Transmission

[wrichards]

I have a new to me 1998 12 valve and the exhaust manifold has the paint burned off it. I s this common or did the previous owner abuse it. The transmission shifts well, smooth, can't notice any slipping, shift speeds seem appropriate, is there any other way to tell how this truck has been treated besides talking to the previous owner who is the third owner and has no info about the first.

 

[John_P]

wrichards:



It is a common thing for the paint to be burned off the

manifold on the older model Dodge CTD trucks. Mine

did it too! To make it look better you can buy some

"high heat" paint made by "Plasti-Kote" at any "Advance"

or "Auto Zone" store. Their "higher heat" stuff is "rated"

up to 1500 degrees! They carry it in black or gray. I

have used it for awhile now with pretty good luck.

After awhile the manifold/paint will turn color slightly

but it still looks better than rust. And believe me,

it will rust if it is not painted. If it is rusted NOW you

can take a small wire brush to knock off the big spots

and "Naval Jelly" (rust remover) works good to get

the rest off.



About the rest of the truck. If you want to know

how everything is, I would take it to a "reputable"

diesel shop and let them go over the truck for you.

As far as the transmission is concerned, I would

definitely at least have the fluid and filters changed

if it is an automatic.



Good luck!



-----------

John_P