The Cummins 8.3 is an inline 6 turbo diesel engine made from cast iron.
The engine is used in school buses, motorhomes, and trucks. It has a towing capacity of 20k lbs. Life expectancy is 350k miles, but can go further, as some have over one million miles.
Common problems reported are:
- Block breaks after 7k hours
- Valves dropping
- Lift pump failure
- Hard to start especially in cold weather
- Throttle TV cable link breaks
- High pressure pump failing
- CAPS accumulator pump system issues
Video explaining details of issues:
The specs are:
- 506.5 cu in (8.3L)
- Turbocharged
- bore and stroke, 5.31″ x 4.49″
- Oil capacity of 6.3 Gallons
- Weighs 1630 lbs
- Torque 670 – 1,075 lb-ft
- HP 240-400 HP
- Cast Iron Engine Block and cylinder head
- 22 qt oil capacity
The 8.3L is the larger than 5.9L and weight 2k lbs more. The 5.9 has more power.
A used 8.3 sells for $6k-$14k and are widely available.
