Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New Dieseler

[6533]

Hey Everyone,
Im new here and new to the Turbo Diesel Trucks. I have waited a long long time to get a commins . I just got a 1999 Dodge cummins with 182.000 miles on it. No Rust and other than some small things it looks great and seems to run Strong. With all of that said I would like to do some things to make it last as long as I can. Of course change the oil, Oil filter, air filter, trans fluid and filter. Could anyone tell me what other things I can do for the Longevity of the Engine ? Like should I install a K& N air filter as starters ? The truck is stock and I don't think I need any more power. Was thinking of putting a straight Pipe on if I can do that without causing any problems. I also hear of guys putting additives in the fuel. I heard of putting in Cetane ? but someone said that put in 2cycle oil to lube the turbo ? I would think the diesel does that ? Anyway any help would be appreciated. Thanks all..

 

[Killer223]

stay away from the K&N,

the 2 stroke oil, commonly TCw3 is to lube the injection pump, engine oil lubes the turbo.
you might look into a better lift pump. the stock one is less than reliable.
else leave it alone.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

New Dieseler, welcome to the TDR and you've come to the right place as a resource for maintaining the 2nd gen trucks. First thing is to create a truck profile which will eliminate some of the guess work of the reader to help you with future issues. Most of all at this point; if you don't have a fuel pressure gauge install one as soon as possible. These old 2nd gens' are prone to lift pump failures which will starve the VP44 IP, etc. and also give you a heads up on fuel filter replacement.

 

[Joe Mc]

Ditto to what Boeing said above with an add on to the fuel gauge recommendation = I see you mention trans fluid and filter therefore we can best guess your truck has an auto trans. That said, this is the weak link in the driveline and an auto trans' worst enemy is heat, get a trans temp gauge to keep an eye on things. May I suggest a tri-pod A pillar gauge mount, acquire 3 gauges: 1). Fuel PSI (might as well go with the 0 - 30# now, you can get the 0-15# but if you later decide to BOMB then you'll most likely end up purchasing the 0-30# = get it out of the way now), 2). Trans Temp (universal temp gauge) you can place the sensor/probe in the pan if you have a bung to do so, but if you are keeping the stock pan for now there isn't a bung, the best temp to monitor is the fluid leaving the trans to the trans cooler there are adapters that allow you to affix the temp probe to the outside of the line from trans to cooler, so you don't have to immerse the probe in the fluid. 3). Boost/EGT (0 - 1500 degrees) Combo gauge, allows monitoring of the EGTs and Boost levels. These gauges provide an excellent start for you to keep an eye on critical systems and even though you might think "it has plenty of power and I'll never (never say never...) need any more power", believe me (and others on this site) once you see how easy it is to add power and get a little taste it is a very, very slippery slope.


Also as Boeing said; add a signature with info on your truck: go to "My Profile" top right of main/any page on this site, look on the left side for profile or signature and create a basic or detailed description of your truck.

Lastly, welcome and congratulations on your new to you truck, BTW you aren't driving a Dodge, you're driving a Cummins with a Dodge wrapped around it - LOL "and" as far as folks you know recommending things you should do to your truck... with good intentions I'm sure, but "beware" and check here with the folks on the TDR before you spend a ton of $$$ on something that might actually not be good for your truck. Kind of like a Carpenter's motto "measure twice, cut once" - check with folks here that have "been there and (maybe) done that", before you buy.

Have fun!

 

[promisedland]

Definitely a after market lift pump and gauges if you tow.
A mild tuner (Smarty is great) will wake the truck up.

S&B cold side intakes are great,( the turbo will be louder)
The Stock intake is OK, just make sure the top/lid of the filter box isn't warped. This will let dirt past the filter.

 

[gtwitch]

Ditto on the fuel pressure gauge!! My 99 has over 225k miles with only a few problems that I did not cause!
My opinion only and you can research this on TDR, Leave the stock air filter in place as it is the best filter media avaliable for stock or slightly improved engine performance and much better filtration than the K&N and do not have to wash and oil (messy mess)
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[6533]

Ok thanks you. Now you Got me going, ok what is a Vp44 IP ? And any idea what Pressure Gauge I should get. Also aa good one any idea on a good water pump or one that is good for the money ? and how do I set up the Profile. Sorry for all the questions, you know new guys. hehe Thanks for all the help.

 

[Tuesdak]

You get cheaper and better results by simply throwing away the air filter and doing without rather than buying a K&N. It will save you the ~$50.00, still dust the rings, no frequent messy cleaning/oiling, and won't clog up quickly with the big diameter dirt like the K&N will. There are better after market dry air filters than the K&N if you insist, but, stock paper filters are hard to beat.

Filtration of the air and oil is more important than what kind of oil you run. Quality filters not warranted or made by The Fram Group is a good place to start. They make a lot of the high dollar brands now so be careful of who actually makes the filters.

 

[promisedland]

The VP44 is the fuel injection pump. It needs a good lift pump to supply it with steady pressure, [i'm not sure... 10psi?] Then the VP44 is really quite good. If the stock intake is fine, just leave it.
If you want more power, tuning will supply this quite well!

Genos Garage [on-line] has a LOT of GOOD items for your Ram , check them out.

 

[6533]

Ok great Thanks so much. My profile is done now. Any thoughts on a water pump ? I hear it squeaking a little and think it may be one of the things i plan on doing soon. While im at it. Is there a good repair manual for the cummins. I just got the truck yesterday so I want to get everything together. And thanks again.

 

[6533]

Ok thanks and the profile is all done. Thanks again.

 

[Timd32]

My .06 cents.

Go to "settings" then scroll down A bit to "my settings" > "edit signature" and put your truck info there. (Mine is pretty stock so I just listed the bare minimum.) But it helps for sure.

Download the TDR perfect collection and read that cover to cover for your truck.

Download the TDR buyers guide read that cover to cover for your truck.

Those have great articles in there about known issues and what to look out for.

 

[Joe Mc]

6533 Back in July 01 (bought truck in May) I got (from Geno's Garage) the 3 gauge A-Pillar mount and Westech gauges: Fuel PSI, Trans (universal) Temp and a Boost/EGT combo gauge, along with a small spray bomb of the factory interior color (Agate) all for around $500. Took the better part of the day, taking my time mind you, to install - still have them today excluding replacement 0-30 Fuel PSI (I originally got the 0-15#) and replacement Boost/EGT, as my first one the boost PSI only went to 30# (I think), which after the BOMBs I dropped (post DTT Trans) would quickly peg the boost.

 

[Joe Mc]

Oh forgot to speak to the water pump question. Go with a Cummins pump and T-Stat, you'll pay for both but won't be disappointed. The Parts House pumps are typically rebuilt and just don't seem to last more than a year or so and the T-Stats are just not the right ones - they'll work but... I think Geno's Garage "might" list both New Cummins parts.

 

[Bob4x4]

At close to 200k the injectors will not be as effective as they should be.The 275 hp injectors are a great upgrade for the same price as the stock injectors

 

[Missouri Mule]

Make sure it is your water pump and not the belt. Gates heavy duty belt is good and you get it at genos (sister company of TDR).

 

[6533]

Ok I thought I did ? Maybe not. But thanks for the info.

 

[6533]

Im sorry but how do I get to that TDR Perfect Collection ? I can not seem to find it on here ? Thanks for all the help.

 

[Timd32]

https://www.genosgarage.com/tech_info

There is also a check box to "show your signature" below each reply, maybe that is not checked.

 

[6533]

Ok thanks , as you can tell by now im not to good at this. Please just bear with me I will get it right at some point. Thanks