Description
Used PACCAR MX-13 Engine For Sale
The PACCAR MX-13 engine is a testament to robust engineering and exceptional performance in the commercial trucking industry. The durable and fuel-efficient nature of this PACCAR MX-13 engine for sale at our store makes it a preferred choice for Kenworth and Peterbilt truck operators who want proven PACCAR power for their Class 8 long-haul and vocational applications.
The PACCAR MX-13 Heritage
The PACCAR MX-13 is a 12.9-liter Inline-6 diesel engine, the flagship engine product from PACCAR Inc., parent company of Kenworth Truck Company, Peterbilt Motors, and European truck manufacturer DAF Trucks. The MX-13 has its roots in the DAF MX-13 engine introduced in European DAF trucks in 2005, after PACCAR’s acquisition of DAF in 1996 enabled global engine platform sharing.
The MX-13 was launched in North American Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in 2010 (2011 model year), produced at PACCAR’s brand-new engine manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi, which opened in 2010 specifically to produce the MX-13 for the North American market.
The MX-13 has gone through multiple generations to address tightening emissions and efficiency requirements:
- 2011 to 2017 MX-13: Original North American production (EPA10 / GHG14 emissions)
- 2017+ MX-13: GHG17 emissions with engine downspeeding optimizations for improved fuel economy at highway cruise
- Current MX-13: GHG21+ emissions with continuing efficiency improvements
- DAF MX-13: European market equivalent, slightly different calibrations and accessories
The MX-13 also has a smaller sibling, the PACCAR MX-11 (10.8 liter Inline-6), for lighter-duty Class 8 and Class 7 applications.
Condition of PACCAR MX-13 Engines
Our inventory includes used PACCAR MX-13 engines that are meticulously inspected and fully tested. The engines are categorized based on their condition:
- Used Engines: These engines are thoroughly checked for wear, with all 6 cylinders compression tested, high-pressure common rail injectors inspected, VGT turbocharger condition assessed, and emissions aftertreatment hardware (DPF / SCR / DEF / EGR cooler) condition documented before shipping.
Key Features of PACCAR MX-13 Engine
The PACCAR MX-13 engine is renowned for its advanced features:
- High-Pressure Common Rail Injection: The MX-13 uses high-pressure common rail direct injection with injection pressures up to approximately 2,500 bar (about 36,250 psi), delivering precisely-metered fuel for optimal combustion, better fuel efficiency, and reduced engine noise compared to mechanical injection systems.
- Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT): The MX-13’s VGT optimizes turbocharger performance across the engine’s full operating range by varying the angle of the turbine inlet vanes, controlling boost pressure and exhaust energy recovery for both low-rpm response and high-rpm power.
- Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) Block: The MX-13 cylinder block is cast from Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a material that is approximately 75% stronger and 40% stiffer than conventional gray cast iron while being lighter. CGI allows the MX-13 to handle higher peak cylinder pressures (essential for high-efficiency combustion) without weight penalty.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): Cooled EGR reduces NOx formation by recirculating a metered portion of exhaust gas back into the engine intake, complementing the SCR aftertreatment system for full emissions compliance.
- Integrated PACCAR Engine Brake: The MX-13 features an integrated compression-release engine brake (similar in operation to a Jacobs Engine Brake), providing significant downhill retarding power to reduce wear on the service brakes and enable safer mountain descents with heavy Class 8 loads.
- DOHC 4-Valve Cylinder Heads: Double overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 2 exhaust per cylinder, 24 valves total) optimize airflow into and out of the combustion chambers, enabling better volumetric efficiency, lower pumping losses, and improved fuel economy at cruise.
- Advanced Cooling System: A high-efficiency radiator and coolant system maintains optimal operating temperatures even under maximum load on mountain grades or in high-ambient-temperature conditions.
- Oil Management System: Enhanced oil filtration and cooling extends oil service intervals (typically 50,000 to 75,000 miles in linehaul service with PACCAR oil sampling program) and contributes to overall engine longevity.
- Electronic Control Module (ECM): The MX-13 ECM monitors and manages engine parameters in real-time, providing precise control of fuel injection, turbocharger boost, EGR flow, and aftertreatment dosing, with full integration into the Kenworth or Peterbilt vehicle control network for diagnostics and driver information.
