What to look for in a used DC

[TimBrunett]

Hey this site is great!!! Joining before I got a diesel was a good move. Now I have a newbie question that maybe yall could help me with.



I'm considering buying a 2001 Dodge Cummins diesel which will be my first diesel. What basic things should I look for so I won't take a bath? I spoke with the owner he has little maint records but seemed honest. The truck has about 120,000 miles, sport model, short bed, extended cab and looks clean. He's asking $15,500 and may negotiate, we have not talked money yet.

I was actually looking for a newer quad cab but if I can get a great deal (the big if) I'm willing to jump on it. I know that you guys can't get specific on this truck for obvious reasons, but maybe some advise from your years of experience (admittedly the experience that I don't have) would help.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Thanks

Tim Brunett

Louisiana

 

[Oil Burner]

Tim,



That is a good year truck but they all have thier problems. Weak lift (transfer) pumps are common and can cause injection pump failures. Ask if either pumps have ever been replaced or checked. Lift pump = $150, Injection pump = $1100-$1500 if you replace them yourself. Dealer will charge MUCH more.



Check the tires for uneven wear as the front ends can be wearing at that mileage (ball joints, track bar).



What transmission is in it... auto, 5sp or 6sp?



Turn the key on - off - on - off - on (wait about 1 second between positions) and leave it in the on position on the third time. Now watch the odometer, and the ecm and pcm will display and trouble codes that are logged. If any show up, let us know what they are.



Also, the price doesn't sound too bad.



Good luck,



Jason

 

[daveshoe]

look at the oil filter. Mopar is good,FLEETGUARD STRATAPORE IS BETTER. Some Filters can even cause warranty problems and plugging of oil passages. Quick way to see if lift pump is working is to crack open fuel -water bleed and bump starter[don't start truck] Good lift pump will make the fuel spew faster than the normal gravity bleed.

 

[DieselMinded]

Im with OIL BURNER



If you see code P1693 (I think it is ) that means you truck has codes you cant read them with out a reader . . if you get that code test drive it to AUTOZONE and see whats going on



CHECK THE INJECTOR PUMP WIRE FOR A POSSIBLE TAP



Could of already been bombed ?



Check the manifold for a makeshift TC hole plug



silencer ring installed???



Run the hell out of it before you buy it ... . if its an auto feal for the chatter if its a manual test the cluch real good



as always if its 4x4 lock it in and turn sharp if you hear a bunch of poping and cracking I would investigate



Thats Cheap it must be 2x4 ??



DM

 

[TimBrunett]

Sorry forgot. Its an an auto transmission and a 4x2. When I get to drive it I'll check the trouble codes. The owner is leaving the country for Korea for a year but did not seem really motivated. Hmmm. Maybe he's the quiet type. I should be able to drive it next week.

I've made a list of the items to check.

Also a couple of thing mentioned blew over my head but I'm going to do searches on them like a good newbie, maybe I will learn more in the process.

Thanks guys.