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NHC-250
Cummins
The Cummins NHC-250 is a legendary 14-liter, inline-six diesel engine that set the standard for reliability and durability in the mid-20th century. As a cornerstone of the renowned Cummins "NH" family, this 250-horsepower mechanical workhorse was engineered for simplicity, rugged performance, and ease of service. Although long out of production, the NHC-250 is remembered as a quintessential powerplant that drove the expansion of global transportation and industry, with many units still in operation today thanks to its robust design and worldwide parts support.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Cummins NHC-250 |
| Configuration | In-line 6 Cylinder, 4-Stroke |
| Displacement | 14.0 L (855 cubic inches) |
| Rated Power | 186 kW (250 HP) @ 2100 RPM |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated (or Turbocharged, model dependent) |
| Fuel System | Cummins PT (Pressure-Time) Mechanical Fuel Pump |
| Production Era | ~1965 - 1984 (Representative of NH series timeline) |
The NHC-250 was a versatile and ubiquitous power source for heavy-duty equipment of its time, finding a home in numerous demanding roles:
Heavy-Duty Trucks: The primary application, powering long-haul conventional trucks, dump trucks, and logging trucks from manufacturers like Kenworth, Peterbilt, and International Harvester.
Construction & Mining Equipment: Provided reliable power for off-highway haul trucks, large wheel loaders, cranes, and crushers.
Industrial & Power Generation: Served as a dependable prime mover for large stationary generator sets, irrigation pumps, and industrial drives.
Special Vehicles: Found use in fire apparatus, military vehicles, and marine applications due to its proven reliability.
1. Renowned PT Fuel System: Mechanical Simplicity & Reliability
At the heart of the NHC-250 is the iconic Cummins PT (Pressure-Time) fuel system. This fully mechanical, gear-driven system is celebrated for its simplicity, durability, and ease of adjustment and repair. It operates on the principle of using fuel pressure (P) and the time (T) a metering orifice is open to control the amount of fuel delivered to the injectors, providing precise and robust performance without complex electronics.
2. Robust "Big Cam" Design & Construction
The engine is built on an immensely strong cast-iron cylinder block and head, designed to withstand extreme stress. Later versions featured the improved "Big Cam" design, which incorporated a revised camshaft profile and larger bearings. This upgrade enhanced durability, increased torque, and improved overall engine efficiency and longevity, solidifying its reputation as a "million-mile" engine.
3. Proven Air System & Cooling
While early models were naturally aspirated, many NHC-250s were equipped with a turbocharger (making it the NTC-250) to significantly boost power and efficiency. The engine utilized a pressurized cooling system with a gear-driven water pump, ensuring effective heat management even under continuous full-load operation.
4. Unmatched Serviceability & Legacy Support
A key to its enduring legacy is its straightforward, service-friendly design. Major components are accessible, and its mechanical nature allows for diagnosis and repair with basic tools. Decades after production ended, a vast global network continues to support the NHC-250 with remanufactured parts, technical documentation, and expert service, keeping these iconic engines running.
The Cummins NHC-250 is a legendary 14-liter, inline-six diesel engine that set the standard for reliability and durability in the mid-20th century. As a cornerstone of the renowned Cummins "NH" family, this 250-horsepower mechanical workhorse was engineered for simplicity, rugged performance, and ease of service. Although long out of production, the NHC-250 is remembered as a quintessential powerplant that drove the expansion of global transportation and industry, with many units still in operation today thanks to its robust design and worldwide parts support.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Cummins NHC-250 |
| Configuration | In-line 6 Cylinder, 4-Stroke |
| Displacement | 14.0 L (855 cubic inches) |
| Rated Power | 186 kW (250 HP) @ 2100 RPM |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated (or Turbocharged, model dependent) |
| Fuel System | Cummins PT (Pressure-Time) Mechanical Fuel Pump |
| Production Era | ~1965 - 1984 (Representative of NH series timeline) |
The NHC-250 was a versatile and ubiquitous power source for heavy-duty equipment of its time, finding a home in numerous demanding roles:
Heavy-Duty Trucks: The primary application, powering long-haul conventional trucks, dump trucks, and logging trucks from manufacturers like Kenworth, Peterbilt, and International Harvester.
Construction & Mining Equipment: Provided reliable power for off-highway haul trucks, large wheel loaders, cranes, and crushers.
Industrial & Power Generation: Served as a dependable prime mover for large stationary generator sets, irrigation pumps, and industrial drives.
Special Vehicles: Found use in fire apparatus, military vehicles, and marine applications due to its proven reliability.
1. Renowned PT Fuel System: Mechanical Simplicity & Reliability
At the heart of the NHC-250 is the iconic Cummins PT (Pressure-Time) fuel system. This fully mechanical, gear-driven system is celebrated for its simplicity, durability, and ease of adjustment and repair. It operates on the principle of using fuel pressure (P) and the time (T) a metering orifice is open to control the amount of fuel delivered to the injectors, providing precise and robust performance without complex electronics.
2. Robust "Big Cam" Design & Construction
The engine is built on an immensely strong cast-iron cylinder block and head, designed to withstand extreme stress. Later versions featured the improved "Big Cam" design, which incorporated a revised camshaft profile and larger bearings. This upgrade enhanced durability, increased torque, and improved overall engine efficiency and longevity, solidifying its reputation as a "million-mile" engine.
3. Proven Air System & Cooling
While early models were naturally aspirated, many NHC-250s were equipped with a turbocharger (making it the NTC-250) to significantly boost power and efficiency. The engine utilized a pressurized cooling system with a gear-driven water pump, ensuring effective heat management even under continuous full-load operation.
4. Unmatched Serviceability & Legacy Support
A key to its enduring legacy is its straightforward, service-friendly design. Major components are accessible, and its mechanical nature allows for diagnosis and repair with basic tools. Decades after production ended, a vast global network continues to support the NHC-250 with remanufactured parts, technical documentation, and expert service, keeping these iconic engines running.