Cummins X15 Delete Problems: Here's What You Should Know

Cummins is a powerful brand with its badge stamped on millions of pickup trucks and semi-trailers worldwide. The X15 Cummins engine is a masterpiece that displays awe both in performance and reliability. But like every other engine or machinery, the X15 Cummins has its fair share of issues.

In our article today, we take a closer look at the X15 Cummins delete problems. We will explore the world where truckers and mechanics delete their engines in the hope that the engine will give better performance and overall reliability. While engine delete comes with some tangible benefits, it also comes with huge risks and disadvantages. Here, we learn of the problems and, more than that, the basic information about X15 Cummins.

An overview of X15 Cummins

The X15 Cummins engine is touted as the undisputed market leader in its class by Cummins. The engine boasts exceptional throttle response and a super-efficient Xtra-High pressure injection fuel system. The fuel system is 15% better in horsepower and records 60% more torque than the ISX12.

The X15 Cummins is a straight-inline diesel engine that was introduced in 2001 when EPA emissions regulations made the N14 obsolete. It is a 14.9l engine with a stage V certification level. The engine boasts between 450-675 hp power and an upped torque of 1600-2200 lb-ft.

Cummins has invested in making the X15 engine powerful and effective in powering heavy-duty rigs. The company has not neglected to ensure the EPA regulations are observed in every way possible. In fact, the X15 engine is a step ahead when it comes to meeting the EPA emissions regulations.

The X15 Cummins engine boasts a 3.5% better fuel efficiency than the 2019 model. The company has ensured that the engine improves every year, making it very competitive in the aggressive and technological heavy-duty truck engines field.

The power the X15 Cummins records is enormous. However, experienced drivers know that this engine can give much better results. For law-abiding drivers and owners, regular maintenance and proper handling are the answer to getting the most out of the engine. The engine will still feel underpowered, and that's why some drivers opt to bend and break the law by deleting it.

What does deleting X15 Cummins mean?

Delete in a diesel engine means the act or process of removing the emissions controls installed in your engine by the engine manufacturer. Engine deletion involves the removal of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) or the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In the X15 Cummins engine, delete involves capping the EGR and removing the SCR, DPF, and contents inside them. You will then replace these components with a depleted kit.

Delete on the X15 Cummins allows the engine to improve power from 450 hp to over 500 hp. If not done by an experienced mechanic, the power can go well over 600 hp, which can be disastrous after several months. The most apparent reason people go for engine delete is to give the engine more power. But for most people, the desired horsepower increase is never achieved. A dyno measures the exact hp increase achieved by a delete. Since the X15 Cummins is a jumbo engine that powers big trucks and road trains, some people delete the engine to make it roar even louder.

To best understand what a deplete kit does to your X15 engine, it is important that we first explain what an EGR is and what it does. An EGR, just like the words say, is an exhaust gas recirculation component fitted in engines to reduce exhaust emissions into the environment. An EGR is a requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Cummins must install it in the X15 engine if the engine is to meet and pass the EPA requirements.

The exhaust gas from the engine is directed back into the air intake, which goes into the engine, where the exhaust gases are burnt completely before release to the environment. An EGR technology has given some engine manufacturers challenges, and Cummins is no exception. In earlier years, Cummins was known to have unreliable EGRs, which really frustrated engine owners. Over the years, Cummins improved their EGRs and are now more reliable, but a bad reputation takes a while to go away.

Problems arising after X15 Cummins delete

The problems you are likely to face after X15 Cummins delete are several. Some of the problems have nothing to do with the actual deletion but compliance with the laws of the land. Of course, delete enthusiasts and supporters will give you a list of advantages, but once you get the full picture of the problems you may encounter, you will be better informed.

It's illegal

The EPA regulations require the X15 Cummins engine and other engines to be equipped with an EGR system. This system helps reduce emissions into the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse effect in the world. While you can move around the highways and roads freely, you risk being slapped with very high fines when the concerned authorities establish you have done an engine delete.

Failed inspection

The X15 Cummins engines rolled out from the Cummins production houses now meet the Euro 6 Standards. The Efficiency series meets the EPA and Greenhouse Gas Phase 2 rules and meets all emissions conditions of 2021. The same applies to the Performance and Productivity series. When you delete the emissions system of your X15, your truck will fail the emissions inspection, which can be a real headache.

Engine knocking

You will likely hear knocking sounds when you bypass the EGR and the DPF. If you do not do timing retarding; you will have some trouble. The EGR or the emissions system in your X15 Cummins help in octane rating. Once you delete the engine, you should either change the fuel or retard the engine's timing.

Check engine light and problem-diagnosing the engine

This is a common problem that every driver who deletes their engine should anticipate. A problem with the EGR system leads to the check engine light going on. Your truck will show the warning light once you conduct a delete engine exercise. You will need to erase the light using a scanner to avoid the CEL popping up every so often. The other issue with engine deletion is that the ECU can act up and send the wrong codes. This is because you have changed the engine and EGR system settings.

Increased cylinder operating temperature

The EGR is designed to allow some exhaust gases to go back into the engine's air intake system. Since these gases have very little oxygen, if any, the amount of fuel required reduces, leading to reduced operating temperature inside the combustion chamber. The more oxygen in the combustion chamber, the more fuel is required and the higher the optimum operating temperature.

Engine delete means more oxygen enters the engine, consequently making the combustion take in more fuel hence more intense heat due to the combustion. An increase in temperature is experienced. The increased power and the louder engine overshadow the increased temperature for many delete fans. It is important to note that increased temperature strains the radiator and the truck's cooling system.

What you should know before doing an X15 Cummins delete

The return of exhaust gases into the engine for a second 'burning' helps reduce the NOx and other harmful gas emissions into the environment. There are obvious advantages, such as increased power and the engine reaching its full potential, especially when hauling and going up hills. But even with the obvious and apparent benefits, there are a few things that you should be aware of, such as;

• Engine delete voids the warranty

The X15 Cummins engine is backed by a 2-year warranty or 250,000 miles, whichever comes earlier. If you opt for the protection plan plus extended coverage (PPPEC), you get a 5-year or a 500,000 miles warranty. When you go for an engine delete, you make this warranty void. If your truck is pretty new, doing an engine delete might not be very advisable.

• Some authorized dealerships will refuse to work on your truck

As stated earlier, engine delete is illegal and also attracts hefty fines from the government. It makes sense then that an authorized Cummins dealer will not engage in any activity that will jeopardize its business and standing with Cummins and its operating license.

• Sometimes, an EGR change is all that is needed

If you are looking to boost your horsepower, the best thing to do is ensure proper engine maintenance. In the case of reduced power, it might be good to check the EGR system and repair it or replace it before you can consider a delete.

Conclusion

The X15 Cummins engine is a monster when it comes to power and performance. You may have noticed a Kenworth, Freightliner Cascadia, Mack, or Volvo semi-trailer that displayed more power than usual or whose roar was sweeter than 'normal.' The owners may have done an engine delete to the X15 Cummins, which is likely powering it.

But before you can consider doing an engine delete, read the engine specs of the X15 Cummins and see just how powerful it is, then consider the disadvantages a delete comes with. Acquainting yourself with all the information will help you make an informed decision.