Okay, if anybody would know, it's you guys. Give me all the reasons why my Cummins is better than a Powerstroke. I have some "friends" that own Powerstrokes, and am tired of hearing them brag about Ford diesel power. I'm new to the world of Cummins diesels so I need all the help I can get.
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Cummins vs Powerstroke
- Thread starter switchman
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Welcome to the TDR site switchman.
This post is being moved to the General Diesel forum for some response. It has generated a few comments in the past.
Frank S.
This post is being moved to the General Diesel forum for some response. It has generated a few comments in the past.
Frank S.
I had a 96 PSD, it didn"t have as much power as I expected,
only got 15-16 mpg ,I didn't care much for the ZF trans,the last straw was when I was at a diesel engine repair shop there were a couple of guys leaning over the radiator of a 95 7. 3 ford, I asked what was wrong, they said it had a hole in the cylinder wall (from cavatation) I asked if the powerstroke had the same problem, he said yes they have the same block, this was in 1999 so the truck was only 5 years old, scary!,so I sold it Bob
only got 15-16 mpg ,I didn't care much for the ZF trans,the last straw was when I was at a diesel engine repair shop there were a couple of guys leaning over the radiator of a 95 7. 3 ford, I asked what was wrong, they said it had a hole in the cylinder wall (from cavatation) I asked if the powerstroke had the same problem, he said yes they have the same block, this was in 1999 so the truck was only 5 years old, scary!,so I sold it Bob
switchman,
You might ask them to explain why Ford uses the same engine we have in our pickups in their F650? And why they have done so for years? Ask them about coolant cavitation which our Cummins doesn't have. Also about fuel knock which is another problem we don't have. Oh yeah, glow plug problems are kind of neat when you don't have them. We tend to misspell Ford as dorF since we are used to reading it in our mirrors.
You might ask them to explain why Ford uses the same engine we have in our pickups in their F650? And why they have done so for years? Ask them about coolant cavitation which our Cummins doesn't have. Also about fuel knock which is another problem we don't have. Oh yeah, glow plug problems are kind of neat when you don't have them. We tend to misspell Ford as dorF since we are used to reading it in our mirrors.
Cummins is rated as a medium duty engine. Powerstroke is rated as a light duty engine. The Cummins six-banger has almost double the main bearing surface area as the Powerstroke's eight-cylinder. Nuf said.
PSD has a lot of really big $$ parts that aren't even needed on a 6BTA.
The 6BTA also has 40% fewer moving parts.
The 6BTA is more efficient... . uses less fuel while making more power.
Who couldn't love an engine with a 150# crankshaft (Cummins)?!
6-in-a-row is pretty much the only way the class-8 trucking industry goes... . longer stroke... . 7 (WAY bigger... ) main bearings, better - bigger rods, etc.
My mods are a BOATLOAD cheaper than a PSD..... $3400 for injectors!!! hello!
I have lots of other stuff I tried to post, but I took so long compiling the list that I got 'signed-out' grrrrr!!
I work on the PSD's for a living and I HATE 'em with a passion.
Matt - Cummins, the only way to go with 6-in-a-row.
The 6BTA also has 40% fewer moving parts.
The 6BTA is more efficient... . uses less fuel while making more power.
Who couldn't love an engine with a 150# crankshaft (Cummins)?!
6-in-a-row is pretty much the only way the class-8 trucking industry goes... . longer stroke... . 7 (WAY bigger... ) main bearings, better - bigger rods, etc.
My mods are a BOATLOAD cheaper than a PSD..... $3400 for injectors!!! hello!
I have lots of other stuff I tried to post, but I took so long compiling the list that I got 'signed-out' grrrrr!!
I work on the PSD's for a living and I HATE 'em with a passion.
Matt - Cummins, the only way to go with 6-in-a-row.
The reasons I bought a Cummins over the PSD (which I was also looking at) are pretty simple.
A little research showed that the Cummins tended to last a little longer on average, and I do plan on keeping my truck that long... However, I don't rely on the rating of light duty vs. medium duty in comparing the Cummins to a PSD, because the manufacturers are the ones who rate them, and the two used a different duty schedule for their ratings, so those numbers are somewhat 'tainted. '
The Cummins is inherently a higher-torque engine due to it's longer stroke and the inline configuration (a proven combo in all 'big rigs').
The mileage in a Cummins is substantially higher, I get 15-17mpg in the city and 19-22mpg on the highway (unloaded of course).
But what really put me over the edge, was the fact that Ford offers a Cummins in their heavier-duty rigs, F550 and F650, but not in the lighter duty trucks... Why would that be?
About the picture of the rods of each truck, though...
