Just bought a '97 Diesel with the Cummins engine with only 15,700 miles. This has been sitting for 4-5 years and was only used to pull a trailer with. It has jake brake, something Banks and after market gauges. I'm unfamiliar with Dodge trucks (although I used to own a 70 challenger).

Was stored inside a garage and a family or two of rats moved into the engine compartment and air filter housing.

I've removed air filter housing, hoses and cleaned up their mess. Inside the hoses going to the inter-cooler there was just some dust buildup inside the hose (is that normal).

2 Imminent questions:

1. How best do i empty the fuel?
2. Where is the water separator on this model and what is the process to
drain water?


Advice:

I plan on changing all fluids. Is this a good idea? Will not flush Tranny fluid but was going to drain and replace. Same with coolant. Can you offer any advice on what I should be doing?

PS: After purchasing truck, I have been told this is a great engine, so I'm stoked. Truck looks like it just came off the lot in 1997. Will be selling my '08 Ford Super Duty.

 

1. How best do i empty the fuel?

Pump/siphon.
Dropping the tank is a PITA but doable.
Disconnecting the supply line with one of those fuel line tools might work too (might have to siphon there too).

2. Where is the water separator on this model and what is the process to
drain water?

yellow lever on the fuel filter. turning the lever opens a valve on the bottom of the filter housing.

 

First, I will move this to the 12 valve forum, this is for emergencies only ( not a problem ).

Next, GREAT truck!, 97 IMHO is the best year ever, first year for the hydroboost brakes, last year for the old style dash.

I don't know that I would bother with the fuel unless you can physically smell it bad or live in a hot humid area where Algae might be an issue, Diesel doesn't spoil nearly as bad as gas. Water valve is on the filter housing, back 1/3 of drivers side of engine, yellow lever, here again, I don't know that I would mess with it unless you know there is an issue.

I would do an engine oil change and nothing else just yet, unless again, this was stored in a very humid environment.

 

Live in southern california near the coast (1 mile from ocean) so the air here is wet in the evening-morning. I figured changing the fuel may be worth the time and effort.

From what I have gathered, there is an anti-siphon something-or-other, so traditional siphoning will not work. Is this correct?

Is there a way to easily disconnect a supply line and force fuel pump to stay on?

Thanks again.

Tom

 

You can stick a 3/8 hose down the filler and pull/siphon fuel out that way.
I did it before dropping the tank to install a new sending unit.

Probably 4 or 5 gallons I didn't get.

There is a roll over valve that'll keep fuel in the tank if the tank is up-side-down. (I tried before reinstalling)

 

Fuel pump on 12 valves are mechanical, so no way to force it to run without engine running.

I would change the engine oil and get her running.

 

Great find. You will love this truck. Well done!

 

If you try to siphon there is a ball Like a Ping pong but hard plastic in the filler neck (steel filler neck) before it goes to the tank. Its hard to put a hose in there to siphon your fuel out. But can be done. I took mine out. It sure fills up quicker now at the fuel station.