- B10 Design Life of 1,000,000 Miles: PACCAR engineers the MX-13 with a B10 design life of 1,000,000 miles, meaning only 10% of engines reach end-of-life by one million miles of service, making the MX-13 one of the most durable Class 8 truck engines on the market.
The PACCAR MX-13 Engine Fits
Kenworth Trucks:
- Kenworth T680 (the dominant MX-13 application, Kenworth’s flagship aerodynamic long-haul truck; the T680 with MX-13 is one of the most-sold combinations in the Class 8 market)
- Kenworth T880 (Kenworth’s vocational and heavy-haul chassis with MX-13 power option)
- Kenworth W990 (Kenworth’s premium conventional long-hood truck with MX-13 option)
- Kenworth T370 (medium-heavy Class 7 / 8 vocational chassis)
- Kenworth T660 (legacy aerodynamic chassis preceding the T680, MX-13 available in later production)
Peterbilt Trucks:
- Peterbilt 579 (the dominant Peterbilt MX-13 application, Peterbilt’s flagship aerodynamic long-haul truck; the 579 with MX-13 mirrors the Kenworth T680 in Peterbilt branding)
- Peterbilt 567 (Peterbilt’s vocational and severe-duty chassis)
- Peterbilt 389 (Peterbilt’s premium long-hood conventional, the iconic “owner-operator” truck, MX-13 option)
- Peterbilt 520 (refuse and severe-duty cab-over chassis)
- Peterbilt 365 (vocational and heavy-haul chassis)
DAF Trucks (European market, sold as DAF MX-13):
- DAF XF (the European flagship long-haul truck)
- DAF CF (DAF’s distribution and regional-haul chassis)
- DAF LF (DAF’s lighter-duty chassis; lighter MX-11 also available)
Common Transmission Pairings With MX-13
The MX-13 is commonly paired with:
- Eaton Fuller manual transmissions (10-speed, 13-speed, and 18-speed Fuller Roadranger)
- Eaton Fuller UltraShift PLUS automated manual transmission
- PACCAR TX-12 automated manual transmission (PACCAR’s own AMT, increasingly popular in current production)
- Allison automatic transmissions (vocational chassis applications)
Condition
Our used PACCAR MX-13 engines are well-maintained and in working condition. Each engine has been previously used in Class 8 commercial trucking service, with full documentation of donor truck application, mileage, and service history where available.
Signs You Need a Replacement PACCAR MX-13
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders
- High-pressure common rail injector failure (a documented MX-13 service item at high mileage)
- VGT turbocharger failure (vane sticking, bearing wear, boost loss)
- EGR cooler failure (coolant in oil, coolant in EGR pipe, white exhaust smoke)
- DPF aftertreatment failure (excessive regeneration cycles, derate conditions)
- SCR / DEF system failure (DEF doser issues, NOx sensor failure)
- Connecting rod or main bearing knock under load
- Cylinder head crack symptoms (coolant in oil, white smoke, overheating)
- Donor Kenworth or Peterbilt totaled or retired and the MX-13 is being moved to another chassis
- Fleet repower project requiring proven PACCAR MX-13 reliability for owner-operator or small-fleet operations
Common MX-13 Maintenance Considerations
- Oil service: Use PACCAR Specification 1100098 Genuine PACCAR Oil (or compatible API CK-4 spec heavy-duty diesel engine oil). Service intervals 50,000 to 75,000 miles with PACCAR oil sampling program.
- Fuel filters: CRITICAL for high-pressure common rail injector longevity. Change fuel filters at every oil service. Contaminated fuel is the leading cause of common rail injector failure.
- DEF service: Diesel Exhaust Fluid is consumed at approximately 2-3% of diesel fuel rate. Monitor DEF level and quality. Use only API-certified DEF.
- DPF regeneration: Active and passive DPF regeneration occurs automatically. Avoid extended low-load operation (idling, short trips) that prevents passive regen.
- Coolant service: Use PACCAR-approved heavy-duty extended life coolant. Service every 600,000 miles or 6 years with proper SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) maintenance.
- Valve adjustment: Periodic valve clearance check per PACCAR service interval (typically at major service points).
