Cummins ISM Engine for Sale | OEM Used 10.8 Liter Inline-6 Mid-Class 8 Diesel Producing 280 to 425 HP and 1,150 to 1,550 lb-ft Torque
$12,000.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, all 6 cylinders compression tested
- Availability: In stock, multiple ISM generations available (EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, EPA10)
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 48 contiguous US states via crated freight, 7 to 14 business days
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results available before you pay
- Generation confirmed (EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, or EPA10)
- Fuel system operation verified (HEUI on early ISM, common rail on late ISM)
- Turbocharger condition assessed
- Top-end inspection (cylinder head, camshaft, valve train)
- Donor application documented (Class 8 truck, fire apparatus, motor coach, transit bus, RV, industrial)
- Mileage documented where verifiable
- 100% inspection before every order ships
- No core charge required
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
Description
About the Cummins ISM Engine
The Cummins ISM Engine is a high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective used engine option. As a popular choice in the commercial trucking, fire apparatus, motor coach, transit bus, and recreational vehicle industries due to its robust design and proven reliability, Part Nests has the Cummins ISM Engine for sale. Whether you need an engine for a Class 8 truck, fire apparatus, coach, transit bus, RV, or industrial application, we have got you covered.
The Cummins ISM Heritage
The Cummins ISM is the electronic successor to the legendary Cummins M11, one of the most successful mid-Class 8 diesel engines ever produced. The lineage runs:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| 1994 to 1998: Cummins M11 (Mechanical) | The original mechanical M11, with mechanical injection pump and inline injectors. Renowned for simplicity and reliability. |
| 1998 to 2007: Cummins ISM (Early Electronic) | First electronic version, used HEUI (Hydraulically actuated Electronic Unit Injector) fuel system. EPA98 and EPA02 emissions. |
| 2007 to 2010: Cummins ISM (Late Electronic) | EPA07 and EPA10 emissions, DPF aftertreatment added 2007, SCR with DEF added 2010. Late production transitioned to high-pressure common rail fuel system. |
| 2010+: Cummins ISL9 / ISX | ISM production ended; lighter applications moved to ISL9, heavier to ISX. |
The ISM occupies a strategic position in the Cummins lineup between the lighter ISC (8.3L) / ISL (8.9L / 9L) and the heavier ISX (15L, our vaz104 listing). At 10.8 liters displacement, the ISM provides excellent power-to-weight ratio and fuel consumption advantages compared to the bigger ISX for applications that do not need the full ISX heavy-haul capability.
Why Choose a Cummins ISM Engine
The Cummins ISM engine is known for its reliability, low operating costs, and exceptional performance across a wide range of applications, including trucks, fire apparatus, motor coaches, transit buses, school buses, RVs, and industrial machinery.
- High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Fuel System: Late ISM production used the HPCR fuel system, enhancing fuel distribution for improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and smoother engine operation. Earlier ISM production used the HEUI injection system.
- Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT): Later ISM variants use VGT to optimize boost across the engine operating range, balancing low-rpm response with high-rpm power. Increases efficiency and reduces turbo lag.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): EGR recycles a portion of the exhaust gases into the cylinders, reducing NOx formation. Standard on EPA02 and later ISM variants.
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): Captures soot and particulate matter from the exhaust stream and combusts it during automatic regeneration cycles. Added to ISM on EPA07 variants.
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Sprays urea (DEF, Diesel Exhaust Fluid) into the exhaust stream to reduce NOx to nitrogen and water vapor. Added to ISM on EPA10 variants.
- Electronic Control Module (ECM): The Cummins ECM oversees engine operation including fuel injection timing, turbocharger control, and emissions management. The ECM includes onboard diagnostic capabilities and can be updated with software calibration changes to optimize performance.
- Robust Design: Built from quality materials with proven Cummins engineering, the ISM is suitable for intensive duty cycles found in fire apparatus, motor coach, and Class 8 truck service.
- Advanced Cooling System: Engineered to maintain optimal operating temperatures even under heavy load in demanding applications.
- Ease of Maintenance: ISM design provides good access to service points to reduce routine maintenance time.
- Diagnostic Capabilities: Onboard diagnostics enable rapid trouble identification, saving service time and labor cost.
