My neighbor and very good friend is a diesel mechanic and at his shop are sitting several 24 valve trucks (98.5-02) that have dropped a valve. Most have no mods, but all have had a broken valve spring. Some have some just over 100k miles on them. The latest truck that came in had to sit for a while, cylinder head shop was 3 days behind on 24v heads.

I would think if his shop is seeing these many trucks coming in, there has to be more out there. With my truck over the 200K mark, seriously considering a top end overhaul. Anyone else out there know anything about this?

Thanks!

67HotRod

 

I have over 200k on my 24V, and the 24V work truck at the shop has over 420k. No problems. Im not too worried about it.....

 

I have no doubt theres trucks out there with plenty of miles without a problem. Looking to see if theres a pattern with some have an issue dropping a valve. Not trying to start a 'worry' thread, just a fact finding mission right now. Maybe a bad batch of valve springs made it out there?

Thanks!

 

Never seen one or even heard of it as a problem. I think there could be some BS involved.

 

i worry more about the antifreeze smell i've had for the last seven years...........

 

????????? I hate that smell

 

Not heard of a issue with springs. It seems that issues frequentlly come in multiples. One dealer has four of same issue in his shop and another dealer has three of another issue. And noboby else has either issure. Can't explain but have seen this type of problem so many times in past.

 

One possible culprit for "dropped valves" could be extended idle periods in COLD weather.

Cummins introduced a 'high idle" into the ECM in the last 5 or so years to combat the problem of carbon deposits accumulating on the valve stems due to low engine temps occuring at cold temps and the low idle speed.
Folks letting the engine run to 'warm up' at idle in frigid temps.
The high idle ramps it up to 1200 rpm in sub freezing temps with a cold start, cold engine, and no throttle input from the driver.

 

While that could be a possibility, I am in a cold climate commont below zero and I do not hear of such issues. I still call bs to the original posters buddys statement.

 

Sounds like a FORD guy

 

No problems here....and have not ever heard of those kinds of problems anywhere around N.Texas or at the track or on any of the other Dodge web sites I occasionally visit.
Had to replace my head at 160,000 miles, due to firering problems, and no evidence of what you mention. Only high wear area I saw was valve stem guides/seals!
Broken valve springs.... unheard of??

RJ

 

It would be posted on the forums if it were a frequent problem.....VP, steering, cracked dash, track bar, brakes......

 

Was it dropped valves, or valve seats? The latter is an issue in the some 24v heads, as they went from intregal seats to pressed in seats in the later years of production.