Posted by C. Garbee on Friday, January 18, 2002 at 4:21PM :
In Reply to: vibration posted by Tim on Friday, January 18, 2002 at 3:42PM :
I'll agree with the statement that the 4BT vibrates more than a 6.x. I'll also point out that the 4BT in my truck vibrates less mounted in the truck than the 6.x engines mounted in the National Guard trucks parked behind my office from a visual standpoint with the hoods raised and the engines running at idle cold...
At idle, the Ranger OD shift lever knob oscilates a bit, but it gets very still at 850rpm (idle is set at 750rpm). Otherwise, everything is pretty calm.
I think that a lot of the vibration problems associated with diesels in general is related to proper selection of motor mount so you'll understand that I'll admit that I have brand new ones in my M37, so that the comparison is not equall especially since the NCNG trucks have some age on them...
One point to consider is that although the B series (both four and six cylinder versions)was designed as a "low cost-high volume) engine compared to the rest of Cummins line (cylinders are not sleaved, injection pump is sourced out instead of in-house manufacture), it is a low volume-high cost engine compared to the 6.x series. It has had an excelent reputation from the start.
I like the Cummins a lot, but the best engine for you likely will be the one that not only fits into your truck, but into your budget and local support structure...
I'll also point out that my engine does not smoke and is quieter than most of the new diesel pickups in my office parking lot...
Send me an email and I'll send you a copy of the Cummins B and C series installation manual and some other stuff I've acquired over the years on various diesels of the right size for one of these transplants.