- Optimized Combustion: Modern fuel injection (HEUI on early ISM, HPCR on late ISM) combined with advanced turbocharging deliver efficient fuel burning.
- Quieter Operation: ISM engine design and fuel system minimize noise output, important for urban transit bus, school bus, and motor coach applications.
Cummins ISM Fits, By Application Category
Class 8 Highway and Vocational Trucks:
- Freightliner Cascadia (with ISM option, mid-Class 8 configuration)
- Kenworth T800 (Kenworth vocational and severe-duty chassis)
- Peterbilt 379 (Peterbilt iconic owner-operator long-hood, with ISM option)
- International 9400i (International premium aerodynamic Class 8)
- Volvo VNL (with ISM option)
- Mack Granite (with Cummins ISM option in some configurations alongside the Mack-branded engines)
- Western Star 4900 (Western Star vocational chassis)
Fire Apparatus, HUGE ISM Market:
- Pierce Arrow XT (Pierce Manufacturing flagship fire apparatus)
- Spartan ERV (Spartan Motors fire apparatus chassis)
- Sutphen fire apparatus
- Seagrave fire apparatus
- Rosenbauer fire apparatus
- HME fire apparatus
- E-One fire apparatus
Motor Coaches:
- MCI (Motor Coach Industries) J4500 and related coaches
- Prevost H3-45 and similar premium coaches
- Van Hool coaches
Transit and School Buses:
- Blue Bird All-American Bus (school bus, with ISM option)
- Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner (school bus chassis)
- New Flyer Xcelsior (transit bus chassis)
- Gillig Phantom and Low Floor transit buses
Recreational Vehicles (High-End RVs):
- Winnebago Journey motorhome
- Tiffin Phaeton motorhome
- Country Coach motorhomes
- Newmar motorhomes
- Foretravel motorhomes
- Monaco motorhomes
Industrial / Off-Highway Applications (some, less common):
- John Deere 9R Tractor (some configurations)
- Case IH Steiger Tractor (some configurations)
- Caterpillar 336 Excavator (some applications)
- Komatsu WA500 Wheel Loader (some applications)
Performance and Reliability
The Cummins ISM engine is synonymous with reliability. Its design for lower operating costs without compromising performance makes it an industry favorite for fire apparatus and motor coach operators in particular. Comparatively, while the Cummins ISX (our vaz104 listing for the ISX15 / X15) handles heavier long-haul Class 8 loads, the ISM optimal performance for mid-weight applications cements its reputation for efficiency and total cost of ownership in vocational, fire, coach, and RV markets.
Special Features of Cummins ISM Engines
Our Cummins ISM engines for sale come with various special features to meet diverse needs:
- Jake Brakes: Compatible with Jacobs Engine Brake for improved engine braking on heavy mountain descents
- EGR Models: Enhanced emissions control on EPA02 and later variants
- Multiple Configurations: Varied horsepower and torque ratings (280 HP to 425 HP range) to suit different applications from school bus to fire apparatus to Class 8 vocational
Signs You Need a Replacement Cummins ISM
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders
- HEUI injector failure (early ISM) or common rail injector failure (late ISM)
- Turbocharger failure (boost loss, blue oil smoke, VGT vane sticking on later variants)
- EGR cooler failure (coolant in oil, coolant in EGR pipe)
- DPF aftertreatment failure (EPA07+ variants, excessive regen cycles, derate)
- SCR / DEF system failure (EPA10 variants)
- Connecting rod or main bearing knock under load
- Donor fire truck, motor coach, or Class 8 truck retired and the ISM is being moved to another chassis
- Fire department engine rebuild program requiring proven ISM reliability
Common ISM Maintenance Considerations
- Oil service: Use Cummins-approved API CK-4 or CJ-4 spec heavy-duty diesel engine oil (depending on production year and aftertreatment configuration). Service intervals 15,000 to 35,000 miles depending on duty cycle.
- Fuel filters: Critical for both HEUI and HPCR injector longevity. Change at every oil service.
- Coolant service: Use Cummins-approved heavy-duty extended life coolant.
- DEF service (EPA10 variants): Diesel Exhaust Fluid is consumed at approximately 2-3% of diesel fuel rate.
- DPF regeneration (EPA07+ variants): Active and passive regen automatic; avoid extended low-load operation.
- Valve adjustment: Periodic valve clearance check per Cummins service interval.
