Cummins or Not?

[w5blt]

In spring, I plan to trade in my Chevy for the 3500 with the Cummins.



Maybe I'm researching things to death and should just quit it. But, I keep reading all kinds of thing about using diesel fuel. Like having to add additives when the temperature starts to drop etc. Warnings about when the fuel becomes contaminated.



Then, today, I get my first issue of the TDR magazine. Wow, now that is nice. Well done. There was an insert that had peoples names from all over the United States that were willing to lend assistance if your rig broke down. I was totally impressed with these folks that as ready and willing to lend a hand when they're needed. However, with such a network and combined with these stories that I've been reading about the problems that you "could have" with the fuel, I must say that I'm almost having second thoughts.



For the life of me, I just can't believe that there are that many problems with these engines and fuel that such a network is necessary. Am I worrying about nothing? How much real care an maintenance is necessary with the Cummins?



I know that these questions may seem dumb, but, I'm getting ready to sink a consider chunk of change into a new truck. We'll, it's a lot to me, anyway. I'd appreciate any feedback on this subject and questions. Thanks in advance.



Bob

 

[SHobbs]

First of all always get your fuel at places that sell alot of it such as truck stops I never go to the mom and pop stops. Fuel additives well there are a few out there and as far as the cold climate someone in the north will chime in on that.

As far as problems not all trucks are the same I have 160k on the clock and my list of repairs is very short.

One boost pressure sensor (MAP)

Alternator

Water pump

One LP pump



Fuel additives are a matter of choice to use or not to use but they do replace what is being taken out of #2 by big brother also most in the colder climates use the block heater to keep things warm. Myself I switched to B100 (soybean oil ) mostly to get away from OPEC, plus it's cheaper and gives twice the lubrication that #2 provides.

The TDR is more for imformation and tips as far as upgrades and such. There are some really great people here that are very helpful. I am glad I joined.

Don't worry about the Cummins with proper maintanance and care it will outlast the truck no doubt about that. I have been very happy with my current truck and would not be without it and the TDR as well.

 

[ndennis]

w5blt: Since 1983, I have driven over 500,000 miles using 6 different diesel powered vehicles and in all the fuel I have bought, I have never found water in the fuel I purchased(maybe there is a perk for living in Kalifornia). I am defintely a price *****... cheapest place gets my money. Do not lose much sleep over it.

Some drivers fret over running their trucks low on fuel for two reasons: fear of running out and fear of sucking in debris. Note: running low is a chance for you to run out, but not the end of the world and relatively easy to overcome. As far as sucking debris from you tank, last I remember, the fuel pickups are towards the bottom anyway... any heavier than diesel debris will be ingested way before you run it low. I know my trucks and I can run them below the redline on E.

As far as fuel additives for winter ops, I live in Kalifornia and where I am, it only gets in the low to mid 20's so they are not necessary here.

As far as reliability for the Cummins, being the owner of 2 of them, they are best damn motor out there. My 2000 has 118,000 and repairs were: 1 lift pump, 1 set of starter contacts, 1 fuel guage sender, and 2 batteries. Just took the 2000 on a 650 mile round robin trip through the Sierras and I got 21+ mpg. My 2004. 5, has 45,000+ and has needed a backup light switch... thats it.

The 2004. 5 has 45k+ on the odometer, it is a 3500 single rear wheel Quadcab 2WD Six-speed and weighs in at 9000lbs loaded and now is getting 18mpg overall and 20mpg on the highway when kept at or below 2000rpm.

The Cummins is pretty easy to work on if in the unlikely event you need to. My vote is to not fret about fuel issues and if you end up with a Cummins, I believe you will not regret it.

N Dennis

 

[McCRam]

My Cummins Dodge is the first vehicle I've owned that didn't have a Chevy 350 in it. I liked all the trucks that I've had but, the Cummins has been the answer to a lot of problems for me, and I won't be going back. It is easy to work on, has great power, and good fuel economy as well.



This site is for people to find answers for their problems, so you will see many problems on here. Use that info when you are looking for a new truck so that you are well informed. These trucks are not perfect, but neither were any of the chevys that I owned.



Diesel will gel when the temps drop. I really do not worry until about 20 or so. Most fuel stations will sell a blended fuel to prevent that. they also carry anti gel additives on their shelves. In the winter I always keep a bottle of additive in the truck to dump in when it gets cold.



I say get the truck, I would. I like mine enough that I am looking for another one for the wife. I finally convinced her she needed one. Oo.



