Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dodge dealer Vs Cummins shop - 100,000 miles

[MCarstens]

Hey guys,

I have a new to me 1999 ctd. It's turning 100,000 this week and I'm having some issues with milage (13. 5mpg) and want to get some other things checked out. Am I better to go to the dealer or to the cummins shop?

I got some good advice to check out the line pressure and get some guages. Checked on the guages and was almost tipped over by the price. Do you guys have any outlets for reasonably priced guages? The auto parts people weren't sure what pressures I would need either, and I am illiterate in this area. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys,

Mike

 

[boondock]

Go talk to them both and get quotes. I would lean towards the cummins dealer or make a new friend lol



Guages checkout genosgarage and piers. If its an auto you will need 4 if you plan on doing any bombing (fuel pressure, boost, egt, trans) and minus the trans if it is a five speed. 325 or so for three and 400 or so for four.

 

[MCarstens]

Thanks boondock,

I'm assuming genosgarage is a website. It is an auto. I am looking at an edge ez, but I carry a bunch of tools, and so much bombing would just end up with tools out the back

Mike

 

[MCarstens]

Boondock,

You mentioned 4 guages - what are they and what ranges? I was looking for a pyrometer, boost, & fuel pressure. Not sure on the type or ranges - the fuel pressure that I was looking at had only 2 styles - up to 15# or up to 100# - not sure if 15 is enough, and 100 looked like massive overkill. Not sure on the boost - one went to 30#, and one went to 35#. One had vacuum - didn't think I would need that - assumed this application would be boost only. Not sure on the pyrometer temp limits either.

Please pardon my ignorance - what did you mean "or make a new friend"?

 

[boondock]

lol All is well.



Sometimes someone will offer to help you out that lives near you for a small price (a little beer and food most of the time).



Sorry I left out the ranges. If you are going to bomb your motor at all get the 0-60 boost gauge. Fuel pressure get the 15PSI, EGT would be 1600*, trans is what ever floats your boat they all will have 150 or so and higher.



I have autometer ultralight, silver background. Get whatever color you like and think will match. Get a name brand guage. Don't skimp. http://198.104.149.53/CoastalData/showprod.cfm?&DID=30&CATID=1&ObjectGroup_ID=4



Any other questions shoot



Edit: Ya it is a website Here is Piers http://www.piersdiesel.com/DodgeProducts.htm

Tell them that your a TDR member and you get 10% off.

 

[MCarstens]

Thanks - I'll keep my eyes open for my next best friend... . lol

I'm looking at the guages at genos right now. I don't know one from another - are these all "name brand"?

How did you mount your guages?

I see they have a digital - looks interesting, but not sure if it will do all I need - may need to call them tomorrow.

Do you have the interior fuel guage or the under the hood mount?

Thanks again,

Mike

 

[boondock]

I would stay away from digital analog is cheaper and more accurate.



I have mine on a A pillar mount. You will have to add one on the top of the steering wheel like this one http://198.104.149.53/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=658&CATID=1

This is the A-pillar you will need http://198.104.149.53/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=653&CATID=1 or the one without the speaker hole if you don't have the speaker.

This is the series I have http://198.104.149.53/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=685&CATID=1

IMO go with Autometer, Di-Pricol, or Isspro



Get the incab fuel pressure. It drops most at WOT. I don't have one as the 12V doesn't have lift pump problems.



Kurtis

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

You could go with Westach gauges. They make dual function gauges. One gauge for boost/egt, one for fuel pressure, and one for transmission temp. If you have a Mag-Hytec rear diff. cover, you can use the transmission temp. gauge as a dual also by adding the rear diff. to it.

 

[bmoeller]

I bought my gauges from www.dieselpage.com They are very helpful and friendly. Great prices too.



I used a 3 pod, dash mount. I think they may have a 4 gauge mount, but will need to call them. They aren't listed on the site. Check my pics in the Readers Rigs, if you want to see mine installed.



Since you are in MN, I would suggest a gauge for the transmission that starts at 100*, like mine does. When it is cold in the winter, it sometimes won't even warm up enough to move off the peg, when the truck is empty. Plus my temps are around 130-150* cruising. My transmission temps are from the line that comes out of the transmission, to the heat exchanger under the turbo.



I would second what Boondock said about the boost gauge. Unless you will never turn up the power, the 30# gauge is a waste of time. VERY easy to exceed that. At the time, the #10 plate in my pump was enough to peg the gauge. Have a 60# gauge now. As long as the gauge reads Turbo Boost or Manifold Pressure, it will be fine. No vacuum gauges.



A 1500* pyrometer would be fine, for the most part. On the road I never get over 1300*, but on the dyno, I can exceed the gauge limit.



If it makes you feel better, I think you can get a 30 or 35# gauge for the fuel pressure.



Enjoy the "new" ride.



I would also bookmark this page. www.dodgeram.org Lots of great info. http://dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

 

[jsnyder]

I bought all of my guages from Geno's Garage. I can't remember the price as it's been over three years ago. I got the DiPricol boost gauge (0-30 PSI) and pyro (1600, mine is mounted pre-turbo), and the Westach fuel pressure gauge (0-15 PSI). I mounted all three on the A-pillar, which I also got from Geno's.



The install is pretty straight forward, a few hours (mostly snaking wires), a hole drilled in your exhaust manifold, and hook it all up.



Since your truck is out of warranty I would go to the Cummins shop unless you know the Dodge dealer has a very good diesel mechanic. Very few that I've dealt with have. I go to the local Cummins shop for everything, including filters.



You can also do some searches on here, there is PLENTY :--) of reading on poor fuel mileage. You could start with the lift pump, IAT sensor, air filter, on to the bigger and better stuff inside the block. Good luck.



JS

 

[MCarstens]

Thanks guys!!

I will stay away from the digital as you suggest. I had a guy tell my dad (a trucker) that it would be best to go to the cummins shop - didn't know if he was blowing smoke or if he knew what he was talking about. I think I will go that route - The local dealership is definitely mostly gas. I only know of about 2 dozen dodge diesels in the area (I know, I know there's more than that).

Do you guys mount your fuel pressure guage inside or under the hood? It seems to add quite a bit to the price to be inside - where you could actually see it... .

Mike

 

[RLinkins]

It would be best to mount it in cab since you want to see what its doing at WOT. Unless you mount it on the hood so you can see it but I really really don't reccomend that cause it could get ripped off then you'll have to carry a plug incase that does happen. But anyways you need to see the gauge as your driving it.