What Ships and What Does Not
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Long block: cylinder block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshaft, cylinder head, valve train, oil pan, valve covers. Turbocharger typically included. HEUI or common rail fuel injection components typically included from donor. |
| NOT INCLUDED | ECM (sold separately, matched to original engine VIN and chassis programming), wiring harness, DPF / SCR / DEF aftertreatment system components (EPA07+ variants, sold separately depending on completeness), starter, alternator, water pump, thermostat, engine mounts, transmission, accessories (fan clutch, AC compressor, air compressor). |
| Fluids | Drained before shipping. Refill with Cummins-approved heavy-duty diesel engine oil. |
| Provenance Note | Donor application disclosed (Class 8 truck, fire apparatus, motor coach, transit bus, RV, industrial). Generation authenticated (EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, EPA10). Fuel system documented (HEUI vs HPCR). Mileage documented where verifiable. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The Cummins ISM fits the following major application categories:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Class 8 Highway Trucks | Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T800, Peterbilt 379, International 9400i, Volvo VNL, Mack Granite, Western Star 4900 |
| Fire Apparatus | Pierce Arrow XT, Spartan ERV, Sutphen, Seagrave, Rosenbauer, HME, E-One |
| Motor Coaches | MCI, Prevost, Van Hool |
| Transit and School Buses | Blue Bird All-American, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner, New Flyer Xcelsior, Gillig Phantom and Low Floor |
| Recreational Vehicles | Winnebago Journey, Tiffin Phaeton, Country Coach, Newmar, Foretravel, Monaco |
| Industrial / Off-Highway | Some applications in tractors, excavators, wheel loaders (less common than on-highway use) |
Tell us your specific chassis and we will confirm matching ISM generation, ECM compatibility, and emissions configuration.
Inspection Workflow
Every used Cummins ISM we ship goes through this process:
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, pressure per cylinder recorded
- Generation authenticated (EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, or EPA10)
- Fuel system documented (HEUI on early ISM, common rail on late ISM)
- Turbocharger condition assessed
- EGR cooler condition documented (EPA02+ variants)
- DPF / SCR / DEF aftertreatment hardware condition documented (when included with the engine)
- Top-end inspection (cylinder head, camshaft, valve train)
- Cylinder block visual inspection for cracks
- Donor application photographed and documented (Class 8 truck vs fire apparatus vs motor coach vs RV)
- Mileage documented when verifiable
Why Buy From Part Nests
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results before you pay
- Generation authenticated (EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, or EPA10 confirmed)
- Fuel system generation documented (HEUI early vs HPCR late ISM)
- Turbocharger condition assessed (VGT vane movement on later variants)
- EGR cooler condition documented (a known ISM service point)
- Top-end inspection
- Donor application traced (Class 8 truck, fire apparatus, motor coach, transit bus, RV)
- Mileage documented when verifiable
- Free crated freight delivery to all 48 contiguous states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Cummins-experienced support team on the phone with knowledge of ISM generation differences and HEUI vs common rail fuel system specifics
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm ISM generation (EPA98 / EPA02 / EPA07 / EPA10), fuel system architecture (HEUI on early ISM, high-pressure common rail on late ISM), donor application (Class 8 truck, fire apparatus, motor coach, transit / school bus, RV, industrial), Cummins family position (mid-Class 8 between lighter ISC / ISL and heavier ISX15 per vaz104), and emissions aftertreatment configuration before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Cummins ISM engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Compression failures on any of the 6 cylinders beyond what was disclosed
- Cylinder head crack failures within 15 days from installation (where head was documented as crack-free at shipping)
- HEUI or HPCR injector failures within 15 days from installation (where fuel system was documented as functional at shipping)
- Turbocharger failures within 15 days from installation (where turbo was documented as functional at shipping)
- EGR cooler failures within 15 days from installation on EPA02+ variants
- Connecting rod, lifter, or bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Incorrect generation shipped (EPA98 vs EPA02 vs EPA07 vs EPA10) due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from running with contaminated diesel fuel (water, dirt, particulates; both HEUI and HPCR fuel systems are sensitive to fuel contamination)
- Damage from extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil viscosity (Cummins-approved API CK-4 or CJ-4 spec required per production year)
