I realized that I need money for other expenses:{