Good luck

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome to TDR Bob. This is a good web site and Dodge/Cummins is a good truck. I'm on my second Dodge/Cummins. My '95 was never in the shop and was the best vehicle I had ever owned. Don't worry about #2 diesel, buy from a reputable place that turns it over fast. All #2 grade diesel are very much the same. I have never used additives on mine and when it gets cold I plug in my block heater. Be sure and order the block heater, only $10. 00. Cummins is probably the best engine ever made, gas or diesel. Good luck to you.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

where do you live?



unless it gets REALLY cold, you don't have to worry

 

[w5blt]

where do you live?



unless it gets REALLY cold, you don't have to worry

Forrest: I live in Northern California. However, I'll be retiring in about 5 years, unless something drastic happens. In as much, I trying to get totally set up. I'm going to get the 3500 and I'll also be getting a rather large 5er to tow. I expect to be on the road (when I retire) for about 6 months a year. Although I live in Ca. , I will be heading into some cold areas in the winter occasionally. Hence, the cold weather questions.





When the time gets closer, I'm going to be asking what spare parts that everyone would recommend to have on had on a 20K mile trip. I'm currently running a Chevy 454 dually. She's been a good "local" truck, but, she gulps fuel like it's going out of style. Not that I'm whining about the MPG, I got it for the pulling power. But, it's about time to retire her (at 165K mi) and move up to the next generation.



Thanks to everyone for their vote of convidence in the Cummins. I'm feeling a lot better now.

 

[AMink]

I have 115+K on my 97. The only cost relating to the engine are self imposed--fuel and BOMBing. Oh, and the KDP (Killer Dowel Pin) fix which you wouldn't have to worry about. The rest of the truck has been general or upgrade maintenance. I live in Reno and duck hunt in the winter. While I plug it in when possible, it has started with no problem down to about 0. I have never used a winter additive. As far as the list of "on the road helpers", that is set up for things as simple as where's a good place to stay the night to my transmission fell out. I bet the little problems are far fewer than the majors. I have driven the Ford with the 6. 0 and an '06 with the Cummins. Both very nice trucks, but I would definately go with the Cummins because of the long track record of long lasting engines. As far as regular costs go, yeah, it costs more for an oil change, but the rewards are... priceless! Good luck, pick your color, stick around this forum, and have a blast!

 

[Gene Arnold]

Bob,



I don’t have the experience with diesels that a lot of the guys have (I’ve never driven a diesel commercially) but I do have a total of twenty-seven years in three different personal diesel powered vehicles. During the seven years I owned it I put 140,000 miles on a 1969 Mercedes 220D; umpteen miles over a fifteen year period on a Chevy 6. 2; and 40,000 during the five years with my ’96 Cummins. About half of these years were in central Nebraska where winter temperatures often reach ten to twenty below zero Fahrenheit. In all this time I’ve only had fuel problems twice.



One time the Mercedes gelled in the middle of the night when it was about twenty below zero and I was between Grand Island and Broken Bow. The main reason for this occurrence was the factory placement of the fuel filter. It was mounted on the front driver’s side of the engine immediately downstream from the fan. I thought we were in for a cold few hours in a sleeping bag (you never travel in cold country without emergency equipment) but – don’t laugh – my wife said, “I’m going to pray that God will cause it to start. ” Well, I knew it would start after sitting for a while and giving the filter time to warm up from the engine heat so I wasn’t surprised when it started, but I had a hard time believing it would take us forty miles to our home, but it did! Oo.



Occurrence number two was in late November in Grand Island. I’d returned from a vacation the first of the month and had filled both tanks. At the time I didn’t think to ask if the station had winter blend, but I haven’t made that mistake since. Over-night the temperature dropped from unseasonably warm to twenty below zero. I got about a half mile from home and the old 6. 2 died. By noon the sun had warmed the truck sufficiently that it started. I added some anti-gel and filled the tanks with winter blend as soon as I could.



Two problems in 27 years isn’t anything to complain about. If you are not where the temperature gets really cold I wouldn’t even worry about it. If you are in a cold climate just make sure you don’t get caught with summer fuel when the temperature falls. And I second the statement that you NEVER buy fuel any place but a high volume business!



Gene

 

[RaymondSmith]

Bob,



I was where you were a year ago. I have always had GMC big block rigs and loved them. I had wanted to switch over to diesel because all of my buddies had. I did the math over and over and the way I use the truck I could not justify the added cost of a diesel. At that point I decided to go with an 05 GMC with the 8. 1L. The employee pricing was just too good to pass up. I found a GMC that met my needs and was going to buy it the following weekend. One day before the weekend I stopped at the local Dodge dealer just to look one more time. I got shooting the breeze with the saleswoman and told her I would consider the Dodge if I could get in to a truck equivelent to the GMC with a diesel for the same price as the gasser GMC. Guess what? She did some checking and even though Dodge had not officially started their employee pricing she matched the price. That was enough to tip the scales in favor of the Dodge.



