Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) First time diesel owner, questions on 98 24V

[rbagley]

OK guys, it looks like I'm in the right place to learn something about diesel engines and Dodge trucks. I have a '98 24V CTD 4x4 with automatic and Quad cab. I know less than nothing about this beast. It has 42,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition, as far as I know. I have replaced the air and fuel filter (that was interesting!) and will be changing the oil this weekend.



My first question is: I have noticed a lot of problems with "lift pumps" and "pusher pumps" mentioned on this forum with the late model trucks. Is this a weak point in the fuel injection system? Should I beware of this?



Another question: Do the members of this forum recommend fuel additives that would help lube the injector pump? I understand that sulfur is being removed from the fuel, and that it provided lube for the pumps in the past. Does the newer, low sulfur diesel, already have additives in it to make up for the lose of sulfur?



I'll leave it at that for now, don't want to wear out my welcome too fast.



Thanks for any help.

 

[Floor It]

There has been alot of lift pump failures,so a fuel pressure gauge would be good to have. Either a gauge to check it periodically or a constant gauge in the truck. I use an additive at every fill up,the newer fuels do not have the proper additives in it IMO.

 

[rbagley]

Thanks Floor it.



How difficult is it to install a fuel pressure gauge. I have been working on gas engines all my adult life, so I'm fairly mechanically capable.



What brand of additive do you recommend? What should I look for in an additive?

 

[jsnyder]

Piece of cake

The fuel pressure gauge is easy to install. I put in a Westach gauge that I got from Geno's. If you tow or are going to bomb your truck you should put in a EGT also. Another piece of cake. I work mine pretty hard and never have gotten it really hot, but it's nice to know that I'm NOT overheating the turbo.



As far as additives go, there's a billion of them. I've always used Howe's additives. Meaner Power Kleaner in the summer months and their anti-gel formula in the winter. I have also used Power Service and Soy-Shield. The Soy-Shield says it has anti-gel properties, but don't believe it! The only time I've had my truck towed was in North Dakota in February. You can imagine my embarrassment when I had to get towed back to a heated shop by a Furd!



Jason

 

[M Barnett]

When you change oil, be sure to tighten the drain plug to 40 foot lbs. The owners manual is mistaken at 60 lb. Some guys have cracked their pans. I was lucky as I tightened to 60 for several years. I also use fuel conditioner every fill up. There is Power Service {at Wal-Mart}, Standyne, Lucas and several others.

Michael

 

[rbagley]

Thanks for the replies folks, makes me glad I got the subsciption. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Sky]

Welcome to the TDR! If you do searches on any topic you will find answers to anything, this is the best site for information about our trucks! If you get the bomb bug (Better Off Modified Baby) then prepare your self for a whole new world!

 

[Turbo Trucker]

For what it's worth, I have 119k miles on my lift pump.

 

[n7gxz]

rbagley,



Here is how I mounted the senders for my Westec fuel pressure gauge.



The two fitting on the bottom are 1/8" hydrolic swivel fitting to connect hoses to that run over to the fuel filter and the VP44.



The first picture is before I mounted the senders and the second picture is of them mounted in my truck.



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[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Floor It

There has been alot of lift pump failures,so a fuel pressure gauge would be good to have. Either a gauge to check it periodically or a constant gauge in the truck. I use an additive at every fill up,the newer fuels do not have the proper additives in it IMO.

I think if you poled the TDR, the answer Floor It gave you is the answer you would get from the majority of members.

 

[Whitmore]

I use an additive at every fill up,the newer fuels do not have the proper additives in it IMO.

The use of an additive becomes more bennificial everyday, wait till 2006 when all the sulfer is mandated to be removed



This move will really make the oil work harder too... ... ... Kevin

 

[rbagley]

n7gxz,



Nice bracket, did you make that yourself? Either way, it looks like a professional installation job.



You guys are great. Lots of good info and willing to help. I will order a Westach gauge off of Gino's site within the week. I have already started the additive treatment, Power Service.



I know this will sound goofy, but within 20 minutes of adding fuel and additive, the truck was running approximately 5 degrees cooler. Usually it would run dead on 190, but after the treatment is stays just to the left of 190. What would fuel additive have to do with engine temp???

 

[n7gxz]

rbagley,



Yes I did build the sender mounting bracket myself. A friend at work saw it and he wanted one also. He had his senders just clamped on the the hydro-booster lines and he thought that my setup was much more professional looking.



Kevin

 

[JBlock]

n7gxz that a nice setup

Hi



that a great set do sell the swvels and mounts.



JB

 

[tcourse]

Looks good and functional

Have you thought about making up a few for sale?

Are you a NW Bomber?



TC

 

[n7gxz]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I have not thought alot about making and selling them but my friend at work has been telling me to do it. What would you guys say it would be worth? The swivel fittings where about $6. 00 and the rest was made from left over material I had laying around from other projects. I also made up a couple adapters to connect into the Aeroquip fuel lines that I'm running.



Here's a picture of one of them.



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Kevin



I forgot to add that while I'm not registered on the NWBombers web site I do try and make the gatherings over at Rob's when I don't have something conflicting. Like this Saturday, I have to parades to go work.

 

[Mingoglia]

My manual says 44 ft/lbs for my drain plug on my '01...

 

[Nemies]

Same for my 99 manual. 60 N-m, or 44 ft-lb.