The powerstroke is not junk

[DGFoster]

The powerstroke is not junk,that engine may cost more when it comes to bombing,and it does top out at 92 mph,but that is not were I want to drive,these trucks are made for pulling,and the 99 I had pulled better,let me refraze that it pulled,way better than my new dodge,and I had NO problems with the powerstroke,it was flawless all the way up to 120000 miles. I did nothing but change out ,trans fluid,and tires,my dodge has been in the shop for blowing engine module fuses left and right,and the thing only gets 10 mpg,on its best day,my ford got 15 to 23 depending on what I was doing with it.
The cummins is bullet proof,and will live longer that a powerstroke,they say,I got a friend that has 500,000 on his and injectors are all he did to it.
I bought a dodge for two reasons,the inside is more appealing than the ford and the seats are more comphy,than the ford,but the seat in the ford put up with a lot of me sitting in it for 120,000 miles.
And the other reason was I needed a tax right off.
Know I had a dodge before the ford a 98 and it was in the paint shop so many times they bought it back,and I got the ford,it was the best truck I ever had.
Know this dodge I have know,i love the truck,dont get me wrong,but the power is not there like the ford,and the mileage sucks,
there is no reason for it,I know there is something wrong with this truck,but the dealer dont think so and they wont give me the ok to take it to cummins,so I guess I have to live with it.
The cummins is not the problem,it is the truck it self.
Sorry for the rambling

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David Foster

 

[Diesel_Dodgeboy]

Sounds like to me if you had such good luck with your old Powerjoke. You would have bought another one? As for the 99 Powerjokes I have driven. When my 98. 5 ISB was stock it would have outpulled and outran all of the powerstrokers. Seems funny how "some" people always seem to have problems with their Dodge's. Cant say I have any problems in 22,000 miles except for a rear pinion and axle seal. When you wrote"Know with this Dodge I have know". You should have wrote "Now" not "Know" Like you "Know" I owned a Phord Powerjoke and "Now" I own a REAL truck.

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98. 5 Flame Red ISB 2500 RC LB 4x4 NV4500 3. 55
TST PowerMax, straight 3" exhaust, noise cone removed, making lots of noise and scaring away all the Ford PSD's

 

[amsoilman]

Dave65,
Sorry to hear you are having some problems with the Dodge! I know there are sometimes problems with various makes in some vehicles. It only makes sence that there will always be one or two out of several hundered that have some kind of a problem. It would seem to me that you should be able to get some help on your problem.

I have found if I have a problem with something I have bought and it gives me a problem, I go to the top whoever that may be, and try to get the problem resolved. I do not shout or rant and rave, I just try to be polite and inform the people I am dealing with what my problem is.

In my 65 years of living, this has worked for me more time than not.

I once had a 1988 Dodge Dakota that had given me fits with the standard transmission for nearly a year. They tried to fix it many times, but I finaly got the Chrysler Corp. to buy it back. They only charged me . 10 cents per mile for each mile I had driven it, which in my book was a bargain!

If I were you, I would call the 800 number listed in your warranty book, and get something going on it. If your not happy with it, then you should get them to do something.

I'm sorry your having this kind of a problem! It is a lot of money to pay, and then not have the thing perform like it should!

Best regards,

Wayne
amsoilman

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94'SLT 4X4 AT/White in color. Factory Tow Hooks & Running Boards. Amsoil By-Pass filter, Amsoil Air cleaner,and all fluids are Amsoil. Optima "Red Top" batteries.
BD exhaust Brake, BD Torque Lock, BD Torque Converter, Dr. Performance Stage II Injection Pump. Mag-Hytec Diff Cover,Mag-Hytec Transmission Pan, Isspro Pyro, Boost,Oil temp Gauges mounted in 3 Gauge post mount. One gauge monitors Engine Oil, Trans, Diff. Temps.

 

[DGFoster]

Your right,I should have bought another ford,im sorry i didn't,and im sure you feel a lot better NOW don't you... .

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David Foster

 

[DGFoster]

And it goes to show,you are stuck with your dogde too,to bad.

