Archived Pushrod...*again*

[voice of reason]

Howdy all. I've been watching TDR for a couple years now, but I finally sacked up and bought it. So, now here's my dilemma. .

I have an '01 QC auto, and I seem to have this problem with pushrods. Last winter, I took the truck in for a thumping noise from the intake. Now, just for reference, I owned a truck shop for 5 years, thus I'm pretty familiar with diesels. Anyway, I was thinking possible sticking valve, or out of adjustment. WARRANTY!

So I take it to Dodge, and tell them my theory. Turns out it was a bent pushrod. I was thoroughly confused... . but it was better.

I learned of the cold idle problem recently, and took the truck in to have bulletin 18-19-01 performed (which is listed here as 18-31-1). They stickered it, and said it was good to go. Now, it was a mild winter here, but when it actually got cold, no change in idle. Hmm??

In February, we had a good cold snap, and I started the truck, which started thumping immediately--I was *mad*. I assumed another pushrod, so I took my truck back to Dodge.

They looked at it, and declared it needed a valve adjustment... after the had said they ordered a pushrod. They thought the first rack run was due at 15K... amd I'd have to pay for it. SO I faxed them the Cummins webpage with the **150,000** mile requirement. Now they say they will adjust them under warranty. WTF??

Question is--how common is this problem??

(I've not had a problem with this dealer--I've been on a first name basis with them since I bought the truck)

Thanks in advance!!!

trent...

 

[LSMITH]

I thought I was the voice of reason????



Just kidding. I have not heard of a bent pushrod in the last 2 years that I can remember, so it must not be all that common. I would think it would only be a common problem in a serious over-rev situation unless a problem in the head was causing a valve to stick. The first scheduled valve adjust is at 150K, but about 50K is when it will need to be checked.

 

[voice of reason]

Check out the TSB listed here for details, but the essence is that increased airflow in the four valve head results in fuel varnished accumulating on the valves during cold idle, and can (does) lead to bent stuff... . The TSB is 18-31-1 here, but I know it as 18-019-01--mine was performed already per my request.

trent...

 

[voice of reason]

Just an update...



I stopped in at Dodge after work to inquire as to *what* exactly was going on. My truck was in the shop, and the advisor let me take a peek... guess? Bent #1 intake p-rod. My thought is this...

Being in the field myself as a tech & manager, I know how it works--the tech wanted to get paid for something, as Dodge's warranty work pays crap to the tech. *SO*, why not call a valve adjustment--it pays 3 hrs!! Problem is, the SM I deal with should have known better than to try and BS me of all people. I know how it is, and I understand... . just don't lie to me.

trent...

 

[Joe Mc]

Has anyone had this flash done? I asked dealer to have it done and it would have been $40. When I told them to do it he told me the Tech (who has souped up deisels and always had one) said it was worthless. I was going to have it done anyway then though about maybe the Tech just didn't want to do it and had flashbacks of all the bad flash posts I've read here and told the SM to nevermind.



Question has anyone had the flast of cold idle done and does it work?

 

[voice of reason]

I had it done (read 1st post) and I've yet to see it in action. Hmph...

trent...