Cummins V8 555 & 903

ive heard a lot of bad things about the cummins 555 VT190s etc .. are they as bad as what people say ..also what sort of horsepower do they put out i know some accos had the VT190 VT210 etc ...even the old AT4 dodges had a 185hp non turbo 555 i believe

Well the 'triple 5's' had the knickname of 'CRIPPLE FIVES' and it was a well deserved reputation that they earned.

regards greenie [smiley=vrolijk_1.gif]

The best possible use for these motors is, as a boat anchor.

What Greenie said - a mechanic mate used to call them "Triple Trouble"...........

i always remember them referred to the triple trrouble .. im just curious as to what there problems were..ive noticed a few of them are hooked up to allison autos

The old 555's and 903's in there day made alot of money for alot of people.
The old V8 210 in the butterbox's from all accounts wasnt a bad donk for its day. Wouldve been a pretty smart bit of kit in the 60's a nice shiny new ACCO with Cummins power.
I think some of the freight companies than ran 903's in the 70's gave a few a run for their money...They didnt have the quick diff ratios that we have now so a 903 running at 2600 and an O/D gave em some legs.
Once they had been around for awhile and had a few hours up they could give all sorts of trouble. Maintainence had to be spot on or you could be in trouble with valve gear, camshaft problems. Cooling systems also if the mix wasnt kept perfect liners and blocks had problems.
The NA 903 was 290 horse.
Its interesting that there are still some fella's running 903's and swear buy them....maybe its better the devil you know than the new electronic limp home mode.
Even if they are crap they sound pretty sweet when their busy.
903's were a disaster in the marine industry...most flew to bits.
Got a NA 903 for free if someone wants it.

Basil

the reason im asking is theres a acco (auto unfortunally)with a 25ft x 10ft high tautliner body ..fitted with a VT210 (i guess a "updated version")of the old 555 .. im just a bit concerned about their reputation .. like Basil ive found that most guys like the 903s but they admit they are a bit slow nowadays . . thanks for the input guys cheers ken

Ken,

The PT fuel system on these Cummins engines had a little orifice pill that could be changed to uprate the HP. Im sure the VT210 is a VT190 uprated.
Atkipete will know im sure.
I think some engines have reputations sometimes they really dont deserve cos they havent been looked after. The poor old 3208 Cat is another engine that has been generally given the "crap" badge...still plenty of them going strong though.
Wouldnt be to worried about the 210 if its been looked after, has proper coolant in it. Have a look at the coolant slow release filter looking thingy and see if its a proper Cummins (fleetguard) canister and if it looks like its been changed. Should be done reguraly so it will look in reasonable nick.
It will honk some smoke out when started up cold to. This is pretty normal for them.

Basil

GM diesel

are you serious about that 903,,i might be interested.PAT.

Pat,

If you want it, its yours dude.
If you dont need it until Nov 2010 I can bring it over for you if before I can cobble up a fork frame under it send it over.
It runs okay with good oil pressure. Compressor, fan etc is all there.
The CPL number is 0126.
The pump number is 2989 = 295hp@2600rpm

Basil

SOLD :-*
baz i am in no hurry, just ask andy about my line up of projects
looks like i will owe you some Cane cutters cordial
thankyou --pat