Pics from the 2011 TDR Rally!

[Captjeff]

very nice, wish I could have kept my plans to make it. Maybe next time. In the first pic upper left corner it looks like there is a member with a O R 5th wheel ?

 

[Captjeff]

if i were to go to the mid range engine plant on my own would they give me and my son a tour?

 

[gtobey]

Great TDR Rally write-up and pictures!

That was just fantastic! You did a wonderful job writing this up and covering the event through your pictures! I was able to live it over through your wonderful coverage! Thanks so much for the hard work!



Visit you tube and check out the video posted there about the TDR Rally:

TDR Rally at Cummins - June 10, 2011

 

[HHhuntitall]

Nice job!!!



Where's all that video of the convoy making the trip to Columbus from Warren???

You know, the one with all of the black smoke... ... ... ..... :-laf:-laf



Mike.

... . and the road blocks... and the Rubber Duckie... . oh, and where they hit the gate goin' 98... . Maybe if I go with you... . I'll get you motivated! At least you'll get pics of 'em chasing an old 1st gen Oo.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Mr B;

One final question on the Cummins plant tour, Did you meet, or see the GORILLA that installs the filters on those engines?

Great write up, and pictures.

On the black smoke on the drive to warren I bet they shut the Hiway down due to HAZE.

Yes. They have a 9 foot tall ape with a bad attitude!

Nice write up and and pictures. Wish I could have attend the event.



I am surprized that cameras were allowed in the plant at Chrysler. I know at Caterpillar you would have been told to leave them either in the car or in the visiter waiting area with the receptionist.

Jim W.

No cameras allowed. That why there is no Cummins pics either. Dodge took a few pics and forwarded them to me to post for those that were not there.

very nice, wish I could have kept my plans to make it. Maybe next time. In the first pic upper left corner it looks like there is a member with a O R 5th wheel ?

Yup. You are correct.



We had MANY members bring their 5th wheels.

if i were to go to the mid range engine plant on my own would they give me and my son a tour?

Yup. They would do that for you. Give them a few days notice.

That was just fantastic! You did a wonderful job writing this up and covering the event through your pictures! I was able to live it over through your wonderful coverage! Thanks so much for the hard work!



Visit you tube and check out the video posted there about the TDR Rally:

TDR Rally at Cummins - June 10, 2011

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks as well for the link! That is great! I did not know it was up already!



Man that brings back memories! I have a feeling you will see a few more videos coming to Cummins Channel so keep an eye open!

... . and the road blocks... and the Rubber Duckie... . oh, and where they hit the gate goin' 98... . Maybe if I go with you... . I'll get you motivated! At least you'll get pics of 'em chasing an old 1st gen Oo.

:-laf Why do I have a feeling next trip will be a bit more eventful with you along!

 

[CUMMINZ]

This truck would look much better with 245s or 265s.



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[ENafziger]

Wow... just beautiful!!!! Yes, I would definately be up for a 2013 gathering!!!

--Eric

 

[Grey Wolf]

Thanks Bob for thinking of all us who couldn't attend, I felt like I was right there with you! GW

 

[gtoli]

Thanks for tha great write up. Maybe we can make it in 2013!

 

[RSchwarzli]

OK, got some photos from Cummins. Like the Warren tour, the attendees were not allowed to take photos. So thanks to Ram and Cummins for proving some photos for me to post! Also take note of the clean the plant is, and the pride that is put into every motor Cummins builds.



For the Cummins tour, let's start at the beginning.



This is the bare block that is ready for assembly. Yes, the block has already been powder coated and machined prior to being shipped into the plant.

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Next up crank install:



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Next main component is the cam. Any of you who have done this while the motor is in vehicle will appreciate this photo. LOL Also note tappets, oil pump, etc already installed.



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A table with many of the installed components for us to view:



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[RSchwarzli]

Pistons anyone? Now really look closely at this machine. This is the mother of all automatic machines. Piston in one end, complete assembly out the other.



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Once pistons are installed into the block (through the top with the block lying on its side so the bottom end can also be connected at the same time), the oil pan is bolted on, then the head is installed. (also notice the computer, and injection pump is already installed.



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[RSchwarzli]

And Valvetrain:



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Another cool machine. Automatic valve lash adjustment anyone? If you have ever done a valve adjustment, you would appreciate the 40 seconds this machine takes to adjust them to perfect!





