With 200K on the 93 W250 CTD I just bought in early July, what would you'all recommend for preventative maintance? I am pretty familiar with what to replace on high milage small block Chevys and Fords, but this is my first diesel.
I have already changed the u joints, axle seals etc. Regarding the engine, would anyone recommend replacing the alternator and starter, with 200K? Also, the mechanical fuel pump? The alternator and starter are still good, but I would rather be safe than sorry, and not have either go out in the bone docks somewhere.

 

It'd be a good idea to carry a seperate fuel lift pump, serpentine belt, and filters. I've never really heard people saying much about preventative maintenance, just fluids and filters like normal. Pumps and belts have life spans from 100,000 to 500,000, so you can't really replace them on a schedule.

Except the alternator. You gotta change that every 6,000 miles like clockwork. Those will go bad on you all the time.

 

Or you can install a 555 like I did and go for 1,000,000 miles.

 

You lose an alternator every 6,000 miles? Mine is still original at 200,000? Why the short life or did you mean 60,000 miles?

 

You know, I really don't know what I was thinking when I typed that last night...

My alternator is just fine too.

Voltage regulators, on the other hand, can go out every 20,000, and when they go you can very well loose you're headlights.

But that wasn't what I was thinking of at the time either...

 

Bronc-

Ignore the Begle.

The starters and alternators on these things are pretty tough. New starter contacts are sometimes needed, and the brushes on both units wear out eventually. You can get these parts from http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

Wannadiesel and all,
Thanks for the feedback! I figured that the HD diesel parts on our first gens are pretty stout - lasting longer than conventional small/big block gas parts. Wannadiesel, thanks for the link! I will order brushes for both the start and alternator from Fostertruck.

 

I'm not sure if you have an auto or a stick but if you have a stick, drain the fluid and replace with a good synthetic 5W30 and overfill it by a quart. Stock level calls for 3.5 quarts I believe so 4.5 quarts. The reason for this is to help keep the bearings inside Getrag 360 well lubed and prevent wearing prematurely. Thats the problem with the G360 with the factory recommended level, the bearings wear out quickly from lack of lube, thus giving you a shot tranny.

What else can I mention? Drain both differentials, transfer case (80W90 in the NP205) and use synthetic. Also if your truck has a limited slip in the rear, throw a bottle of limited slip additive in there to keep it from chattering. I guess just drop the oil and replace with a 15w40 diesel oil (I like Shell Rotella) and use a fleetguard filter as well. Check the air filter to see what shape its in too. Most guys on here have a BHAF (big honkin' air filter) setup, it's relatively cheap and flows a ton better than the stock setup. It's next on my list of "to do's" after my HX-35 gets here .

 

NoSparkPlugs,
My 93 W250 4x4 is a slushbox A-518. I ordered a B&M alumnium trans pan which holds 4 extra quarts (from Summit), based on the advise of a member here. Haven't had a chance to install it yet. I might wait, as I think my trans with 200K is about ready for a rebuild. Doesn't seem to want to shift into 4th gear? I only bought the truck in early July, so I haven't had enough seat time to diagnose (Sp) the situation. I plan on going with AMSOIL synthetic in the differentials, transfer case, and engine. I will probably replace the axles/pinion bearings this fall, as well as the brakes.
Where do you go to purchase the BHAF? The K&N that came with my truck is pretty shot

 

Try adjusting the TPS (check the sticky at the top of the board for info) to get 4th gear working better.

The best price I've found for a BHAF is from fleetfilter.com.

The starter contacts will fail before the brushes wear out.

 

Two of the best pieces of advice I have read on DTR.

 

You are doing fine, just drive it till it gives you problems.

How are the brakes? You might want to upgrade the rear wheel cylinders to GM 1 tons. Search for info.

 

Wannadiesel.....which filter number is for the 1st gens?

 

42790 is the BHAF. They send you a Donaldson.

 

Thanks again for all for the input! Wannadiesel, thanks for the Donaldson BHAF number and url for fleetfilter.com Wannadiesel, I will look into the tps tech in the stickey. I am sure it needs adjustment. I also think the atf needs to be flushed a few times. Geico, I just checked my brakes today 8/12 - the front discs are warped and rusted. They will need replacing. Calipers will need to go as well. Didn't have a chance to get the rear tires off, but the original owner had new lugs and nuts put on the rear tires, so I am guessing he might have done the rear brakes recently? Won't know till I take the tires/drum covers off.
I am thinking of putting discs in the rear. Should help slow down the beast much better I also bought a kit to elimnate the KDP. Will get that installed soon.