I'm happy with these two, but I've seen lots of references to people preferring a 12V over a 24V. Why is that? Is it due to the mostly external mandated add-ons? or does it have to do with something inherent in the engine's design? Just curious.

 

12V's are just plain easy to work on - the mechanics engine.

Think Chevy 350 of the diesel world.

Thousands of parts, the best injection pump made, simple design.

No electronics to deal with.

Just a turn key engine.

 

I have to agree with DB, also rember the 12 valve is used in many pieces of case machinery, therefore, much easier and cheaper to find parts for them.

 

i also agree, the 12v is easy to work on, easy to turn up for free!! but there are also more benifits, you dont have to worry about the VP pump, electronic lift pump, and best of all they do not have a 53 block except late in 98 a few of them did. Imo the 12v is one of the most dependable trucks out there.

 

i love my 12v! i have rode in some of my friends 24v's and sure their nice when you can just hook a computer up to it and get added power. but im fairly new to the mechanic world and have already found its very simple to work on this engine.

 

Mechanical...none of that electric crap to worry about

 

Like DTR Member DU.DP.,.....I love my 1996 Dodge CTD 12 valve too! In fact, of the four (4) Dodge CTD Pickups I have owned, I still like it best.

I also owned a 2002 Dodge CTD 24 valve and will NEVER own another own! I had ALL kinds of problems not only with the VP-44 Fuel Pump, (which IMO is junk), but also had to put on three lift pumps!
So, in 94,000 miles that 2002 had three (3) VP-44's and three (3) lift pumps!

My 1996 now has over 300,000 miles on it, and I have NEVER had ANY problems with the P-7100 Fuel Pump on that truck. They are tough and reliable as the other Members said, they P-7100 is "cooled" by both oil and diesel fuel and you don't have to depend on any electronics for their operation.

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John_P

 

Thats sort of what I thought. I was talking to a guy Friday who's in the automotive core business. His '99 dually is stock and it sounds great. He pulls a heavy approx. 26-28' open trailer with 2X6's making up the floor with plenty of crossmembers for support. It has an electric boom mounted for lifting engines. H E A V Y. I've seen it about 2 engines deep from the front to the back on several occasions. I asked him about it. He said so far no problems. Even with the automatic. It had 215K of hard work. Like me, he said, there isn't another truck engine he'd even consider.

Digital Bullet, I grew up on big block Mopars. But, I understand your 350 chevy point. Not a lot of time spent staring at how something was designed and wondering "what were they thinking?"

 

Allright, I'm going to stick my head up and ask the dumb-*** newbie question: How do I tell if a particular CTD is 12v or 24v? I'm taking my time looking around for a truck but am new to the diesel world.

 

If its a '99 it is a 24 valve and in most cases he's right it is a very good and dependable engine.

 

94 to 98 will be 12v, 98.5 to 02 will be 24v. 12v will say Cummins Turbo Diesel on the door, 24v will sat Cummins 24 Valve Turbo Diesel. 12v has inline pump that is easily visible, 24v has a rotary pump that is buried a little farther down. 12v has injectors on the passenger side of the engine and are external. 24v has injectors under the valve cover, can't be seen normally. 12v has 6 individual valve covers (although will usually have a beauty cover over them), 24v has a single valve cover for the whole head.

 

Yes, it's a 24V. I was impressed with the service he's had. That's what led me to ask about the comparison with the 12V. But, I'm happy with whats already in my yard.