Diesel for dummies

[txwingrider]

Hello everyone ! I'm a new member to the TDR and I'm happy to be associated with such a helpful group. I'm expecting (ouch) My new 2002 Ram HO at the end of May and want to get some knowledge on diesel engines. I know that I can go get a Haynes or Chiltons ( which one is better?) But, like my subject says ---- I need a dummy book that explains the basics of how's and why's Any suggestions? I just don't want to treat it wrong after spending this much $$$$$$$$ Thanks, Cliff

 

[Pit Bull]

Checkout Fritzs web site and the TDR you will learn all you need.

 

[Bob Wagner]

welcome to the TDR

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/Ramspecs.htm

 

[HOSS]

Cliff,

Welcome to the club. You have come to the right place. There is someone here to answer any question you might have. You will not find a chiltons or hayes for your truck yet. the newest version only goes to 2000. But look thru the discussion forums and you should find all the info you need. One thing you should learn about is lift pumps and fuel pressure. Also EGT (exhaust gas tempreture). I would strongly recommend a fuel pressure gauge and pyrometer. We have had a lot of lift pump failures and a fuel pressure gauge is the best way to monitor that situation. There is a lot more I could go into but you'll learn as you go. Good luck

 

[Piston Slapper]

Welcome!

Welcome aboard. I am newbie as well to this board. The widson is unreal and the people are even better. There is absolutely nothing about diesel trucks that somebody on here doesn't know!



They got all this cool littel icons too!!



Oo.

 

[Joe G.]

Welcome aboard! If you need to know anything about anything just stick around. Someone will post it. For example, if you want to know how to get rid of birds check the "Other" forum.

 

[Briar Hopper]

cberry, welcome to the TDR. I'd recommend you use the order form in the back of the owner's manual that the dealer will give you or put in your glove compartment. That order form will get you a really great service manual that has pictures and all the technical info you'll need, as well as easy to understand explanations of quite a few items on your truck.

 

[txwingrider]

A simple "Thanks You"

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and information that you gave me. Take care ~~~ Cliff

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

cberry, welcome to TDR.



Well I'll just quickly list a few important "Dos" and "Don'ts":



Warmup. . . now with spring coming this isn't so critical but unlike gas rigs, it is better for the engine to head out within a couple minutes of starting up instead of letting it sit there and run. Diesels don't warm up very fast unless you start driving them (go easy until the temp gets up around 140F). Another note, in cooler weather you'll notice your lights dim and voltage gauge cycle down very low, due to the grid heater warming intake air at startup (these engines don't use glowplugs like GM and Ford. . . a good thing). Also some blue smoke is normal.



Breakin. . . Drive it normal for the most part but don't rev hard or lug it down (use more than 1/2 throttle under 1300-1500rpm) for the first few hundred miles. After a 1000 miles or so it would be good for it to tow something or haul a load to start working the engine and help seat rings.





BOMBing. . . I'd suggest waiting a few thousand miles before adding a box or injectors. Start with gauges before mods. (BOMB = Better Off Modified Baby, by the way)



Filters & Oil: This is the subject of endless debate but the bottom line is, use a good Diesel rated oil (CG, CH classification). Chevron Delo 400 and Shell Rotella T are a couple excellent examples. Filters, stick with Fleetguard (available at Geno's Garage), also Napa Gold or Wix are OK. Do NOT use Fram!



Hope this gets ya started . I promise you though, once you ride in a BOMBed Ram or hang around this forum too much, you WILL catch BOMBitis!!!!!



Vaughn

 

[HOSS]

What Vaughn said!!!!!

He's right if you don't want to BOMB your truck get out now while you still can!!!But if you stay you'll be glad you did.

 

[PRout]

Welcome aboard!



You may notice that most people on this site really love their Cummins diesels, and diesels in general, so you didnt make a mistake by taking the diesel plunge. Alot of the others here are on their first diesel, and they've seen the light, some have even started their own businesses supporting the cummins diesel.



More tips: Learn to do your own maintenance like replacing your fuel filter every 15k mi or less. Learn the tricks to getting the oil filter off the easy way (like using the plastic bag around the filter trick, etc. ).



You can save lots of bucks by doing it yourself, as it can cost a hundred bucks to change the fuel filter at the "stealer", or change your own in 10 minutes for 16 bucks.



Some people like to say that a diesel requires more maintenance, but thats false. You'll see, its almost the same thing, except you need to change the fuel filter more often, but you dont need to replace plugs, wires, etc. , so it balances out.



I (an some of the others) ended up paying the hundred bucks for an official shop manual. It was a good investment, as it is very helpful.



And, Youll get all the info you can handle on this site.



Good luck - have fun! These trucks are great. And too easy to turn into a hot rod!

 

[Phil Stuart]

Welcome aboard!

Ditto on the Factory Service Manual(s). IMHO This is THE manual to have ,I consider it mandatory in my book (no pun intended)to have. Haynes and Chiltons are terrible!It may cost you $110. 00 but well worth the outlay.

Enjoy



Phil