Hey folks,

So, yesterday, I bought a truck. For the previous 7 years, all I had was a bicycle. It would be hard to find someone who knows less about diesels and engines than me, though I know how to use a wrench, and how to solve problems.

Besides making this forum my home page and reading everything, everyday, what else should I do? I'm figuring I should get some books/manuals and at least understand what's going on... any suggestions on which ones?

Just to round out your amazement at my innocence, I should mention that I plan on putting a conversion kit on this thing to run waste veggie oil through it. (Don't try and talk me out of it)

Whether this thread is the place for it, or if someone is willing to send me stuff privately, I'd even appreciate any advice on vigilance, maintenance, troubleshooting/regular care. I am excited to be amongst the 1st gen crowd.

bicycle man,
Tys

 

Welcome aboard. Just how old are you, because you don't sound young at all.

First I would try and find the FSM (factory service manual)- its out there just hard to find.

Second Congrats on aquiring one of the greatest trucks ever

Third there is a alt. fuel discussion area on here somewhere, I think its in the general discusion.

Fourth is a question- is your truck intercooled or not?

Again, welcome aboard,

Michael

PS- dont worry about asking questions thats why were here.

 

Welcome: It would help if you filled out your sig. so we know what you have.
Clark

 

Welcome, I don't know much about the veggie oil stuff, but getting a cummins manual for your truck is good. (a it pricey though)

Things to look out for are connections to the shut down solenoid,or the solenoid itself. Often the cause of the truck dying out, or not shutting off.

Voltage regulators can go on dodges.

Watch the cowl above the drivers windshield. If it cracks on the seam, water can get in and rust out your roof, and the body mount below your drivers side.

A few other things are watchable I'm sure, and the guys here in this forum will always help out with anything that comes up.

They are overall extremely reliable trucks though, so congratulations.

 

Another excellent source for Dodge truck info. http://www.dodgeram.org/ Simply search bio-fuel for the other subject.

 

Welcome. Bit of a newbie myself, but I spent about six months of lunch hours and read all of the first gen forum. Interesting reading and you'll see certain topics come up often. Those are things to watch out for and check on your own rig. I never would have known about over-filling the Getrag otherwise. Of course you don't have to worry about that one. These are all good guys and happy to help out.

 

Point of advice: If you have a girlfriend, make sure you spend time with her too!! My girlfriend thinks im more in love with my truck and this website than I am with her! Truth be told...i am...

 

Heck, hows that song go, 'I'm getting married to my pickup truck'!!! That tailpipe was tighter than....ahh LOL...

 

Welcome Tys!

The biggest known problem with running veggie oil/biodiesel through a 1st gen is the lift pump. The rubber diaphragm in there is not compatible with biodiesel/veggie oil. The good news is that for about $200 you can put in a piston style pump to replace the stocker. There have also been reports of seal problems in the injection pump.

Do you plan to make bio or run straight veggie oil?

As has been said, the best book out there is the factory service manual.

It's a Ford site, but www.thedieselstop.com has a very active alternative fuel forum with some experienced people.

 

Well greetings, from the best dodge site out there!
I made my own Bio diesel and it is not that hard, I found that it was less of a hassle than waste veggie oil.I made Bio before I even purchased my first vehicle so I am one of the yunger fellas on here! But, before I would think about running Bio or waste veggie oil, I would consider you checking out WannaDiesel 's last post. From experience, I have seen Biodiesel that was made properly eat through a 1/2 inch seal to the point that the seal is so soft that you touch it and it falls apart.
I also have an older truck like you and I dont plan on running it due to seals, lines, gaskets and many other rubber parts on my truck being slowly "eatin" away. We do run it in my Dads 98 chevy and it loves it.(thats the only reason why I even make the stuff). It really quiets the motor down(at 100% biodiesel) I'm sure that others will chime in with some more info.
Wheelo

 

Thanks everyone. I've updated my sig a bit... Yes I have an intercooler, I'm 37, and married (and she knew I was going to do this, so... )

I have heard alot about seals with the straight veggie oil (which is my plan) and will have to jump off those bridges as I get to them.

I do have a bunch of good websites for veggie and bio diesel info, and plan to use a conversion kit from www.frybrid.com , the kit that continually gets the best all around ratings from customers.

It'll take me a while just to work through the advice in this thread let alone all the stuff on first gen pages... as I really have a sharp learning curve in front of me.

I don't even know what else to put in my signature... or even where to look to see if I have x,y, or z on the truck.

it's going to be an interesting ride.
Tys

 

You don't have to run a heated tank to use WVO. Go HERE and read. The guys there know a LOT about this stuff. Look for any threads about "Kugel's blend". I tried it. 80-90% WVO + 10-20% gasoline + Cetane booster. It works - no tank heater, just pour it in and go. Save your money on all the "Greasel" stuff, you probably don't need it. Also, welcome - this site can't be beat for Dodge Cummins info.

 

Right now, concentrate on all the little things since you have a "new" used truck. Go through and make sure all the brakes and steering are in great shape. Check ALL electricle connections and clean them. You'll probably even want to invest about $12 and replace the headlight switch just to save a headache and prevent getting stranded. This includes the connections under the hood, especially going to the pump. Don't assume they're clean. Next check is the throttle linkage. Take up all the slop out of the pedal, you may have to concoct a shim at the pedal or bend the top half up. The prior owner may have done this, but it needs to be checked. When the slop is out, make sure the linkage is getting full travel at the pump when you push the pedal. It's easy to adjust between the ball valves, just don't ever let it free-play, it needs to rest on the stoppers so it doesn't slam the bushings in the pump. By the time you fool around with this stuff, you'll be getting more familiar with reaching around it and how it feels on the road, you'll be more educated from hanging out here, and then ready to start your tweaking. OH, start shopping for a pyrometer and a boost gauge to start with. Preferably before you handle the pump.

 

I'm amazed at the lack of manuals... I found some for the 1991 Ram 50, and This ebay offer for the 94-95 cumins-powertrain...

would that be worth getting, or should I wait until the actual 1991 surfaces?

Tys

 

Get the right one. The Ram 50 is a little Mitsubishi truck, and '94-'95 trucks have an entirely different fuel system along with many other more subtle differences.

Call 800-890-4043 and see if Chrysler still has any '91 FSM's in stock. They cost $85 but are worth every penny.