Plugs in the cab???

[White Ram1]

I just got the call, my 2500 HD CTD SRW just arrived at the dealership, after a very long wait. Mainly a strike at the rail head held the truck up for two weeks once it actually got to town.



Anyway... . I read some where about plugs in the cab that were not being installed any longer during the manuf process and guys were getting the dealers to put the plugs in. I mentioned this to the dealeraship owner and he said he was unaware of this, but if I could get the details he will check into it.



Any info is appreicated as I could not find the old thread.



Also, any other pre-delivery issues I need to have them fix or do before I pick it up?



Thanks everyone for your help and input!



I'm a newbie and this is my first Dodge after owning 3 Ford Turbo Diesel dually's. I can't wait to pick it up! Oo.

 

[edgrim]

Cab Plugs

I read that tread and I remember something about the plugs are under the doors(?) or not under the cab doors now your looking for tape covering the drain holes.



FWIW aren't all 2500 SRW only 3500 can be either SRW or DRW

 

[White Ram1]

FWIW aren't all 2500 SRW only 3500 can be either SRW or DRW

Thanks, I didn't know that, this is my first Dodge truck.



Ford's we could have a DRW in a F250 (dodge 2500) or a F350 (dodge 3500).

 

[PJ]

I have a complete set for my 3500 05 that was ordered for my 2500 04. I never bothered to install them on the 04 before I traded it in. Some day when it isnt raining, Im going to go out and install them before it gets too dirty under there. At least I got the driveshaft painted before it turned to rust. My 04 was totally rusted within the first 2 months.

 

[WoodChuck]

Cab / Body Plugs missing

http://www.rounsevell.com/blowby.pdf



Fumes in cab



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I was about to start a thread on this to see if it was still a problem on the new trucks and I guess it is.



Dodge’s had a TSB years ago that states this is a normal condition (which it is) caused by the oil which is emitted by the crankcase breather and sells an odorizer to add to your engine when a oil change is performed that supposedly gives it a nice lemon fragrance. Lovely huh, just what we all need. Wouldn’t it be great if they had one for the fuel too so that would smell like roses or what ever other great fragrance they came up with? How about chocolate? Or maybe beer?





I have a ‘04 with 20,000 miles now and I had fumes when new too. A lot if it is the coating they spray on the engine when new that will burn off in time and some comes from the crankcase breather especially after an oil change. Running synthetic oil (only after toughly broken in) helps tremendously.



The real problem however was accurately diagnosed by Dan Rounsevell in his PDF. I just did the fix on my truck even though odors aren’t a problem anymore because I plan on keeping it a long time like my previous truck and don’t care for engine compartment fumes migrating into the cab if I can help it. Extending breather hoses is more like a band aid approach in my opinion.



The lower holes he identified are the main culprit as they lead straight to the engine compartment and can be plugged with Mopar part number 55276332AA (total of 2 required at about $1. 20 each) as shown in his picture on the passenger side (my truck was missing them on both sides). This part acts as a one way flapper valve and will let tons of water flow out unobstructed but seals if air pressure inside the plenum is lower than outside thus preventing engine air from entering. The one on the passenger side is probably more important than the driver side because the intake for the heater box is on that side but both should be plugged (especially at $1. 20 each). Try shining a small flashlight thru these holes and see where the light leads.



The upper holes should be taped as Dan Rounsevell did. That cavity leads across the top fender edge. When you open your hood you can see holes between the fender bolts that will allow engine compartment air in as well. (I could not find a plug thru Dodge for this hole).



Removing the cowl was a little tricky. It is two pieces and initially I tried to take them out separately from the sides with no luck. Do not try to separate these parts. The way that worked for me was standing on the bumper jockey it around in one piece and bend a little in the center and pull it straight out towards the front of the truck.



P. S. my truck was also missing the body plugs on the inboard side of the doors sills.



My truck also was delivered with the engine and auto trans both overfilled.

 

[Tony T.]

Check it out Good

I was going to suggest having the fluids all checked out, engine, trans, an rearends. Also look your paint over carefully.



Congrats on new Ride Oo.



Tony

 

[MLee]

White Ram;

Do as Tony T suggests Check all fluids. The plugs are Called, Rocker Panel Plugs # 4860953AA. The dealer will probley give you crap about them but insist on getting them even if you have to install your self.



As a note on the fumes you guys are experinencing, This is a health risk, gets into your lungs and over time can cause you a lot of harm. I know, I had a old chevy 74, Bad transfer case fumes in the cab--ASTHMA-- followed. Had to out grow it much better today. 30 yrs latter.

Marv.