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David Foster

 

[DGFoster]

Amsoilman:
Well I have called and talked with Dodge,they have a folder documenting the problems,and I have talked with the distriched manager,and he was no help,I asked if they could send my truck to cummins so they could check it out,he said no.
He wants me to put 15,000 miles on it first,he said it takes that long to break in.
Well I have talked with cumminsa few times,they tell me that my engine don't need ant break in time,I told him that and he still will not authorize it.
I know dodge is a good truck,I have just had bad luck with two of them,but I know people that have had good luck with theres,I am confident they will somehow get this resolved,but not with 15,000 miles on it,I contacted the attorney that handled my last dodge,when they bought it back,and he said 4 times in for the same problem,or six times in for any problem,it falls under the lemon law.
I just took my wife to the store and my electric mirrors don't work,I checked the fuse it was ok.
Im sure it is something in the electical system,just another day or two in the shop. .




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David Foster

 

[Phil Rauch]

I had a 95 powerstroke with 4. 10 for 4 years. I had to put 4 flywheels in it, 2 clutches, a whole new wiring harness, and the brakes sucked. I got this 99 dodge with 3. 54 gears in it and it would out pull that ford any day. I even had a 75 horse chip, K&N, and total straight pipe on the ford. All I had done to the dodge was whack the muffler off and put a K&N in it. Then I added the Blue Box and that ford couldn't even touch it. I have nothing against ford but I do like my dodge a lot more.

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99,4x4,slt,3500,5spd,
black,hoswel bale bed,
blue box,sraightpipe,
K&N,silencer ring removed,5 star aluminum wheels,brushguard,
blackouts,eclipse stereo,
matrix blue headlight bulbs,blazer blue neon fog lights,

 

[Daddy]

I realise that ford makes a decent product and that you can get a bad apple from any tree. I didnt mean to offend anyone by starting my topic "powerstrokes suck" apparently it was out of line because Rob closed the thread. It was all in fun, but I was asking a serious question about mods to put me ahead, whether going uphill loaded or empty from a roll out on a country road. Any way, I wouldnt trade this cummins that sounds,pulls,and runs like a real diesel for one that revs a little higher and may be a little quicker.
Hang in there Dave, I think you will get your problems worked out and love the truck.

 

[David_VT]

Dave,
Surely you aren't going to wait 15K to pursue this are you? I don't recall anyone else reporting 10mpg on a new RAM, and this is the forum that Dodge was pushing in at least the 99 advertising.

As to break in, I see folks going from high 'teens to higher 'teens and low 20's as the engines break in (well into the 20 and 30k's)

Research this forum a bit more and you will be able to find out how people are getting this stuff resolved.

IF you got a lemon (and you surely make a case for that), RAM it down DC's throat until you are happy with what you paid for.

I am happy with mine (18mpg with my foot in it all the time), but appreciate your frustration. Sounds like a bad truck and a worse dealer.

Good luck

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99QC4x4SB5SPD Van Aaken ordered 1/14 from T. J.

 

[DGFoster]

To David _vt and Busyman:
No I just had a great truck,the ford has had its problems,like the 1995 it had problems,not saying the ford dont have some problems,but mine didn't,I got a heck of a deal on this dodge,and I do love it,well most of it,and I just can't think of why dc will not help me on this subject,they say they want happy customers,well im not happy.
Ive had two dodge trucks a 98 and this 00,and both I have had troubles with,the 98 dc bought back from me,and I bought the superduty,I call customer relations everyday,just to update them,and I don't screem,calm and cool,I called tonight to let them know that my mirrors quit working,no heat no movement.
I know a lot of people that have had a lot of good luck with there dodges,and ford owners too,I wanted the dodge,for one reason,it will outlast a powerstroke,it is a bullet,but come on,,it is the truck not the engine.
I was pulling a pontoon trailer,150 miles over the weekend,from Traverse city to Fenton Michigan,the transmission temp light came on and then it would go out,back on for a while,I checked the fluid,it was fine,this truck has 1,500 miles on it.
And the power is way down,and I know it is not right,I drove the truck that sat next to this truck on the lot,and it was strong so I know it is something cummins could fix.

