So, I just purchased my 97 2500 like 2 weeks ago. I found this forum, started reading up, and posting. It has been very helpful.

However, so many of the posts are about problems or issues with the trucks (which is to be expected when people are looking for help) that it is begining to freak me out and think that these trucks are problematic, or not reliable.

What makes the 12CTD so good (no being a smart Edited By Moderator, just wanting to hear positives about stock set ups etc.

Thanks,
Steve

P.S. I mean no disrespect from the posts regarding problems etc because we all need the info/eduction etc. Just as a new to the group individual, it can be scary etc.
Moderator DieselDaze

 

I'm not the one to really chime ie (pretty ner and inexperienced). But the advantage of a 12 valve (minus the "53" blocks), is a simple, powerful engine with a *lot* of room to reliably make more power while giving (what I would say is) good mileage. I've heard of many trucks with 500K plus on the odo.

There's shortcomings, but nothings perfect. I love my truck and will keep it as long as I have the money to do so.

 

I think the greatest thing about the 12-v Cummins is that although it does have it's own problems just like any other truck/engine, more often than not the dang things will just keep on running, although maybe not at peak performance sometimes, but they just won't quit, you have the dowel pin problems, but throw some oil in once in awhile & it'll keep on running, 5th gear nut, drop a gear, hope you have 3:55 rears, & keep on driving, I can't count the lift pumps I've put on local 24-V trucks, & I've only replaced 3 on the 12-v's & 2 of the 3 were still running the one that completely gave out, when I pulled it off the screen /prefilter in the bowl were caked with some kind of sandy or possibly sugary junk??? you have the problems with timing slipping over time, but still yet they'll most often run, maybe not great, but they keep running, just a few examples of what makes the 12-v engine so great, (in my opinion!!) they are just a great engine that is tougher than nails & have a nearly bulletproof fuel system, you'll encounter problems with it just like any other engine, but chances are it'll give you some time to get it fixed before completely giving out! unlike us overvalved guys who ride around running a crappy fuel system that's at any given moment running on borrowed time!! & at some point will take a dump & leave us stranded! don't worry about your truck, spend a little time on here & you'll probably have alot of problems fixed before they ever even break, don't get discouraged just yet!! & good luck with the truck! Dusty

 

A. noboby else makes a turbo charged straight 6 diesel.(not in the big 3)
B. straight 6 engine naturally makes more torque than a v-6 and in this case more than v-8's/v-10's.
C. cummins makes millions of diesel engines.

I mean 420 ft lbs of torque all stock is very impressive.
(96 stock automatic CTD)

plus dodge trucks are sexy. and with a cummins, they are even better.
not to mention the 12v's are super reliable.
mines got 362,300 miles and starts everytime.
ive even started it in -3 weather without plugging it in.

If you just go by stock foot pounds of torque,
Its enough to make up my mind.
And i got 17.5mpg my last non-towing tank of fuel.

 

Most the post will be problems because most people don't want to sit and brag about how smooth there cummins is running, lol jk. What I mean is that most the problems I see posted are the same problems, and majority of the time are minor things that can be easily solved. It's usually a fuel delivery problem like air in lines, or somthing to that effect. Goto the ford site and there problems seem to be very expensive. The cummins is a engine that even someone like me can work on. They have a rebuild life of what 500,000 miles? Just treat it right with oil and filter changes, and make sure you drive it hard every once in awhile to make her happy.

 

Thank you guys. I am not discouraged, just nervous as I can't afford a lot of repair bills. I did just sink in $1900.00 in repairs last Thursday but, that was because I am very particular about maintance and the prior owner didn't have records so at 184K miles, I wanted to make sure to have the valves adjusted, tab the KDP, did front brakes and rotors, fuel filter, oil change, and some other misc items. The truck was running fine, those were just things I did for peace of mind and to find a baseline maintance wise for myself moving forward. I like to hear from guys that have a lot of miles on their trucks, or know of ones with lots of miles because I do not intend on getting rid of the truck anytime soon, I would like to keep it for quite a long time. I really do like the styling on the 2nd gen body etc.

 

Once you learn how to work on the truck you'll be able to save ALOT of money on repairs like the ones u had done. All those things you had done are things you could have done fairly easily and very cheap. I didn't know what the KDP was a month ago, and I did it myself acouple days ago for $50.

 

Box,
I ready your post, and viewed your photos as you were doing it, I wished I had tried it myself like you did however, by that point, I had my truck in the shop and the work was being done already. I have limited mechanical experience (waterpumps, starters etc, mostly bolt on and off type of stuff).

How about you? What type of experience did you have going into the KPD??

 

If you are particular about maintenance and already have the KDP tabbed you have nothing to worry about, as long as the truck is stock. If you do any mods to it you need the appropriate gauges to keep from melting it. One more thing to add, you had all filters changed you say, well there is a small prescreen filter on the bottom of the fuel heater that is to the left of the lift pump. It is often overlooked and may not have been changed. The filter kit is cheap from any Cummins dealer and it is easy to change so you might make sure it was changed.

 

12 valve cummins..

Really and in all honesty im gonna put it this way. As dusty stated they will just run and run, When it dont start or gives u a shock or problem then you will be like WITW???? (what in the world) I have not had major problems with my truck in the near 80K miles of ownership with it, i replaced a computer, a lift pump, an overflow valve, and thats it for the engine, (aside from one starter and alternator, but hey, what do those count) It is easier to modify, reliable, i dont worry about much with my engine and of coarse if i have questions, someone knowledgeable will help me on here, as they have, and thats how i learn, as well as from my own experience..

IN short terms DONT WORRY BOUT IT TOO MUCH! Just keep it maintained, as u say u do, keep a good log and records, and check the truck under the hood once a week, like any other vehicle, be good to it, and it will be good to you....

Far as the KDP goes, if you can read directions, and have some time, its cake to do so....

Hope this helps

Rick

 

None, just oil and filter changes on previous vehicles i've owned (toyota 4x4, chevy 3/4 ton). I've replaced a cluth on a streetbike, but other than oil changes, nothing on trucks. I just got a good workshop manual for the dodge, and you can do alot with a little bit of research and help from people here. When you get a symptom from your truck, just think about what might be causing it, than ask here, and i'll bet 99.9% of the time someone here will have the answer.

 

Is 493k miles enough? I have no fears about going anywhere. My travels to deliver RVs take me down some pretty desolate roads in some very bad weather. I know of no other engine (other than the 7.3 PS) that will provide that much dependability.

 

1.
An infamous Ford Power Stroke website has been caught deleting &/or editing threads ranting about problems. You usually don't see moderators stepping in here unless a thread gets hot, is an intentional troll, or using coarse language.

2.
Dodge dealers do not have a great track record on repairing items involving the Cummins.

3.
If you turn up the power, there is a price to pay.


I spent $600 for a "look over" maintenance on my truck shortly after purchasing it. I was getting ready to move from the Seattle area and needed the warm fuzzy that it would make the 1600 mile trip in the middle of winter with my family on board. I'm a seasoned mechanic, but being new to Cummins and even Dodge I left it to the pros. Funny thing, as this was fall 2000 and KDP was the hot topic. This shop took another year or two to take it serious.

 

The BIG Nasty,
Thanks for the advice. When I take the truck in for the next oil change, I will make certain to have this done. If I don't do it my self before then!

 

Do ur own oil change, only takes about 10 minutes. Hardest part is laying down to undo the drain plug, which isn't because you can almost crawl under these trucks.