I'm really glad this happened. As much as I liked my previous GMCs, I really love this Dodge. Its like it has a personallity of its own. I don't regret my decision for one minute.





Ray

 

[master1578]

Welcome to the TDR Bob,

If your looking at a Cummins, you've come to the right place. The amount of knowledge here is amazing. Anything you need to know, (and some things you don't ), can be found here. I've owned all 3 brands in the gas version, and this is far and away the best truck I've ever owned. I wouldn't worry too much about the fuel. Keep the filter changed, keep a spare in the truck and you'll be fine. I like to stick to the truck stops if at all possible. I use an additive all year for lubrication purposes as well as gel prevention... . an ounce of prevention... blah , blah , blah :-laf

I was totally impressed with these folks that as ready and willing to lend a hand when they're needed. However, with such a network and combined with these stories that I've been reading about the problems that you "could have" with the fuel, I must say that I'm almost having second thoughts.

Don't look at this as a sign of trouble. Look at it as good neighbors from all over the country(like the new Verizon commercials ). I would venture to guess that you'd have a hard time finding something like this anywhere else. A nice security blanket for someone who's planning to travel alot.

Buy the truck with confidence, the sit back and enjoy the ride.

Good Luck whatever you decide. (your going to like it here)



p. s. Don't forget the stacks... LOL

 

[amsoilman]

In spring, I plan to trade in my Chevy for the 3500 with the Cummins.



Maybe I'm researching things to death and should just quit it. But, I keep reading all kinds of thing about using diesel fuel. Like having to add additives when the temperature starts to drop etc. Warnings about when the fuel becomes contaminated.



Then, today, I get my first issue of the TDR magazine. Wow, now that is nice. Well done. There was an insert that had peoples names from all over the United States that were willing to lend assistance if your rig broke down. I was totally impressed with these folks that as ready and willing to lend a hand when they're needed. However, with such a network and combined with these stories that I've been reading about the problems that you "could have" with the fuel, I must say that I'm almost having second thoughts.



For the life of me, I just can't believe that there are that many problems with these engines and fuel that such a network is necessary. Am I worrying about nothing? How much real care an maintenance is necessary with the Cummins?



I know that these questions may seem dumb, but, I'm getting ready to sink a consider chunk of change into a new truck. We'll, it's a lot to me, anyway. I'd appreciate any feedback on this subject and questions. Thanks in advance.



Bob

Welcome aboard Bob,

I have owned 3 of these Dodge/Cummins pickups since 91. I only had a fuel problem one time, and it was water in the fuel, due to the station where the fuel was purchased. I have never had any fuel gelling. but I do use a fuel additive mainly for lubrication purposes. As far as other problems, very few and far between!! Keep good high quality oil and lubes in it, and change the fuel filter on a regular basis. I always carry an extra one with me, just in case. Keep tuned to this board, and you will find alot of knowledgable people.





Welcome aboard... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .....









Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Mhannink]

well im 18 and alot of you may consider that as not worthy of notice and to most i understand but ive been around diesels pretty much my entire life the first one that was close to me was my moms 94 dodge(still pulling hard at 191,000 miles) the next one was my dads diesel(ford psd) really good truck to i also drive a dmax at work along w/ that i know alot of old timers who have taught me some of the old school ways for doing things and many of them ran alot of diesels at some point in there life w/ the first hand experience and the second hand stuff form the old guys i will never own a gasser as for fuel gelling that has been almost total been solved the now add the additives to keep it from gelling and to remove the water at the plant before its shiped and as far as i know its year round so those problems are almost unheard of as for my suggestion i would tell you to buy the cummins and you will never look back on it and like some else said stick around here for any problems if you have any hope that heps

 

[rubberneck]

I'm currently running a Chevy 454 dually. She's been a good "local" truck, but, she gulps fuel like it's going out of style. Not that I'm whining about the MPG, I got it for the pulling power.

If you like the pulling power of the 454, you are going to crap yourself when you tow with a cummins. guaranteed the little straight 6 will walk all over that big gas hog. If you buy the cummins you will be extremely happy. As far as fuel problems, i have had it happen 1 time. Got fuel at a mom and pop store in paso robles. water infuel, truck would only do 55 on the flats. I only fill up at truck stops and busy stores now and have had no problems whatsoever. Once you go diesel you will never go back...

 

[FloridaEd]

Here's 2 cents worth from a guy driving his 8th Ford pickup, last three of which were diesels, and who still drives a 2001 Ford F-30 dually diesel:



If you are gonna' buy new, buy Cummins and take the Dodge that comes with it.



If you are gonna' buy a few years old, buy a 2003 Cummins (ditto... take the Dodge that comes with it), but try to get the non-HO model. You'll have all the tow power you want with better fuel mileage and it will last semi-forever.