We really have to think about it logically. I do not see a problem with the smaller rods, because their are 2 more of them in the PSD. Sure, the rods in the Cummins are much larger, but it's only because we are making the same amount of power (or more) with fewer cylinders (thus each rod must support more 'weight'). This shouldn't suprise anybody. I just don't like the idea of that picture being our premier physical evidence that our trucks are superior. There is already plenty of that around
Just my . 02
A little research showed that the Cummins tended to last a little longer on average, and I do plan on keeping my truck that long... However, I don't rely on the rating of light duty vs. medium duty in comparing the Cummins to a PSD, because the manufacturers are the ones who rate them, and the two used a different duty schedule for their ratings, so those numbers are somewhat 'tainted. '
The Cummins is inherently a higher-torque engine due to it's longer stroke and the inline configuration (a proven combo in all 'big rigs').
The mileage in a Cummins is substantially higher, I get 15-17mpg in the city and 19-22mpg on the highway (unloaded of course).
But what really put me over the edge, was the fact that Ford offers a Cummins in their heavier-duty rigs, F550 and F650, but not in the lighter duty trucks... Why would that be?
About the picture of the rods of each truck, though...
We really have to think about it logically. I do not see a problem with the smaller rods, because their are 2 more of them in the PSD. Sure, the rods in the Cummins are much larger, but it's only because we are making the same amount of power (or more) with fewer cylinders (thus each rod must support more 'weight'). This shouldn't suprise anybody. I just don't like the idea of that picture being our premier physical evidence that our trucks are superior. There is already plenty of that around
Just my . 02
rods
good point, wkener. but i think it goes without saying, that with the higher forces over a longer distance (long stroke of the i6) the rods have to be stronger. i'm glad cummins is so sturdy. i too looked at the superduty and was tempted by the crew cab etc. BUT i remembered that i hadn't liked any v-8 diesel i'd ever been around or driven over the long haul. i had a very tough and reliable diesel at home that i loved--the 8. 3 in the motorhome. that plus the trucks that i've had over the years that were the toughest over all were the dodges. in fact, i made my wife promise after my last Drof, that she would never, ever, ever, ever let me buy another. thank you Lord that you answered my prayers for guidance. love the goat more each day.
good point, wkener. but i think it goes without saying, that with the higher forces over a longer distance (long stroke of the i6) the rods have to be stronger. i'm glad cummins is so sturdy. i too looked at the superduty and was tempted by the crew cab etc. BUT i remembered that i hadn't liked any v-8 diesel i'd ever been around or driven over the long haul. i had a very tough and reliable diesel at home that i loved--the 8. 3 in the motorhome. that plus the trucks that i've had over the years that were the toughest over all were the dodges. in fact, i made my wife promise after my last Drof, that she would never, ever, ever, ever let me buy another. thank you Lord that you answered my prayers for guidance. love the goat more each day.
I have one of each, and I like the Cummins better. I think that if you take care of each engine, they will both outlast the truck. The Cummins has more low end torque, less parts, and it is easier to work on. If you are comparing engine to engine... The Cummins wins hands down. Unfortunately, with the Cummins you are limiting yourself to body style. A bunch of Ford sales are to Dodge guys that need a crew cab. In addition to that... since Chrysler doesnt make an SUV with a Diesel, I got a PSD Excursion. A PSD is better than no diesel at all...
Last edited:
BK
TDR MEMBER
Dont have much todo?
Cant get to sleep?
Well let me tell you about a some new reading. .
Want to see the single , longest , on going Cummins Vs Ps thread ever?
Of course I had to add my two cents, when I finally got to the present day end...
here's about where it starts. .
http://www.travelbyroad.net/bbs/arc/886789043029.html
1:17 PM on 3 February 98
well that as far back as the "shown" posting goes. .
And where I started my reading. (gotta get a life)
But's it nearly one straight read with topics getting interjected inbetween...
Enjoy. .
Bob
Cant get to sleep?
Well let me tell you about a some new reading. .
Want to see the single , longest , on going Cummins Vs Ps thread ever?
Of course I had to add my two cents, when I finally got to the present day end...
here's about where it starts. .
http://www.travelbyroad.net/bbs/arc/886789043029.html
1:17 PM on 3 February 98
well that as far back as the "shown" posting goes. .
And where I started my reading. (gotta get a life)
But's it nearly one straight read with topics getting interjected inbetween...
Enjoy. .
