New truck

[wrichards]

I currently own a 1991 Ford 7. 3 and with the help of For-diesel.com I have been able to keep up and/or prevent any problems with the truck and post ehre regularly helping whoever I can out. Now that I have purchased a 1998 3500 5. 9 with 48k on it I was hoping this site could provide me with the same info. Can you give me some suggestions on proper maitenance any inherent problems or other info you think I should know or do to the truck?

 

[Big John]

WR, congrats on the new truck. You now own a real diesel. I may have to qualify that, depending on whether it is a 12 or 24 valve Cummins. The properly valved Dodge has a 12 valve engine in it. The 98 year models came with both. All I know about is the 12 valves, and regular maintenance, is simple. You will read a lot of varying thoughts on this, but regular oil changes and common practices will give you many great miles of power. The transmission, whether auto or manual, will make a big difference in the suggested maintenance. You can do a search on specific subjects and find a lot of discussion on any issue you wish to bring up.



The Cummins is a lot more user-friendly than the F@&*. It is easier to work on, cheaper to maintain, and gives opportunity to enhance power at reasonable cost. I hope you enjoy the website.



Big John

 

[BCFAST]

Congrats on the new sled! As Big John said, there will be a difference in maint. if yours is a 12/24 valve, an automatic or a real truck , 4wd or 2wd... but the basics are simple especially when compared to the ford: change your filters when you're supposed to, adjust the valves about every 50k and just drive it! You'll enjoy a few things about the Dodge that you didnt have in your ford: the mileage, the torque, the ability to hot-rod the motor without worrying if it'll blow up, and oh yeah. . the glorious sound!

 

[amsoilman]

If your engine has 6 individual valve covers, it is a 12 valve engine. If it only has 1 vlave cover, it is a 24 valve engine. The 12 valve engine utilizes a P-7100 fuel injection pump that is a mechanical pump. The 24 valve engine utilizes the VE-44 fuel injection pump that uses electronics to deliver the fuel. Either engine is a great engine and will last a very long time if you give it proper maintenance. Just use a good quality oil and make sure it is API rated as CH-4/SH or higher. SAE grade would depend on temperatures you will be running in. I use a 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel synthetic where I live.



Good luck with your "new" to you truck!





Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Tim1]

Welcome, just wanted to add if it has a original 5 speed be aware of the 5th gear nut problem and the KDP. You can check these out here. You have made a very wise choice. Good luck! Tim

 

[wrichards]

thanks for the input, it is a 12 valve that is the reason I bought this particular truck. I heard that the auto transmission may be a trouble spot, what service interval should I maintain? Also I am coming up on 50,000 and need to know about valve adjustment. It sounds to complex for me so about how much will it cost and should I go to a dealer or a diesel shop?

 

[JBoesl]

I would not take it to the dealer. I feel Cummins does a much better job and usualy for less. I belive Cummins Northwest does it for $99. I would service the trans every 12k/year.



Jason

 

[Big John]

As far as the auto goes, here are a few tips.



1. When you start the engine cold or after the truck has set for a good while, slip the trans in Neutral and let it circulate the fluid for 60 to 90 seconds before driving.

2. Keep the RPM's up when towing. Easier done with 4:10 gears, but the higher R's helps the transmission function properly.

3. Do not install one of the "Lockup Switches" you may read about on this Forum. They can be bad news to your transmission.

4. Read as many posts as you can by Bill K. of DTT. He knows all there is to know about these transmissions.



I have two diesels; one auto and one manual. They both have 100,000 plus miles and both are excellent transmissions. If not for the 5th gear problem mentioned earlier, they have both been flawless. Both are worked on a regular basis pulling heavy loads. The auto is a '94 4x4 with 160,000 miles and still pulls a loaded gooseneck trailer almost daily with no problems.



Godd luck and do enjoy the sound of the Cummins. It is music to my ears!



Big John