- Damage from operating with neglected cooling system
- Damage from running with non-ULSD fuel on EPA07+ variants
- Damage from emissions equipment removal or tampering on EPA07+ / EPA10 variants
- Damage from aggressive aftermarket tuning beyond Cummins-approved fuel maps
- External components (ECM if separately documented, harness, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, DPF / SCR / DEF system, starter, alternator, water pump, thermostat, transmission, fan clutch, AC compressor, air compressor, engine mounts) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- All 6 Cylinders Tested: Compression results documented before payment
- Generation Authenticated: EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, or EPA10 documented for ECM matching
- Fuel System Generation Documented: HEUI early ISM vs HPCR late ISM identified
- Turbocharger Condition Assessed: VGT vane movement on later variants tested
- EGR Cooler Condition Documented: Known service point inspected
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| aspiration | Turbocharged |
|---|---|
| bore-x-stroke | 5.39 inches x 6.73 inches |
| clutch-engagement-torque | 700 lb-ft |
| compression-ratio | 15:1 to 18:1 |
| cooling-system | Liquid-cooled |
| fuel-system | High-pressure common rail direct injection |
| number-of-cylinders | 6 |
Cummins mid-Class 8 diesel succession from M11 through ISM. The Cummins ISM is the electronic successor to the legendary Cummins M11 mid-Class 8 diesel engine. The full lineage: 1994-1998 Cummins M11 (mechanical, with mechanical injection pump and inline injectors, renowned for simplicity and reliability), 1998-2007 Cummins ISM Early Electronic (the first electronic version using HEUI Hydraulically actuated Electronic Unit Injector fuel system across EPA98 and EPA02 emissions), 2007-2010 Cummins ISM Late Electronic (EPA07 added DPF aftertreatment, EPA10 added SCR with DEF, late production transitioned to high-pressure common rail fuel system), 2010+ ISM production ended (lighter applications moved to ISL9, heavier moved to ISX which became the ISX15 then X15 per vaz104). The ISM occupies the strategic mid-range position between lighter ISC / ISL and heavier ISX in the Cummins lineup.
Early vs late ISM fuel system architecture. The Cummins ISM was produced with two distinct fuel injection system architectures across its production span. Early ISM (1998-2007 production, EPA98 and EPA02 generations) used HEUI (Hydraulically actuated Electronic Unit Injector) fuel system, where high-pressure engine oil (3,000-plus psi) actuates the injectors mechanically while the ECU controls injection timing electronically. HEUI is sensitive to fuel contamination and engine oil contamination; proactive fuel filter changes at every oil interval are critical. Late ISM (2007-2010 production, EPA07 and EPA10 generations) transitioned to high-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel system, where a high-pressure pump pressurizes a common fuel rail to 25,000-plus psi feeding solenoid-actuated injectors directly. HPCR enables higher injection pressures, more precise multi-shot injection events, and better emissions performance. The transition reflects the broader heavy-duty diesel industry move from unit-injector to common rail technology.
Five major application categories with fire apparatus being the largest. The Cummins ISM serves five major application categories. Class 8 highway and vocational trucks: Freightliner Cascadia (mid-Class 8 configuration), Kenworth T800 (vocational), Peterbilt 379 (owner-operator long-hood), International 9400i, Volvo VNL, Mack Granite, Western Star 4900. Fire apparatus is the dominant ISM application market: Pierce Arrow XT, Spartan ERV, Sutphen, Seagrave, Rosenbauer, HME, E-One. Motor coaches: MCI J4500, Prevost H3-45, Van Hool. Transit and school buses: Blue Bird All-American, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner, New Flyer Xcelsior, Gillig Phantom and Low Floor. Premium recreational vehicles: Winnebago Journey, Tiffin Phaeton, Country Coach, Newmar, Foretravel, Monaco. Some industrial / off-highway applications also use the ISM, though less common.
Mid-Class 8 vs flagship Class 8 displacement classes. The Cummins ISM (this listing, 10.8L) and the Cummins ISX15 / X15 (our vaz104 listing, 14.9L) serve different segments of the Class 8 truck diesel market. The ISM is the mid-Class 8 option optimized for applications where the full ISX heavy-haul capability is not needed: fire apparatus, motor coaches, transit / school buses, RVs, and lighter vocational and regional-haul Class 8 trucks. The ISX15 / X15 is the flagship Class 8 option for heavy long-haul, premium owner-operator, and severe-duty vocational applications requiring up to 605 HP and 2,050 lb-ft. The ISM offers better power-to-weight ratio and better fuel consumption in mid-weight applications; the ISX15 / X15 offers higher peak power and torque for heavy applications. Total cost of ownership analysis often favors the ISM for fire apparatus and coach markets where the lighter, more efficient mid-Class 8 architecture better matches duty cycle.