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David Foster

 

[Shawn.L.Turbo]

Hey Dave, sorry to hear about your power problem. It REALLY does sound like you have a problem there. I presume this mileage is unloaded at 10MPG you posted? If this is the case, there is no way I could drive my 99 that would get that poor of mileage!! I really don't think I could do it... you do indeed have a problem here.

Don't let your dealer give you the runaround.
Someone else posted that there is no point getting all angry and irate at the dealers. They always respond better with a professional attitude towards your problem.

I heard of a guy in these parts having the same problem you are, and afer fifty million trips to the dealer saying 'nothing wrong' - he finally took it to Cummins. Hatched fuel pump. Cummins knows these engines. It is becoming more and more apparent that D. C does NOT...

Good luck none the less. I truly believe that you have a "one off" lemon in this case. Chin up.

Shawn

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'99 2500 ISB QC 4x4 5spd SB, Camper Special, Tow package, Intense Blue, Armourthane color matched box liner. AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!

 

[porky]

Dave65, If you really love your truck and want to get to the bottom of the problem, maybe you should take it to Cummins and pay for a diagnostic read out. I'm sure it wouldn't be to expensive and you could take Cummins recommendations and findings to your Dodge dealer and when confronted with that, they'd have no choice but to fix the problem(S). I too am sorry you've had so many problems as it's got to be real frustrating. Take care, Sam

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1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad cab named "QUADZILLA". 24 valve Cummins ISB Turbo Diesel. Automatic transmission. Dana 70 anti-spin 3. 54 rear end. All Factory options except leather interior. Towing and camper package. Custom exhaust system. K&N air filter. Resonator removed. Boost and pyro gauges. Dodge molded mud flaps. Diamond brite chrome tool box.
1998 KTM 620 RXC Dualsport and a 1997 Suzuki 1200 Bandit ABS. Yoshimura Equipped, provide non-diesel stimulation!
"I love the smell of diesel in the morning"

 

[merryman]

Hi Dave;

After having been down both the Ford and Dodge routes, both personally and with friends, I am convinced that a greate deal of the "which has more power/fuel economy"quarrel is mostly a matter of how well the truck is tuned (I do not mean bombed or turned up, just how well it is set up in terms of the variables of pump timing, fuel deliver , etc.

Unfortunately not all mechanics/technicians are created equal. I would bet that a visit to a real diesel mechanic who really knows your cummins would make a great difference to you. Getting only the "everything is greate" story from my Dodge dealer when my 93 was relatively new, but knowing it did not pull at all like my brother in laws identical truck, I finally took it to a "real mechanic" and when he checked it out he said both fuel delivery and pump timing were way off specs. It then ran like brother in laws. Similiarly, a good friend with a 97 powerstroke has had it to three dealers all of whom tell him its "right on". but with my rig grossing 18,500 pounds and his going 16,700 I can pass him on the long hills----I do not think that says a '93 Dodge with a 160 hp engine is "stronger" than a 97 powerstroke, I think it means he (and you) would be a lot happier if you had the benefit of a mechanic who knew what he (or she???) was doing.
On dealers, another good friend with a 97 powerstroke left Oregon for Arizona early this month. Seventy miles out of Barstow, Ca. his Check engine light came on, after stopping to "check engine" it would not start. / He was towed to the Ford dealer in Barstow and after two full weeks and three completely different "fixes" his truck would still not start without a shot of starting fluid. Being completely disgusted with that garage, he had them start it with starting fluid and drove it to Havasue(sp)City to the Ford dealer there. That was last Fri and I have not heard the update. Point: does that mean a 97 powerstroke can not be made to start correctly? no! Does it mean some dealer technicans do not know enough about the engine we assume they are experts on? All to true. Find a good diesel shop!

Vaughn

 

[DieselPuff]

Sorry Dave65



[This message has been edited by MichaelT (edited 01-28-2000). ]

 

[DGFoster]

Vaughn,you are exactly right,when I say powerstroke im talking 99 model,I was not to impressed with the 96,97 models,I think I will take this to cummins and have them check it out,and then maybe dc will listen,thanks for the time.

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David Foster

 

[DGFoster]

Well your right,I guess I missed a word or two,thanks for pointing that out.
Did I get these right,let me know.