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Gearcase cover install:





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Injectors are now installed and then they come to this machine. This machine is reading the bar codes on the fuel injectors, two bar codes per injector, and sending information down to the sequencing team on how the ECM's need to be programmed.



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[RSchwarzli]

Next up is valve cover and wiring (for anyone that has ever priced out a wiring harness for a motor, that is A LOT of money hanging there on that rack! Likely close to 50 or 60 thousand dollars!):



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Next would be the EGR system install, and all final top end items. After that, the next stop is the masking for the paint booth.



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[RSchwarzli]

This is not actually paint that is being sprayed; it is a clear coat to prevent rust. Most individual parts sent to the plant are already painted or plated. This clear coat just stops rust from getting at the parts.



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Are you still following? We haven't lost you yet? If so, check status on the overhead!





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And final stop is the shipping area. If you are good at math and stress on concrete, remember very one of those motors weighs 1300 lbs…



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And a shot of one of the ladies inspecting parts during the tour:



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That's it folks! Be sure to check out Cummins' You Tube channel. There is more videos coming that pertain to the TDR Rally. Videos at: YouTube - ‪CumminsEngines's Channel‬‏

 

[amsoilman]

I am so impressed with your write-up! I wish I had been there as well, and will look towards the future to attend.
You certainly did give the TDR audience a great writ-up, and a totally different perspective on how well the CUMMINS Engines are manufactured, as well as how the Dodge/Ram trucks are produced. However, I did not know the Michigan plant produced any of the Ram trucks with the CUMMINS Engines. I was under the impression they were all produced in Mexico.
Thanks again for the great information you have provided us with!

 

[RSchwarzli]

However, I did not know the Michigan plant produced any of the Ram trucks with the CUMMINS Engines. I was under the impression they were all produced in Mexico.

!

You are correct. All HD trucks are built in Mexico. But as I did not think I would have a large group of people driving to Mexico with me, I thought I would book Warren, even if they only have gassers! :-laf

 

[HHhuntitall]

Pistons anyone? Now really look closely at this machine. This is the mother of all automatic machines. Piston in one end, complete assembly out the other.



Once pistons are installed into the block (through the top with the block lying on its side so the bottom end can also be connected at the same time), the oil pan is bolted on, then the head is installed. (also notice the computer, and injection pump is already installed.

So THAT's the booger that cracks these piston rings before they come to me!! I was wondering how they all get broke in the same place!! They really need to adjust the arm that preps #6 piston!!:-laf



Also, how do we reserve a spot for the next round, 2013 you said? I'm all for it, if I can make it.....

 

[gtobey]

Your hard work is paying off!

Fantastic! After talking to 3 of my local Dodge/Cummins friends, and showing them these pictures, with your commentary, I am sponsoring them to sign up for the TDR. They were so impressed, that they want to join, and get ready for the next caravan to Columbus!



Thanks so much for your hard (I know you'll say, "... but fun") work in documenting this for all of us! i'm ready for the next one, count me in and hopefully the other 3 more, and I just can't wait until we can get together once more and do it all again!



Come see us in Virginia if you get this way! Thanks!

 

[RSchwarzli]

So THAT's the booger that cracks these piston rings before they come to me!! I was wondering how they all get broke in the same place!! They really need to adjust the arm that preps #6 piston!!:-laf

:-laf:-laf:-laf

Also, how do we reserve a spot for the next round, 2013 you said? I'm all for it, if I can make it.....

Yup. 2013. Will be close to twice the size!! Oo.

Fantastic! After talking to 3 of my local Dodge/Cummins friends, and showing them these pictures, with your commentary, I am sponsoring them to sign up for the TDR. They were so impressed, that they want to join, and get ready for the next caravan to Columbus!

Well done!

Thanks so much for your hard (I know you'll say, "... but fun") work in documenting this for all of us! i'm ready for the next one, count me in and hopefully the other 3 more, and I just can't wait until we can get together once more and do it all again!



Come see us in Virginia if you get this way! Thanks!

Thanks for the kind words. It was fun, as well as a lot of work. Just happy people are enjoying it!



Looks forward to seeing you in 2013!Oo.

 

[Mike Ellis]

Outstanding posts and pictures, definitely one of the best threads I have ever seen on TDR Forum. Thanks very much for posting!!