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O Trucking
Commercial Truck Engine

PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)

8.90L Inline-6 turbo diesel • PACCAR (Cummins-licensed)

Production 2007–present Class 6-8 (vocational) 260–380 hp
In production
Displacement
8.90L
Configuration
Inline-6 turbo diesel
Power range
260–380 hp
Production
2007–present

About the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)

The PACCAR PX-9 is PACCAR's 8.9L medium-heavy engine — a rebadged Cummins L9 (formerly ISL9, originally ISL 8.3L) manufactured under license. Used in heavier Class 7 medium-duty and lighter Class 8 vocational applications where PX-7's output isn't enough. Like the PX-7, the PX-9 is mechanically identical to its Cummins counterpart with PACCAR-specific software calibration in some specs.

Overview

The PACCAR PX-9 is PACCAR's 8.9L medium-heavy engine — a rebadged Cummins L9 (formerly ISL9, originally ISL 8.3L) manufactured under license. Used in heavier Class 7 medium-duty and lighter Class 8 vocational applications where PX-7's output isn't enough. Like the PX-7, the PX-9 is mechanically identical to its Cummins counterpart with PACCAR-specific software calibration in some specs.

Specifications
Manufacturer
PACCAR (Cummins-licensed)
Displacement
8.90 liters
Configuration
Inline-6 turbo diesel
Fuel type
Diesel
Horsepower
260–380 hp
Torque
720–1250 lb-ft
Production years
2007–present
Truck classes
Class 6-8 (vocational)
Applications
Heavier medium-duty + vocational Kenworth + Peterbilt
Design and engineering

8.9L Cummins-built inline-6. Identical hardware to Cummins L9. Common rail. SCR + DEF aftertreatment.

Generations and emissions eras
PX-9 (ISL9-based)
2007–2013
EPA 2010-era.
PX-9 with SCR
2014–present
SCR + DEF refined.
Reliability and longevity

Same as Cummins L9. Strong reliability in vocational duty cycles.

Common problems

Same family as Cummins L9 — DEF system, EGR cooler, NOx sensors.

Pros and cons

✓ Pros

  • • Cummins L9 reliability under PACCAR brand
  • • Right-sized for medium-heavy
  • • Kenworth/Peterbilt integration

⚠ Cons

  • • DEF/SCR complexity
  • • Brand confusion for parts ordering
Trucks that use this engine

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)?
The PACCAR PX-9 is PACCAR's 8.9L medium-heavy engine — a rebadged Cummins L9 (formerly ISL9, originally ISL 8.3L) manufactured under license. Used in heavier Class 7 medium-duty and lighter Class 8 vocational applications where PX-7's output isn't enough. Like the PX-7, the PX-9 is mechanically identical to its Cummins counterpart with PACCAR-specific software calibration in some specs.
What trucks use the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)?
The PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived) is used in 5 truck models we cover: Kenworth K370 (cabover), Kenworth T370, Kenworth T440, Peterbilt 337, Peterbilt 348. It primarily appears in Class 6-8 (vocational) applications for Heavier medium-duty + vocational Kenworth + Peterbilt.
Is the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived) reliable?
Same as Cummins L9. Strong reliability in vocational duty cycles.
What are the common problems with the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)?
Same family as Cummins L9 — DEF system, EGR cooler, NOx sensors.
How does the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived) compare to competitors?
PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived) competes with other major commercial diesel engines including Cummins B6.7, Ford Power Stroke 6.7L, and Duramax 6.6L. Each has different strengths in fuel economy, reliability, parts availability, and resale impact. See the pros and cons section above for specific comparisons.
What's the resale impact of buying a truck with the PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)?
Engine choice significantly affects truck resale value. Cummins-equipped trucks typically command the highest resale premium across all manufacturers, while emerging engines (International A26) or troubled legacy engines (MaxxForce 13) command lower resale.

Operating PACCAR PX-9 (Cummins L9-derived)-equipped trucks? Talk to us.

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