Or... buy a 2002 Ford with the 7. 3 liter diesel. (Do not buy a 6. 0 liter Ford, ever. ) You can also buy a 2000 Ford, but be wary of a 2001 unless it was build in the last two months of production... . other months' production had sprag problems in the transmissions.



If you are gonna' buy many years old, buy a '97 Dodge with the CTD 12-valve engine.



That's exactly what I was looking for when I ran up on my current 2001 Ford 7. 3 1-ton dually. And I will drive it many, many, years... .



Good Luck



Florida Ed

 

[PSchwering]

Bob,

One thing to keep in mind while looking at this site: There are Thousands upon thousands of these trucks on the road, some of them pushing, or are past a million miles. My thoughts are that if every CTD owner posted about 1 problem per/year this board would be overrun with postings. Mostly what you read here is people having problems. That is part of what the forum is about. What you don't see as much, is the thousands, upon thousands of people out there that are completely satisfied with thier CTD.

Mine is pushing 300,000 miles, I have never put addetives in the fuel, have never paid any attention to where I get my fuel. Have never had a problem. If you get one, You will not regret it. Just my thoughts. P.

 

[Buffalo]

Bob,



Welcome to the TDR.



I have two Dodge/Cummins powered trucks, both purchased new. I was "let down" one time when the ignition switch on the 91 W-250 decided not to work in a grocery store parking lot. That's it! Although, some folks have never been "let down".



Regarding additives, It's my belief that using an additive containing lubricity is a good idea, expecially if you are fueling up in an area serving-up Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel. It's a pretty dry (low-lubricity) fuel.



I believe you said that you are living in CA & that is one of the areas that is getting ULSD. CA manufactured ULSD is being distributed around the West Coast.



Most of the, over the counter, additives have lubricity added. Stanadyne has a lubricity-only additive (Lubricity-Formula) that has 3 to 5 times the lubricity of their other additives.



One of the things you will notice in the TDR magazine is May Madness, in Parumph, NV. If you want to learn a lot about your new purchase, that would be the place to go. They will have many seminars all about YOUR truck & it's idiosyncrasies. They, usually, bring in the top man in charge of building our engines along with a cut-away model of our engine (which, costs them about $5000 to ship, both ways, from Detroit). A representative from the Bosch Fuel Injection Repair Facility is always there to give us idea's regarding preserving our fuel injection systems. There are usually a couple of days worth of seminars, many of which, you may find interesting and informative and definately helpful.



This event is so good that people drive from as far away as Maryland & Florida, to attend. And many do that every year.



Also, in the TDR, you will find info. regarding 2 more diesel events in Columbus, IN & Indiapolis, IN, next year, in June.



It's amazing that a truck/engine combination can create so much enthusiasm as to become a hobby that becomes a very important part of many of our lives. Personally, I have never owned anything that has given me as much pleasure & fun.



If you decide to go with the Dodge/Cummins route, I only hope that you end up enjoying it as much as many of us, here on this site.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Grizzly]

Bob, it looks like you have had a lot of good advice from many experienced folks.

 

[GaryCarter]

I keep reading all kinds of thing about using diesel fuel. Like having to add additives...



when the fuel becomes contaminated...



For the life of me, I just can't believe that there are that many problems with these engines and fuel that such a network is necessary...



How much real care an maintenance is necessary with the Cummins?

These are all good questions to ask before taking the plunge!

-Cummins does NOT recommend additives.

-Never got bad fuel in 6 years 200k miles. Most people never do.

-Network's not necessary, just nice.

-Maintenance all in all is about equal to gas truck cost. More oil each change, but less often.



Another question you should ask yourself is if economically it makes sense. There really is no cost benefit to the diesel engine at today's fuel prices. Sad but true. Get it if it's what you want but that's the only real reason to do it.

Gary

 

[Grey Wolf]

These are all good questions to ask before taking the plunge!

-Cummins does NOT recommend additives.

-Never got bad fuel in 6 years 200k miles. Most people never do.

-Network's not necessary, just nice.

-Maintenance all in all is about equal to gas truck cost. More oil each change, but less often.



Another question you should ask yourself is if economically it makes sense. There really is no cost benefit to the diesel engine at today's fuel prices. Sad but true. Get it if it's what you want but that's the only real reason to do it.

Gary

Technically Cummins neither approves or disapproves of fuel additives that are not manufactured or sold by them. However they do sell (Fleetgaurd) additives to be used under a wide variety of instances, so what does that tell you



Check this service bulletin "Fuels for Cummins Engines"



http://www.licroc.org/Tech Articles/cummins fuel recomendations.pdf