- Engine brake service: Periodic inspection of PACCAR engine brake solenoids and oil supply.
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED | Long block: CGI cylinder block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts (DOHC), cylinder heads with 4-valve valve train, oil pan, valve covers, integrated engine brake hardware, oil cooler. VGT turbocharger typically included. High-pressure common rail fuel injection components typically included from donor (injectors, common rail, high-pressure pump). |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | ECM (sold separately, often matched to original engine VIN and PACCAR programming), wiring harness, DPF / SCR / DEF aftertreatment system components (sold separately depending on completeness), starter, alternator, water pump, thermostat, engine mounts, transmission, accessories (fan clutch, AC compressor, air compressor), aftertreatment ECM and sensors. |
| Fluids | Drained before shipping. Refill with PACCAR Specification 1100098 Genuine PACCAR Oil or compatible API CK-4 spec heavy-duty diesel engine oil. |
| Provenance Note | Donor truck disclosed (Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T370, T660 or Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 520, 365). Generation authenticated (EPA10/GHG14, GHG17, or GHG21+). Mileage documented where verifiable. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The PACCAR MX-13 fits the following major Class 8 truck applications:
| Kenworth T680 | Dominant aerodynamic long-haul application with MX-13 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth T880 | Vocational and heavy-haul chassis with MX-13 |
| Kenworth W990 | Premium conventional long-hood with MX-13 |
| Kenworth T370 | Medium-heavy Class 7 / 8 vocational |
| Kenworth T660 | Legacy aerodynamic, MX-13 in later production |
| Peterbilt 579 | Dominant aerodynamic long-haul Peterbilt application with MX-13 |
| Peterbilt 567 | Vocational and severe-duty chassis |
| Peterbilt 389 | Iconic owner-operator long-hood conventional, MX-13 option |
| Peterbilt 520 | Refuse and severe-duty cab-over chassis |
| Peterbilt 365 | Vocational and heavy-haul chassis |
| DAF XF / CF / LF | European market (sold as DAF MX-13) |
Tell us your specific truck and we’ll confirm matching MX-13 generation, ECM compatibility, and emissions aftertreatment configuration.
Condition and Inspection
Every used PACCAR MX-13 we ship goes through this process:
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, pressure per cylinder recorded
- Generation authenticated (EPA10/GHG14, GHG17, or GHG21+)
- High-pressure common rail fuel system inspected (injectors, rail, high-pressure pump)
- VGT turbocharger condition assessed (vane movement, shaft play, bearing wear)
- EGR cooler condition documented
- DPF / SCR / DEF aftertreatment hardware condition documented (when included with the engine)
- PACCAR engine brake operation verified
- Top-end inspection (DOHC heads, camshafts, valve train)
- CGI block visual inspection for cracks
- Donor truck photographed and documented
- Mileage documented when verifiable from ECM data or service records
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results before you pay
- Generation authenticated (EPA10/GHG14, GHG17, or GHG21+ confirmed)
- High-pressure common rail fuel system inspected
- VGT turbocharger condition assessed (vane movement specifically tested)
- EGR cooler condition documented (a known MX-13 service point)
- PACCAR engine brake operation verified
- Top-end DOHC inspection (camshafts, valve train, 4-valve heads)
- CGI block visual inspection (the MX-13’s defining strength feature)
- Donor truck traced (Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T370, T660 or Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 520, 365)
- Mileage documented when verifiable
- Free crated freight delivery to all 48 contiguous states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- PACCAR-experienced support team on the phone with knowledge of MX-13 generation differences





















Jey Jackson (verified owner) –
Got myself a PACCAR MX-13 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions and it’s been a solid upgrade. The power delivery is impressive, handles heavy loads effortlessly. Plus, it’s surprisingly fuel-efficient and runs quieter than expected. Maintenance is straightforward, too. Overall, a reliable choice if you’re looking to boost performance without breaking the bank.
Jimmy Arbuckle (verified owner) –
Recently picked up a PACCAR MX-13 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions, and I’m impressed. It’s been a game-changer for my setup—smooth power delivery, great fuel efficiency, and maintenance is a breeze. Definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about performance and reliability.