I've owned two common rail CTD trucks, but am soon to begin looking for an older, mid to upper 90's model CTD. Spoke with the owner of West Texas Turbo Diesel owner here in town briefly today regarding these year models, with CTD's.

He recommended I stay away from the 24 valve engines. Is there a dead give away at a glance to distinguish a 12 from a 24 valve truck and what year model did Dodge start putting the 24 valve's in the trucks ?

Also, do the 12 valves operate off the vp44 fuel system or something different ?

Thanks !!!

 

the easiest giveaway to find on the 12v is the dust cover. in bolts onto the top of 6 valve covers. it is all seperated unlike the 24v which is one big cover piece. thats the easiest way to distinguish when looking at the engine. also the badges underneath your RAM 2500, or 3500 badge says cummins turbo diesel unlike the 24v which says cummins 24 valve turbo diesel. Dodge put 24 valve engines into effect halfway through the 1998 model year. half were 12v 98 and half were 24v 98. 12 valves do not use the vp 44 pump but a mechanical P7100 pump. if you are looking for a 12v then look for a '98 12v model. these have the newer interior which looks much better than the older models and still have the 12v engine.

 

24 valve motors started in 98.5 and say cummins 24 valve turbo diesel on the door emblem below ram2500 or 3500. The real problem with the 24 valve trucks is that the electric lift pump can fail starving the vp44 (cooled by fuel) for fuel causing it to fail (12 valves have mechanical lift pumps and p7100 (cooled by oil) injection pumps). This can be solved with the addition of an aftermarket lift pump (airdog, FASS ect.). For one half of a year in 1998 you could get an upgraded interior and a quad cab with the 12 valve engine IMHO the pinnacle of the 2nd gen trucks but most of the 24 valve guys will tell you that the 2001 HO trucks are the best, it all depends on who you ask. Not for sure but i think they all have the KDP issue and there is the 53 block to look out for in some years (24 valve only?)

 

Well Thanks alot jbix12v and recklesskelly .... Great information and helps me out tremendously !!!!

 

no prob, dont you hate it when somebody posts while your typing (slowly) and says almost exactly the same thing you did. makes you look like a douche

 

you're welcome rico. my bad reckless, i am quick typer.