12v engine wear test/analysis

[WoodyPollock]

Hello TDR Universe. I have a 1998 12v 4x automatic with nearly 500k miles. I’ve had the truck for the last 320k of those miles and its time to do a little freshening up inside and out. Trans and rear end have been rebuilt (2x each) and I am now wondering the best way to evaluate the engine and injector pump for wear and potential lifespan. No sense in spending time and $$$ making the truck look all spiffy if the engine/pump is on its last legs. If this were a gas engine I’d know what to do but I’m unclear how to test a diesel. Any help appreciated.

 

[mweiman]

Compression test is one method. You would have to pull the injectors to do so. If nothing has ever been done to the injectors I would definitely have them rebuilt. Checking for blowby is a simple method. If you are not using oil or very little that in itself would indicate it is in pretty good shape. Injector pump probably has some where for sure, if you took it to a pump shop I would bet they would say it is worn and needs rebuilt. That being said it may run a long time just the way it is.

 

[GAmes]

My injection pump has over 1.3 million miles on it. When they fail they will still get you home, something I have observed when reading about the failures of the early model (''94 & '95) pumps. Send in an oil analysis. If the bearings are worn it will come back with high tin and/or high copper and probably high iron. If you are using a qt of oil every 2000 miles the engine is within Cummins spec. I pulled mine when it was burning a qt every 800. Stock Bosch injectors are good for about 400k. The best price for OEM is at Rock Auto. What have you been doing to cause the rear end to be rebuilt, not once but twice. Other than three pinion seals and two sets of axle seals I've done nothing to my D80.

 

[WoodyPollock]

My injection pump has over 1.3 million miles on it. When they fail they will still get you home, something I have observed when reading about the failures of the early model (''94 & '95) pumps. Send in an oil analysis. If the bearings are worn it will come back with high tin and/or high copper and probably high iron. If you are using a qt of oil every 2000 miles the engine is within Cummins spec. I pulled mine when it was burning a qt every 800. Stock Bosch injectors are good for about 400k. The best price for OEM is at Rock Auto. What have you been doing to cause the rear end to be rebuilt, not once but twice. Other than three pinion seals and two sets of axle seals I've done nothing to my D80.

My injection pump has over 1.3 million miles on it. When they fail they will still get you home, something I have observed when reading about the failures of the early model (''94 & '95) pumps. Send in an oil analysis. If the bearings are worn it will come back with high tin and/or high copper and probably high iron. If you are using a qt of oil every 2000 miles the engine is within Cummins spec. I pulled mine when it was burning a qt every 800. Stock Bosch injectors are good for about 400k. The best price for OEM is at Rock Auto. What have you been doing to cause the rear end to be rebuilt, not once but twice. Other than three pinion seals and two sets of axle seals I've done nothing to my D80.

First ring/pinion grenaded at ~350k. Hauling heavy in construction environment and pulling overloaded dump trailer stressed the rear end, go figure. Had rebuilt at reputable mech and the new parts lasted ~ 60k. Brought it back and he rebuilt again for free. 100k later and its still workin