Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New to the ways of Diesel.

[JamesSimpson]

I have had my 02 4x4 since December. It was my day after Christmas present to myself. I bought it with 51k on it. Its not an HO and its an AT with the HD T-case. I have about 70k on it now and Im seeing all these horror stories about lift pumps vp44's and all kinds of stuff the you dont find on a gas engine. Im pretty good on gas engines but diesels are a new breeed to me. I just know that they smell good, noisy and the CDT is the best. Well I under stand how it works but I need help with the maintinance. What should i be looking at with this many miles on it. I love this thing.





HELP



James

 

[SEmerson]

Guages are a must. EGT, Fuel pressure, Boost. You at some point will need a new auto. But if you get a good one it will drive alot better and last forever. You also have to watch fuel pressure. That is the main reason vp44's go out. BTW a vp44 is pretty easy to change just expensive. And don't feel bad about not getting a HO. None HO's bomb better.



Welcome and enjoy your ride.

 

[JamesSimpson]

Is the vp44 the fuel pump that is connected to the vacum pump and the power steering pump. Where can I get the egt boost and Fp gauges?

 

[snowracer69]

www.sourceautomotive.biz for all your hardware accessories. Rip's the guy to deal with.

 

[SEmerson]

The vp44 is like the distributor. Just follow all the lines to it. I use summit for my guages. I like autometers.

 

[Horsepuller]

I bought an '02 this year too. Don't worry, just get the guages and learn how to switch out the Lift Pump, get the service manual. Diesel engines are just different, not more complicated. Just need to be careful about not getting air in the fuel system. It is not a crisis if you do, you just need to bleed it out. I purchased a new lift pump and carry it with me, even though my truck has 70k on it and absolutely no problems.



The Dodge/Cummins is a good reliable truck, don't get the wrong impression from this site. This is where alot of people come when they have problems so it might seem like everyone has a problem, but that isn't the case. Still the best truck out there. My friend has 02 Powerjoke, I mean stroke, and he has lots of nasty expensive problems.

 

[JamesSimpson]

No one could tell me that there is a better diesel truck than a dodge. What kinda price should I be looking for for a VP44? Is there a better one that what comes stock?

 

[BKenny]

Welcome, Im in the same boat saveing for gauges right now . Theres ALOT of good knowledge in here I have had mine for acouple of mounths now and im i learn somthing new every day about this truck. I will probly go to Rip for my gauges after the good experience i had with my last perchase . I love that diesel smell nothing like the smell of torqe :-laf

 

[Horsepuller]

I would second Geno's. I haven't dealt with anyone else, and they haven't given me a reason to switch. Excellent selection of Dodge only parts and accesories and good prices.

 

[JamesSimpson]

Geno'x got a web site?

 

[Horsepuller]

Here ya go: http://www.genosgarage.com/ They also have a good catalog.