Strategic match between ISM characteristics and fire apparatus duty cycle. The Cummins ISM is the dominant engine choice across major fire apparatus manufacturers (Pierce, Spartan, Sutphen, Seagrave, Rosenbauer, HME, E-One) for several reasons specific to fire service duty cycles. The 10.8L displacement provides sufficient power for fire apparatus payload (pumper, tanker, aerial ladder) without the weight penalty of a larger 15L engine. The mid-Class 8 architecture matches fire apparatus chassis design requirements (axle ratings, chassis frame, cab configuration). The proven Cummins reliability and broad fire apparatus mechanic familiarity reduces fire department maintenance costs and downtime. The ISM service network is extensive across municipal fire department supplier networks. Fire apparatus operate in stop-and-start emergency response duty cycle (frequent cold starts, brief high-load runs, extended idle at scene), which favors the ISM characteristics over flagship-class diesels optimized for long-haul highway cruise.
EPA98, EPA02, EPA07, EPA10. The Cummins ISM was produced across four major EPA emissions compliance levels. EPA98 (1998-2002 production) was the original ISM electronic generation with HEUI fuel system, no EGR. EPA02 (2002-2007 production) added EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for NOx reduction while retaining HEUI fuel system. EPA07 (2007-2010 production) added DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) aftertreatment for particulate matter control. EPA10 (2010 production end) added SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) dosing for additional NOx reduction, with late production transitioning to high-pressure common rail fuel system. ISM production ended in 2010 as Cummins consolidated mid-Class 8 production around the ISL9 (lighter) and ISX15 (heavier) engines.
Multi-OEM availability across Class 8 chassis. The Cummins ISM was a widely-available engine option across multiple chassis manufacturers, reflecting Cummins independent engine supplier business model. Freightliner Cascadia (with ISM option in mid-Class 8 configuration). Kenworth T800 (vocational and severe-duty chassis). Peterbilt 379 (owner-operator long-hood). International 9400i (premium aerodynamic Class 8). Volvo VNL. Mack Granite (with Cummins ISM option in some configurations alongside Mack-branded engines). Western Star 4900 (vocational). The ISM was also widely available in fire apparatus (Pierce, Spartan, Sutphen, Seagrave, Rosenbauer, HME, E-One), motor coaches (MCI, Prevost, Van Hool), and buses (Blue Bird, Thomas Built, New Flyer, Gillig). Tell us your specific chassis and we will confirm ISM compatibility and ECM programming requirements.
No. There is no core return required.
2 reviews for Cummins ISM Engine for Sale | OEM Used 10.8 Liter Inline-6 Mid-Class 8 Diesel Producing 280 to 425 HP and 1,150 to 1,550 lb-ft Torque
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Maximilian B. –
Got an EPA07 ISM for a Pierce Arrow XT fire apparatus replacement. Generation correctly identified as EPA07 (NOT the earlier HEUI-only EPA98 / EPA02 or the EPA10 with SCR / DEF), all 6 cylinders compression tested, fuel system documented as HEUI (early ISM architecture still in use during EPA07), DPF aftertreatment hardware condition documented. Honest pre-purchase information about the ISM dominance in fire apparatus market (Pierce, Spartan, Sutphen, Seagrave, Rosenbauer, HME, E-One) and the mid-Class 8 family position between lighter ISL / ISC and heavier ISX15 per vaz104.
Quintessa A. –
Sourced an EPA10 ISM for a MCI J4500 motor coach replacement. Generation correctly identified as EPA10 (the late production with SCR / DEF and high-pressure common rail transition), all 6 cylinders compression tested, common rail injectors inspected. Honest pre-purchase information about the M11 mechanical predecessor lineage (1994-1998), the proactive fuel filter change at every oil interval, and the ISM applications in fire apparatus, motor coaches, transit / school buses, and premium RVs.