cumminsdriver635

No, the gauge shouldnt really come up after idling for 4-5minutes. Driving for 5-10 minutes ought to raise it up though. Just drive it for about 30 minutes, and youll see whether or not its working good then . I have had a fun time following this thread. Didnt you say you were going to pull something this weekend? Also, you might have posted this, but how do you like your AFE intake?

Eric

DRM

Drove it for 15 minutes or so - SUCCESS!

Seems the thermostat *was* the culprit - engine temp is warming up to a nice 170* or so, not bad considering an outside temp of 38-40* and just putting into town and back. Cabin heat is working awesome now as well... me so happy

The AFE intake is a nice unit IMHO. I woul dhave liked a place for the factory filter minder, but I understand I can fix that myself with a drill and just pop it in place. INstallation was SUPER easy - as I said under 30 minutes from opening the hood to closing it. The noise was loud at first, either it is getting quieter or I am getting used to it

Best part is - the last tank of diesel got me a good solid (corrected) 16 mpg. I am hoping the new T-stat will help with efficiency, since until now the truck was never even reaching 155 degrees water temp.

I have had fun with this thread too, been interesting working out all of the "kinks" in this high mileage truck over just a few short weeks of owning it

I will be sure to keep this thread going as I find more with my truck, from the thread views it seems it is a quite popular story

cumminsdriver635

Hey DRM. Anything new with the truck? Have you pulled it any since the plate and T-stat? Glad to hear its working right. I just bid on a transgo shift kit for my truck on ebay(fits 47rh and 47re), and if i win the bid ill let you know how I like it after i put it in if youre interested.

Eric

DRM

Still no chance to pull anything, just no time or need yet.

I did take it to a local diesel shop and the owner started up the truck and listened to it, and told me the timing sounded fine, and there should be no need to adjust it... ok... took his word for it I guess

Other than that, still getting close to 17 mpg out of this thing and very happy with the improvements

gunracer1

bump the timing to 16 or 17 david, the guy at the diesel shop would have just pinned it for timing and called it done. unless he was into bombing a cummins.

DRM

I was able to tow my trailer and a loaded too box this past weekend, I would estimate total towed weight of around 1600 lbs. Not a lot of weight, but I was able to hold 85 easily on the same hill that I first noticed my towing issues.

My current mileage records can be seen on my web site, and I believe it shows that the modifications and repairs so far have indeed been beneficial:

http://www.4x4spot.com/1998_dodge_ctd_fuel_mileage.htm

Thanks to everyone who has helped me in this process, this sure is fun

DRM

Another update - last tank of diesel got me over the 17 mpg. mark when corrected for the odometer being off...

It seems these trucks really like a little warmer weather than winters in TN tend to offer, but I guess I will find out if that is right or not as time goes on.

Happy me, happy me

cumminsdriver635

Glad to hear about the good luck. Is that V-10 fading away into your memory now? Glad the truck is running good.

Eric

Dr. Evil

Wait until you get some high test summer diesel.....see I told ya....

jaconst

I think your local guy meant engine timing sounded fine not PUMP timing that should be at 16-17 and you should get closer to 20 MPG so check the pump timing I had a local diesel guy tell me the timing sounded fine then I took it to DIS and they said my pump timing was at 11 degrees and they advanced it to 17 and I saw awsome improvement

DRM

I was finally able to pull a light load (double axle trailer, and the remnants of a Toyota truck including cab, frame, rear axle, and bed) and even with just the short run I did, I can already tell that it is *much* better than that first pull, just by the feel.

I think I will look into buying the pump timing kit and just learning how to do it myself.

DRM

Well, it took a few months, but I think I am satisfied.

This morning I was able to tow about the same load as what started this thread up the same road that prompted my complaints.

This time around though - I was able to easily hold 75-80 mph, egt's comfortably under 1100 (pre-turbo) and the truck pulled BEAUTIFULLY.

I will continue to tweak and imporve as time and funds permit, but thanks to all of you for helping me get this truck pulling like I have always been told these trucks can pull

DRM

As of 4/5/04, my last tanek of fuel had me seeing *almost* 18 mpg - This just keeps getting better

Steve Roseman

DRM, good to hear of the progress!
Pulling a trailer is where these trucks really show their colors. Sometimes I feel like hooking up a load just for the fun of it.