Noobie with ??'s

[RRandal]

I have had my 03 2500 HO for about 2 weeks now, and was wonderin' if I am just imagining things changin' or if they have been this way from the beginning.



1) When I start the truck, I let it warm for about 30-45 seconds before I take off. For the first few minutes (4-5) it seems to have a noticeable "rattling" sound at around 1200-1300 RPMs. It is a different sound from all other RPMs. It does go away after the truck is warm, but it is concerning me. Any ideas what it is, and if it could be a problem?



2) When I turn the truck off, usually after letting it idle for 20-30 seconds like I should, it shudders kinda' violently - the whole truck shakes. A problem?



3) It appears that there is the possibility to put a gas nozzle into the opening of the tank. I have never had a diesel before and am kinda' concerned about not thinking sometime and pulling up to the pump and accidently filling with gas. Has anyone ever done that?



4) I thought that the 03's were supposed to be quiet? EVERY time that I pull into a drive thru, I get something like "I can't hear you because your truck is too loud, sir". How do you guys with performance mods and probably louder trucks than mine handle drive thrus?



Thanks,

 

[bmoeller]

Welcome to the TDR!



As your questions go-



1. Can't comment on that since I haven't driven a '03 yet. Probably nothing to worry about.



2. Normal. Nothing to worry about. Diesels are higher compression engines with heavier components than a gasser.



3. It's possible and others have done it. Alot of stations have green nozzles for diesel, but not all, so be careful. The opening is bigger so the large nozzles at truck stops will fit. Not sure if they have one for a '03, but you can get a green fuel cap to help remind you. http://216.167.41.9/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=773&CATID=1 If not, you could paint it green.



4. I've even had that happen with gas pickups w/ quiet mufflers. I just shut the truck off when ordering in the drive-thru. If they want you to wait before ordering, I leave it runnig til they are back so they won't foget you are there.



Enjoy the ride.

 

[GLolas]

RRandall, One question 1, mine does the same thing and several others here commented on it when I posted about it. Its normal based on the reposnes I got. Do a search on "clatter or cackle" and you'll find the thread.



I'm new here too and this is my first diesel and this is the place to be to learn all you can about it.

 

[DIESELMAN]

#1. Darnit to heck, thats the only time you can hear the beast within, normal. I believe that once the combustion chamber has warmed, the ignition of fuel is smoother and the engine is quieter. I like to leave within a minute on a cold morning with the windows down just so I can hear the beast echoing off the neighbors homes down the street!



#2. Normal, our '95 would stop so quickly the belt would 'chirp'



#3. Think Green, sniff the nozzle or develop some other seemingly silly habit for good reason. The size of the nozzle is so that the average low IQ Gasser Driver won't accidentally put Diesel into their gas tank, you now own a diesel, you have proven your skill and competence, just don't slip up



#4. Pull up to ANY other CTD other than an '03 and you'll instantly know the difference, besides, you can't hear the drive through kid and they have no excuse at all.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Hi Rodney. Your questions have been dutifully answered by our vast supply of experts so I'll just say welcome!



Scotty

 

[Jeremiah]

1) When I start the truck, I let it warm for about 30-45 seconds before I take off. For the first few minutes (4-5) it seems to have a noticeable "rattling" sound at around 1200-1300 RPMs. It is a different sound from all other RPMs. It does go away after the truck is warm, but it is concerning me. Any ideas what it is, and if it could be a problem?



Don't let it concern you. It's Dodge's way of letting your neighbors know what you're driving. It's also your way of getting them up early every morning so they can get to work on time. Call it your contribution to the economy.



2) When I turn the truck off, usually after letting it idle for 20-30 seconds like I should, it shudders kinda' violently - the whole truck shakes. A problem?



Not a problem. It's the engine's way of saying it wants to keep running. Start it up again and drive some more.



3) It appears that there is the possibility to put a gas nozzle into the opening of the tank. I have never had a diesel before and am kinda' concerned about not thinking sometime and pulling up to the pump and accidently filling with gas. Has anyone ever done that?



Sure people have done that but they won't do it but once. There's no accounting for people who would do this kind of thing. One wonders if they ever drove their Honda into a service station and put diesel fuel in the tank. Same kinda thing ...



4) I thought that the 03's were supposed to be quiet? EVERY time that I pull into a drive thru, I get something like "I can't hear you because your truck is too loud, sir". How do you guys with performance mods and probably louder trucks than mine handle drive thrus?



Simple: don't go through drive-throughs. Eating fast food is like putting gasoline in a diesel engine: do it often enough or in great enough qualtities and you'll ruin your body.



Thanks, [/B]

 

[Pit Bull]

2) When I turn the truck off, usually after letting it idle for 20-30 seconds like I should, it shudders kinda' violently - the whole truck shakes. A problem?



Normal



3) It appears that there is the possibility to put a gas nozzle into the opening of the tank. I have never had a diesel before and am kinda' concerned about not thinking sometime and pulling up to the pump and accidently filling with gas. Has anyone ever done that?



Only fill up at diesel islands and alway "think" before you fill up.





4) I thought that the 03's were supposed to be quiet? EVERY time that I pull into a drive thru, I get something like "I can't hear you because your truck is too loud, sir". How do you guys with performance mods and probably louder trucks than mine handle drive thrus?



Don't eat anything that you can buy at a drive through, it's not good for you. The truck is only trying to protect its owner.