New CTD Owner (Finally!) With Questions

[DonovanM]

All,



Thanks for all the GREAT info and postings to TDR. After spending a few days browsing the threads, I knew I had to become a member!! I just purchased my first CTD after waiting for about 15 years to get one! It's a dark maroon over silver 2005 2500 QC/4X4/SB/48RE Auto/with a 3. 73 lim-slip rear and Laramie pkg. It's completely stock except for a spray-in Rhino liner that I just had installed. I LOVE IT!!



It was owned by a marina for a year, and they put about 37,000 mi on it and used it fairly hard. (They put in a drop-in plastic liner to hide a bed that was in fairly sorry shape. ) I just had it in to my mechanic for a prev-maint visit where we changed all the fluids/filters and adjusted the valve lash clearance and the bands on the trans. Everything looks really good, but the oil was coal-black... so we're going to follow a 3,000 mi schedule for the next few changes.



I plan on installing the standard series of gauges (EGT, Trans Temp, Boost, & Fuel Press) next. We will eventually use it to tow a camping trailer, but we don't have the trailer yet. Don't know yet if it will be a standard hitch or 5th-wheel. We also plan on installing a greasecar SVO/WVO system in a few months.



One of my initial concerns is the mileage and power I'm getting... I normally run the truck unloaded, drive about 60 miles to/from work, and run on the highway at between 60 & 70 mph. I make it a point to accelerate and decelerate gradually and smoothly (& I rarely leave any kind of smoke cloud behind). I've never owned a CTD before, so I don't know what's "normal" (if there IS such a thing)... but over the last 4 fill-ups, I'm averaging about 16. 8 mpg - with a high of 17. 2 & a low of 16. 4. I'm concerned that the previous owners didn't break-in the engine properly. Is there anything I can do to improve this? I also plan on eventually Bombing the truck, but I've not decided on what systems yet -- I loathe going to the dealer for anything, so I'm not overly concerned about the warranty (especially since I've read plenty of postings about DC refusing to honor it).



Any guidance or suggestions for this rookie would be appreciated.



Thanks,

 

[KBennett]

Congrats on the truck.



I average 17 around town and 19-21 on the highway if I keep it under 70. There may be a computer flash from Dodge to improve the mileage, check out the 3rd gen forum for more details.

 

[VRidgley]

Look on the Carson (City) Dodge site (www.carsondodge.com) for tips about their suggested within-warranty mods. Go to the 'service and repair' link, then 'improve performance', and read all the posts. They have a package consisting of upstream mods (cold air box, cool air hose, turbo air guide) and downstream (removal of muffler). The purpose is to improve airflow, lower exhaust gas temps, and the expected result is to raise mileage by 1. 5 to 2 mpg. Package is available through them or probably Geno's garage.



My unit has 4000 miles, and I run 75 mph at 2500 rpm in 6th gear on long Interstate runs. Initially got 14. 8; with most of the kit installed, mileage has gone up to 16. 8. Cold air box to be installed next Friday. Have never tried the long runs at 60 mph, but the mileage should go way up if I do.



You can also try following up with John Holmes, their tech advisor who moderates site.

 

[mberry]

All,



Thanks for all the GREAT info and postings to TDR. After spending a few days browsing the threads, I knew I had to become a member!! I just purchased my first CTD after waiting for about 15 years to get one! It's a dark maroon over silver 2005 2500 QC/4X4/SB/48RE Auto/with a 3. 73 lim-slip rear and Laramie pkg. It's completely stock except for a spray-in Rhino liner that I just had installed. I LOVE IT!!



It was owned by a marina for a year, and they put about 37,000 mi on it and used it fairly hard. (They put in a drop-in plastic liner to hide a bed that was in fairly sorry shape. ) I just had it in to my mechanic for a prev-maint visit where we changed all the fluids/filters and adjusted the valve lash clearance and the bands on the trans. Everything looks really good, but the oil was coal-black... so we're going to follow a 3,000 mi schedule for the next few changes.



I plan on installing the standard series of gauges (EGT, Trans Temp, Boost, & Fuel Press) next. We will eventually use it to tow a camping trailer, but we don't have the trailer yet. Don't know yet if it will be a standard hitch or 5th-wheel. We also plan on installing a greasecar SVO/WVO system in a few months.



One of my initial concerns is the mileage and power I'm getting... I normally run the truck unloaded, drive about 60 miles to/from work, and run on the highway at between 60 & 70 mph. I make it a point to accelerate and decelerate gradually and smoothly (& I rarely leave any kind of smoke cloud behind). I've never owned a CTD before, so I don't know what's "normal" (if there IS such a thing)... but over the last 4 fill-ups, I'm averaging about 16. 8 mpg - with a high of 17. 2 & a low of 16. 4. I'm concerned that the previous owners didn't break-in the engine properly. Is there anything I can do to improve this? I also plan on eventually Bombing the truck, but I've not decided on what systems yet -- I loathe going to the dealer for anything, so I'm not overly concerned about the warranty (especially since I've read plenty of postings about DC refusing to honor it).



Any guidance or suggestions for this rookie would be appreciated.



Thanks,

Sounds like a great truck. If the marina did use it hard, that is the best thing they could have done for the engine for break-in. Also, the black oil thing is normal for the 3rd gens of your year. If you change the oil at 3000 miles it's really a waste of money. Black oil does not mean bad oil, but it's your money and your decision. The black oil condition will not improve even on a 500 mile change interval. There are lots of posts about this same issue.



Improving fuel mileage has a lot to do with driving style. Having said that, there are a couple of things I would do. First, check into the mods VRidgley noted. Stick to the owners manual schedule if you keep the stock air box and filter. Do not forget to change the fuel filter on schedule also.



Check your air pressure in your tires. I run 65psi on all corners and at 67MPH (just under 2000RPM) I consistently see 20+mpg on the highway.



Check into the Roktech(sp) sensor mod to change the timing of the engine. That will get you a little more MPG. And as stated before, if you run under 2000 RPM that will usually get you your best mileage.



Hope this helps.

 

[DonovanM]

Wow,

Lots of good advice coming from "The Biggest Little City"!!!

I was born & raised there and I've been missing the area something fierce recently -- especially the great off-road opportunities. :{



Thanks for all the pointers. I'll be sure to let you know the results of your suggestions!

 

[RobertP]

first off let me say welcome aboard.



the oil on these third gens turns black as soon as you change them. i would just suggest running a good oil and bypass setup and go every 10,k to be safe. gauges are a must if you plan to bomb. you have the right idea on what gauges to get. let me know if i can help with any thing im in dunkirk twice a week visiting my dad. who lives off of ferry landing.



Robert

 

[Buffalo]

I agree with the comments regarding "black oil". It's normal.



The soot, that you are seeing, is submicronic & doesn't do any damage. Once there is quite a bit of soot in the engine oil, it agglomerates or binds together in clumps & gets removed by the filter.



Regarding oil change intervals, I've been changing at 8000 mile intervals & the last two changes I had tested with used oil analysis. The oil was still in good shape (Chevron Delo-400, 15X40, CI-4+).



By doing a few oil analysis tests, & extending your oil drain intervals til the tests start showing oil deterioration, would probably give you an idea as to how far you can go without changing the oil. Probably give you "bang for your buck" on oil changes.



Some of us, including me, are running fuel additives for the added lubricity & injector cleaners, etc. Personally, I think it's a good idea.



Best of Luck with your new truck.



Joe F. (Buffalo)