Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 98 12 Valve To 24 Valve. What Month?

[RHestand]

As per above title, what month on the ID plate would show when they started inst. the 24 valve engines in the 1998-1/2 trucks?

I tried doing a search, but I couldn't get to first base on this.

I'm shopping for a 12 valve, and it would help me when talking to someone on the phone. A lot of people I talk to, don't know, or care if there 98 is a 12 valve or a 24 valve.

I know early 98s had 12 valves, and 98 1/2s had 24s, but did the factory actually switch over in June or July?

I'm sure this info. is available somewhere. So if you guys could check your 98 truck's, or your library for info. on this and get back to me it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks, Ray

 

[Geno's Garage]

Ray,



The way I understand it, Dodge begins new model year production in July, so the 1998 Dodge is built between July 1997 and June 1998. Cummins makes engine changes beginning in January, so the 12-valve was replaced by the 24-valve beginning January 01, 1998. (the early 1998 12-valve Dodge is built between July - December 1997 & the 24-valve is built from January through June 1998. )



Hope this helps.



~Andy

 

[The patriot]

Yup. That's the way I understand it.

Had to do with emissions.

 

[Kiohio]

To the untrained,the best thing to ask is for them to look at the bodyside badge and tell you if it says 24 valve on it.

If it hasn't been wrecked you're good.



KO

 

[CRWilliams]

Actually, the new model usually starts on September 1st, but has been known to change for new model introductions and things. However, I can tell you that 24 valve production started January 1, 1998. And, yes, it had to do with the new emissions standards that went into effect that year.

 

[The patriot]

To the untrained,the best thing to ask is for them to look at the bodyside badge and tell you if it says 24 valve on it.

If it hasn't been wrecked you're good.



KO

Yea, or you could just listen to it. :-laf

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yea, or you could just listen to it. :-laf

What are you trying to say Patriot :-laf



My first Dodge Cummins was a 98. 5. The engine build date was 12/27/97, it was an early 24-valve.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Howsa about just asking for the VIN? 12V have a 'D' where 24V have a '6' in the seventh character position. I know…me go to parts store…me go lots!!

 

[RHestand]

I Just Bought My 98 12 Valve Yesterday. Now What?

A 3500, AWD, ext. cab, dually, auto. with 84K miles on it.

It's a pretty clean truck, but has been in WI. all its life and has some rust on the bottom of driver and pass. doors. No holes, just paint flaking off. Hopefully it's not a big deal when I start wire brushing the rust off.

It seems to run good, but I think the idle might be too low. With trans. in DR it's at 600 RPMs, and when I turn the steering whl. sitting still it will stall the engine sometimes. Esp. when engine is cold. Any ideas ?

I'll be doing my research about the KDP, lift pump, gauges, etc.

As far as I can tell, from what I can see, the eng. looks totally stock.

I checked fuel mileage when I got it home ( 200+ miles 65-70 mph) and it got 22. 9 mpg. That's better than my 06.

Sorry about the long thread, but I'm excited, and ready to get started.

Any advice, information,or priorities would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Ray

PS. I love the 12 valve sound!

 

[The patriot]

You'll need to turn up that idle in the Wisconsin cold. It'll also help you steer at low speed, idle.