Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Retrofit engine to bypass the computer

[agoldbach]

I have a 2002 2500 Ram with the Cummins 24 valve. I would like to know what it would take to retrofit this engine/ vehicle so I could operate it should the computer fail. I would like to make the systems mechanical vice electrical. I am not sure if this is possible. What parts, resources, manuals, tools etc. do I need? Also any sources for them. Thanks.

 

[RustyJC]

Which computer? There are two major ones - the powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control module (ECM). They communicate with each other through the CANbus. Between them, they control almost every major function in the truck - everything from instrument readouts, automatic transmission shifting, alternator output, etc. (PCM) to fuel injection timing and volume (ECM). I really don't think it's financially or technically feasible to bypass these computers - you'd be better off buying an early 12 valve truck with mechanical fuel injection.



Rusty

 

[willyslover]

no can do... one way or the other

ya either have to P-Pump it or stay with the electrons

 

[illflem]

Easiest way would be to put a 12 valve engine in it.

 

[tractorface]

while we are on the subject

Will the 47RE work on the back of a 12v,If a 12v is swapped into a 24v truck.

 

[RustyJC]

I don't think it's practical to swap a 12V into a 24V truck. The PCM is going to be missing all the engine output signals so the instruments aren't going to work, the PCM won't know when to tell the trans to shift, etc. You would have to rework the whole CANbus system to compensate for the missing ECM, or come up with a "dummy" ECM. If one is computer literate enough to do that, I suspect they could keep a 24V truck running insofar as the computers are concerned.



If, despite all the above, one wanted to swap a 12V into a 24V truck, I'd say the 47RE would have to become a 47RH.



JM2CW



Rusty

 

[tractorface]

Thanks

Makes sense. A friend that owns a machine shop was telling me he sees some "deals" on 12v's from time to time and I thought it would make sense as a backup to my "53"block 24v. If I spend big $ having the 47RE built I don't want to change transmissions as well. I'll put that hairbrain scheme to bed and start wasting time worrying about something else.

 

[illflem]

A 47RE will work. The 47RH was only used in 12 valves up to '96 when it was replaced by the RE.



Along the same lines- https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72645

 

[RustyJC]

Let's go back to the hypothetical question - what if one swapped a 12V in a 24V truck with the 47RE? I don't think you could get the PCM and everything it controls to work with a missing ECM. So, with the PCM not working, how is the interface with the 47RE going to work?



Rusty

 

[MD500E]

How do they do it in a p-pump conversion? Same basic problem right? DD even got the cruise to work on theirs!

 

[RustyJC]

Good question. The subject is frankly academic to me because I have a 6-speed, so I haven't looked at all of the implications. However, it would be interesting to know how they got the PCM functions to work with no ECM. In effect, one end of the CANbus is hanging in the breeze.



Rusty