Mack vs Cummins debate - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Crash_AF · 02-24-2008, 02:21

I'm looking at a pair of wreckers right now, one is a 543 with a Mack engine and a 816 with a Cummins and need some help.

I know something of the Cummins 250, but absolutely NOTHING about the Mack so I need someone who knows these engines to give me some details about them.

Some questions:
How is parts availability on the Mack (I know Cummins parts are more widely available)?

What is the cost of maintenance of the Mack compared to the Cummins?

How is the power of the Mack motor?

Anything else I should look out for or know about those engines?

Later,
Joe

rdixiemiller · 02-24-2008, 08:17

The old Mack END673 has a reputation for power and reliability. So does the 250 Cummins. Assuming normal maintenance (fuel filters, oil changes, etc.), There should be very little to no difference. If you are talking about overhauling an engine, price probably won't be too different (assuming commercial parts). If you have a line on Milsurp rebuild kits, the Cummins would be cheaper. Labor would be about the same, they are basically the same general design (2 heads, mechanical inj. system, etc.). Used engines via GL? Mack is almost unheard of here, lots of Cummins. I would recommend you look at the overall condition of the truck and let that decide for you. If you just like the idea of one engine over the other, go with what makes you happy. In the final analysis, that is what really counts!

beaubeau · 02-24-2008, 09:20

I agree totally !! The best part of a Mack Truck is the Engine! Although I have seen many Macks with Detroit, Macks and Cat. engines in them. Some people are True to Mack as some people are to Hardly DDDIVIDDSON!!! Just a Name!!Choose the truck in the best of shape. Good Luck, Phil

m16ty · 02-24-2008, 10:10

rdixiemiller, A Cummins has 3 heads, not 2. The fuel injection system is very different between the two. Mack uses a in-line injector pump and Cummins uses a PT pump that supplies constant pressure to the injectors that are fired off the camshaft rockers inside the head.
I've ran both in civilain trucks and they are both good engines. From what I've seen a Cummins is cheaper to work on though.

joec · 02-24-2008, 11:22

But as far as durability the mack hands down. Almost he same design as the multi but the mack has oils squirters on for the pistons..Atleast last one i looked up at changing bearings doing a inframe did. Friggin rear in the way sucks..!!

I would prefer a mack. I have the multi in my 543. When it pops it is getting either a mack or a cat w/allison and a jake brake.

Bolkbich · 02-24-2008, 11:46

The Mack motor pulls as good as a good running cummins. The Mack is alot more expensive to fix , parts are alot harder to find . Ive owned both and i know the cummins will take more abuse. The Mack motor is not the same as a civilian motor (thermodyne). The block is definitley different and it doesnt have fire rings at the top of the cylinders plus lots of other differences. If both trucks are nice choose the cummins , but if the mack motored truck is nicer id buy it

DaveP · 02-24-2008, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by joec

But as far as durability the mack hands down. Almost he same design as the multi but the mack has oils squirters on for the pistons..Atleast last one i looked up at changing bearings doing a inframe did. Friggin rear in the way sucks..!! .

I would prefer a mack. I have the multi in my 543. When it pops it is getting either a mack or a cat w/allison and a jake brake.

i know a lot of you will not like this but if the Mack is anything like the multi, i will steer clear of them

DDoyle · 02-24-2008, 13:02

ENDT-673 parts are much harder to find and more expensive than those of the Cummins - at least at this point in time.

Regards,
David

joec · 02-24-2008, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveP

Quote:

Originally Posted by joec

But as far as durability the mack hands down. Almost he same design as the multi but the mack has oils squirters on for the pistons..Atleast last one i looked up at changing bearings doing a inframe did. Friggin rear in the way sucks..!! .

I would prefer a mack. I have the multi in my 543. When it pops it is getting either a mack or a cat w/allison and a jake brake.

i know a lot of you will not like this but if the Mack is anything like the multi, i will steer clear of them

I mean they are similar in design. But what the mack is to a multi is like comparing a Cat to a multifuel. The mack is one of the strongest running engines. You just cant kill them.
Lots of torque. Not the 3208 cat...inline 6..3116 and so on.

I would go with the civillian version Mack 237 or bigger. But as far as internals The mack has them beat hands down.

Bolkbich · 02-24-2008, 19:04

A Mack civilian 237-300 Maxidyne is different. I cant remember exactly , but i think the oil pump is in a different spot on the block and you cant interchange them . The only Mack motor you can use is the military version. I put 250 hp Thermodyne pump and injectors in mine. It would pull like crazy compared to a stock military Thermodyne, but not near as good as my cummins with a turbo ,335 hp injectors and a full lock button in the pump....probably 375 hp. Plus you can run a jake on the Cummins. All the Cummins parts are plentiful, new and used. The multi -fuel doesnt compare to either motor.