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David Foster

 

[Dave B]

Dave65,

Sorry for the way some of the above have responded. They are NOT respresentative of the majority.

As some will recall, I am in the same boat (or Ram) as you are: had a PSD, decided to try a Ram, and it sucks power and MPG-wise compared to the PSD. In my case, DITTO. However, I dumped the PSD after 1 NEW TRANs (did I forget to mention they dropped the PSD on my truck when the hoist broke? How silly of me to forget about that... ), 1 NEW TURBO, and enough oil leaks to make the Captain of the EXXON VALDEZ blush.

My Ram is better after the flash, but still sucks big time when it comes to pulling. It is a joke, and can't compare to my former PSD in that respect. MPG however, has gotten better post-flash, but still not as good as PSD. YES, I hear all of you, I'm aware the new PSDs are bad on MPG). HOWEVER, on the good side: The Ram has NOT ONE SINGLE LEAK, and I mean not even the hint of a leak! YEEHAW. The oil looks new when I change it, it runs like a top, drives great, looks awesome, and four wheels in places the Phord I had could only dream of. I will address the power issue by being a "stealth bomber pilot".

There are many people with these MPG/power issues, and the flash, the Cummins uprate, the ETH HO, and our very own loveable BOMBER pilots are proof.

Dave, demand the service mgr ok you to send it to Cummins, if not, call DC demand they OK it-they'll have to try and convince him to allow it. If that doesn't fly, demand from mgr to see the District Service Rep (or whatever he calls himself). You'll get to Cummins.

HANG IN THERE!

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[Bob-TEXAS]

My last truck was a '93 pherd ,"factory turbo diesel" 7. 3,F-350, 5sp , 4. 10 , 4dr dually. 17. 9 - 18. 1 MPG empty ,13 - 14 pulling 10,000 - 13,000 5th wheels ,for 20,000 miles. Loved the truck . The engine went out at 88,000 miles. Paid ford to replace it ,(wanted the dealer warranty) , they put in a non-tubo rated engine. It lasted 2,500 miles. Replaced it and it lasted about 2,500 miles. Then the dealer said , no more warranty, the warranty was no longer valid, I voided it by putting a turbo on the non-turbo engine. So I'm driving the Dodge /cummins TD. IMHO the ford was overall as good as my '99 dodge. I love the dodge much better. Minor B. O. M. B ing is the next step , I think it will make the Dodge better than the pherd.

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99 3500 QC, white, 5sp, 3. 55lsd, isspro EGT & boost, stock, 28,800 miles 01-01-00- -EX phord owner 15-16. 5 MPG hwy ,14-15 city , 10-12 with 4,000lb TT

 

[tshunt]

Hey fellas, give the man a break, its obvious
that it would be very frustrating to spend 36+ grand and get a problem, weather it be a Dodge or a Ford. Both are good just depends on what you like. I bought the Dodge for the Cummins only, If the Cummins was in the Ford I would have bought it. I bet most would agree. Doesn't matter how good they both are
a few lemons will slip by, just cross your fingers it doesn't happen to you.
Dave, if it were me I would pay cummins to fix my truck and take the bill to D. C. And if they refused to pay I would see them in court. Hope everything turns for the better.
Hope I spelled everything correctly for the
grammar critics out there...


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Y2K, Patriot Blue 2500 4X4, cummins
24valve,Quad Cab SLT SB, 5 speed manual,
loaded except leather, camper and
trailer package, Line-X bedliner,
Putco bedrails, 285/75/16 A/T tires,
19 ft Road Ranger
98 Polaris Explorer 400 4X4
1 year old AKC Male Chocolate Lab (Buck)

[This message has been edited by tshunt (edited 01-27-2000). ]

 

[TURBO-D]

it isn't junk but it isn't as good as the cummins either, the GM diesel is junk, the PSD is a good diesel, the cummins is a great diesel

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2K1 (on order)QC, SWB, Auto, 4X4, 4. 10 LSD, SLT, Black, Camel leather, Tow pckg, snow plow prep, cab lights, soon to come after delivery 35 inch super swamper SSR's, 2 inch front coil spacers, DD stage III's with boost module, van aaken.