Bob
I own them both and enjoy them both. They serve very different purposes. The PSD is a vacation truck and family runabout on the weekends. It tows the 37' 5th wheel and keeps 4 people very comfortable. The Cummins I use for work and purchased for the mileage. Both trucks have little annoying things. The PSD accelerates better... the Cummins has unbelieveable lowend torque. I cannot make an engine option the only reason to purchase a truck. Dodge shouldn't either. Obviously the buyers are not... the PSD outsells the Cummins nearly 4 to 1. It is called options... namely 4 doors and any configuration known to man. I have owned 2 Cummins, a 93... which left for the 96 CREWCAB PSD and the 01. This is also the second PSD. All four have been great trucks with hardly any problems. Most PSD's don't have cavitation or fuel knock. Most Cummins don't have **** poor breaks and front end problems on the 2WD's. The Ford uses a Dana 50 front end on the F250 and F350 SRW, but it is a high pinion model with lockouts versus some center axle disconnect that Dodge is a fan of. Neither one breaks. The 2002 PSD's all come with the DANA 60!! high pinion front end that is currently on all DRW 350's. I guess Ford got tired of the comparison. They both have great brakes on them now. My Cummins will flat stop on a dime. The PSD is real good, but deals with 3K more lbs. The Fords carry a higher GVW on the one ton DRW trucks. 11. 5K versus 10. 5 for a 2WD 3500 or 11K for a 4WD 3500. The straight frame F350 has a GVW of 12. 5K. With all the talk of superior axles and engine, I have yet to have ONE person explain this difference. The 2WD front end is not up to snuff and the Hybrid 80 in the Cummins is rated at 7500lbs versus the 8250 lb rating for the Dana 80 in the PSD. Mileage is generally a little better in the Cummins. The higher mileage trucks all have 3. 54's in them..... a gear not available in the PSD. 6% less gear should equate to better mileage. I have talked with several Cummins owners driving 3500QC 4X4's with 4. 10's. If they are auto's they get what I get in the PSD. The Ford has an intake heater like the Cummins now... the glow plugs are not used near like they use to be. They no longer cycle with every start. They advertise -20 starts now versus the old 0 before the intake heater.
I don't think either truck is going to let the owner down... none of mine have. Most owners are going to be very happy regardless of which one they own. Comparing rod and bearing sizes on an inline versus an eight is like comparing the number of cylinders. Light versus Medium Duty has more to do with the emissions that the engine builder specs the engine to than anything else. The life expectancy or B50 life of both engines is 350K. INTL also gives a B10 life of 200K for the PSD ... . which means 10 percent will need a MAJOR repair at this time. Cummins does not advertise a B10. A lot of the comparisons are INTL's B 10 versus Cummins B50. The class eights are inlines... locomotives are V's. I guess that trumps the Class 8's. Buy the one you want... the engine will not be the reason you trade it off in 4-5 years... . CJ
I don't think either truck is going to let the owner down... none of mine have. Most owners are going to be very happy regardless of which one they own. Comparing rod and bearing sizes on an inline versus an eight is like comparing the number of cylinders. Light versus Medium Duty has more to do with the emissions that the engine builder specs the engine to than anything else. The life expectancy or B50 life of both engines is 350K. INTL also gives a B10 life of 200K for the PSD ... . which means 10 percent will need a MAJOR repair at this time. Cummins does not advertise a B10. A lot of the comparisons are INTL's B 10 versus Cummins B50. The class eights are inlines... locomotives are V's. I guess that trumps the Class 8's. Buy the one you want... the engine will not be the reason you trade it off in 4-5 years... . CJ
BK
TDR MEMBER
CobraJet. .
I almost bought a Ford... but in the end the Cummins broke the tie. The Ford front end had me swayed... the tales of auto transmission's burning up in all the Cummins powered Dodges had me even closer.
But after reading sites like TDR, Ford-Diesel...
It was back to the engine making my choice...
2 years into it and I'm still happy with my choice.
I almost bought a Ford... but in the end the Cummins broke the tie. The Ford front end had me swayed... the tales of auto transmission's burning up in all the Cummins powered Dodges had me even closer.
But after reading sites like TDR, Ford-Diesel...
It was back to the engine making my choice...
2 years into it and I'm still happy with my choice.
Why Cummins over Navistar?
See page 22 in issue 33 (the new one) of The T. D. Register. The owners of a '94 Cummins write "... since the truck has over 1. 1 million miles on it and still hasn't had to have and internal engine repairs!".
Over 1. 1 million miles !!!!!!
I'm getting kinda teary eyed. I gotta go.
See page 22 in issue 33 (the new one) of The T. D. Register. The owners of a '94 Cummins write "... since the truck has over 1. 1 million miles on it and still hasn't had to have and internal engine repairs!".
Over 1. 1 million miles !!!!!!
I'm getting kinda teary eyed. I gotta go.
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