5.9L Cummins 24v Specs, History, & Information
The acronym "ISB" stands for Interact System, B Series. It represents the fact that the engine uses an electronically controlled injection system, and is part of Cummins "B Series" engine family. All 24v Cummins were assembled at the company's Columbus, Indiana assembly plant, the same city in which the "Cummins Engine Company" was founded. For 2004, the engine was selected as one of Ward's "10 Best Engines" for the year. Production of the 5.9L ISB ended completely (all applications) in June of 2009.
High Output 24v Cummins
A high output (H.O. or HO) version of the 5.9L Cummins was available for the 2001 to 2004 model years. For 2001 and 2002, the HO Cummins boasted an additional 10 horsepower and 45 lb-ft of torque. In 2003, the HO model produced a whopping 70 horsepower and 95 lb-ft more than the standard turbodiesel. And for 2004, the optional high output engine claimed 20 horsepower and 45 lb-ft of torque greater than the standard model. The HO Cummins was not available in California, which has historically been a state with stricter emissions regulations than those imposed at the Federal level. The NV5600 6 speed manual transmission was the only transmission available mated to HO models of the Cummins, as at the time the available automatic was not rated with an adequate input capacity. High output models featured higher compression and a unique engine calibration to provide the additional performance.
5.9L Cummins ISB Specs
Engine: |
Cummins 5.9L ISB (commonly referred to as the "24 valve") |
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Manufacturer: |
Cummins Engine Company, later Cummins Inc |
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Applications/Production Years: |
1998.5 - 2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 pickups |
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Displacement: |
359.02 CID (359 CID nominal), 5.88 liters (5.9 liters nominal) |
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Configuration: |
Inline 6 cylinder (I-6), 4 cycle diesel |
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B10 Life: |
Note rated |
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B50 Life: |
350,000 miles (~560,000 km) |
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Bore: |
4.02 in (102 mm) |
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Stroke: |
4.72 in (120 mm) |
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Bore/Stroke Ratio: |
0.85 (undersquare) |
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Compression Ratio: |
Standard models |
16.3 : 1 |
High output models |
17.2 : 1 |
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Firing Order: |
1 -5-3-6-2-4 |
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Engine Block Material: |
Cast iron |
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Cylinder Head Material: |
Cast iron |
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Injection System: |
Direct injection (DI) |
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1998.5 - 2002 |
Electronically controlled Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump |
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2003 - 2007 |
Bosch high pressure common rail, Bosch CP3 injection pump |
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Aspiration: |
Turbocharged, air-to-air intercooler |
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1998.5 - 1999 |
Holset model HX35W turbocharger |
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2000 - 2004 |
Holset model HY35W type D turbocharger |
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2004.5 - 2007 |
Holset model HE351CW turbocharger |
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Valvetrain: |
OHV, 4 valves per cylinder, solid lifter camshaft |
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Valve Lash (Clearance): |
Exhaust valves |
0.020" (engine cold) |
Intake valves |
0.010" (engine cold) |
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Cold Start Aid(s): |
Intake air grid heater mounted between air horn and intake manifold |
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Engine Oil Capacity: |
12 qts w/ filter change |
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Engine Oil Spec: |
See 24v Cummins maintenance schedule for engine oil viscosity chart |
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Fuel: |
#1/#2 diesel fuel; engine predates modern biodiesel availability[1] |
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Horsepower: |
235 - 325 hp @ 2,900 RPM |
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Torque: |
460 - 610 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM |
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Governed Speed: |
3,200 RPM |
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Engine Weight: |
~ 1,150 lbs, dry & dressed |
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Engine Dimensions: |
Length |
40.0 in |
Width |
24.9 in |
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Height |
37.9 in |
[1] Early 5.9L ISB engines predate modern ULSD regulations and biodiesel compatibility. The engine will run without issue on both fuels, although the effects of extended biodiesel usage are largely sporadic, vague, and/or unknown. Recommend a supplemental fuel additive to increase fuel lubricity regardless of diesel type used, which will prolong fuel system life.
24v Cummins Horsepower & Torque by Model Year
Note - The following ratings are only applicable to Dodge pickups.
Model Year |
Horsepower |
Torque |
1998 - 2000 |
• 215 hp @ 2,700 RPM (auto trans) |
• 420 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM (auto trans) |
2001 - 2002 |
• 235 hp @ 2,700 RPM |
• 460 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM |
2003 |
• 235 hp @ 2,700 RPM |
• 460 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM |
2004 |
• 235 hp @ 2,700 RPM (CA) |
• 460 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM (CA) |
2005 - 2007 |
325 hp @ 2,900 RPM |
610 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM |