piperca

I am considering my first diesel purchase, Dodge Cummins of course, and was wanting some input regarding 12 valve versus 24 valve. I am a complete newbie to the diesel world, but have heard lots of talk about the 12 valve. What are the pros and cons? How about pushing the 12 valve for more power? Fuel consumption, and anything else you might be able to provide would be a great help.

BTW, I'll be towing a 11,000lb boat/trailer rig.

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

Intelman34

If you are going to get a 24V, get a 2001 or 2001.

I have a 1999 24V and I am wishing I would have went with a 1998 12V instead.

I havent had any problems in the 15k miles I have owned it except for a bum lift pump, but it has the #53 block to pile on top of the list of things to worry about.

Get a late 12V, fix the KDP, and have fun

infidel

If you want a more reliable engine that gets better mpgs go for a 12 valve.
The 12 valve CTD will go down as the longest lived, most trouble free engine ever put in a production vehicle.

DRD

Only problem with the 12 valve is they only made them for half a year with the quad cab, what was Dodge thinking??

piperca

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help!

It looks like I'll look more at the 12 valve. I did take a look at a couple of 98 12 valves, online, and they seemed to be only two doors??? I was a little confused by this.
As far as extracting more power; is it an easy thing to do with this engine? What would my expected fuel consumption be?

Thanks,
Andrew

98 2500

well, where they exteneded cabs, they have the little doors that swing open once the main door is open. But there is also standard cabs as well. I haven't seen/don't think they made a true 4 door.

Never seen so much power for so little money until i got into these things. For as little as a $1000 you can add SERIOUS power

DRD

As far as I know they only made the 12 V with quad cab for 1/2 a year and then the brought out the 98.5 24 Valve. I think all previous to 98 are two doors only, no little suicide doors to get into the back part of the cab.

piperca

I guess the description was a little misleading, it stated 2 door and not quad cab ... I'm sure it was my mistake.

I found a 98 12 valve for $15,950. Quad cab, 2500, 2wd, 66k. It has a minor oil leak, according to the original owner, otherwise in new condition. I am waiting for a call back regarding a good time to look at it. He thinks the oil leak is coming from the valve cover??? Is there any tell-tale signs I should look for when checking her out?

Thanks,
Andrew

infidel

Look for oil coming from behind the fan pully, could indicate kdp damage.

piperca

I guess I'm going to be searching some more ... that truck sold last night

At least I know what I am looking for now (98 12 valve).

Thanks guys,
Andrew

Rattletrap1

I wouldn't be scared of a 24V. As always, I'd shy away from first year introductions. The 24V will have gobs more power stock. Both can be turned up economically. 2001.5 and up has 4 wheel discs, which stop VERY nicely.

piperca

The main reason I am shying away from the 24 valve is the VP44 problem. I have a friend who owns a 97 and he swears by the 12 valve. He thinks the mechanical pump is far superior to the VP44.
I have read threads on this board which talk about checking the pressure at the lift pump. How is this done? Is this something I can do when checking out trucks? Is it possible to retrofit some kind of gauge which would be a permanent fixture, so the pressure could be checked at a glance while under the hood? This would make me a little more open to purchasing one.

Thanks,
Andrew

infidel

A fuel pressure gauge can be added to a 12 valve but isn't really a necessity like on the lift pump problem prone 24 valve. It's use on a 12 valve is more of as a diagnostic tool rather than a full time monitor.
But if you like gauges there's nothing stopping you. I've installed FP gauges in my two rigs and several others that work great for under $25.

piperca

Sorry, I was talking about the 24 valve when I was talking about installing a pressure gauge. I just thought it would make the whole lift pump issue a mute point.
Other than the lift pump and the "53" block I haven't heard anything else that concerns me.
I did hear the 12 valve gets better MPG's though, is this true?

Thanks,
Andrew

farmer dave

They might get a little bit better MPG but not alot. As far as the gauge goes, there are alot of guys running gauges on the 24V and this is one of them. They either get a pillar mount or a dash mount set. The set includes a fuel pressure, boost, and pyro to keep an eye on things just like what you are talking about, at a quick glance.
dave