Hello,

I'm new to the diesel scene. Just need to know some basic maintenance tips on the 5.9 cummins. Thanks for any info.

 

Welcome! Fill in your sig so we know what kinda truck you got.

 

i have an 06 ram 2500 diesel. traded in an 05 silverado 5.3 v-8. need it to tow a big boat total weight boat, engine, trailer around 4500 pounds. is there anything i have to do to the truck or can i just hitch the boat and go.

 

after 500 mile break in just hook up and go. With that weight you wont even know it is there (power wise).

 

Normal oil change intervals, make sure you let the turbo cool down before keying it off, especially after hauling the load. Other than that, Dave said it best, hook and go. It'll pull 4500#'s without a problem.....may even forget it's back there!! Happy boating....towing.....Welcome to the wonderful world of CUMMINS!!!

 

I would recommend using only heavy-duty, diesel-rated proper motor oils along with Daimler/Chrysler & Cummins approved oil filters. You can make a big mistake by choosing the wrong oil & filters.

These engines are generally easy on oils but, require the proper grade & classification of oil.

Good luck with your new truck. I've had a Dodge/Cummins since Aug. '91 & have been very happy with both of them.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

 

I'd use a good quality fuel, buy from a place that sells alot of diesel fuel like truck stops or a station that sells in high volume. I found BP and Mobil diesel fuels are pretty good, at least around me they are. I personally would use a fuel additive too, especially with the introduction of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel. You can use, Power Service in the grey bottle for summer and in the winter use the one in the white bottle. They both can be bought at walmart, autoparts stores, or where ever you buy fuel. For Oil I use Rotella but you can use Valvoline premium blue, delo, or any diesel rated oil. Fleet guard filters seem to be what more people use,those can be bought online or through cummins.

Matt

 

FYI - The aforementioned 500 mile break in period is for the ring and pinion gear set in the rear differential. They typically like to have 500 miles on them before towing. After that break in period you shouldn't have to woory about much as far as running the motor too hard, personally I was nice to mine for about 1k then did some heavy towing, it really helped the unloaded fuel mileage after a good heavy tow.

 

thanks for everyone's input. also what is diesel number 1 or diesel number 2. dodge prefers diesel number 2. how will i know which number a gas station sells.

 

Generally, in the summer months you will get No.2 out of the pumps. In the winter, in cold states, you will get a blend of No.1 and No.2 to prevent the fuel "gelling" or solidifying in the tank or fuel lines. You see, as the temperature gets colder, the fuel gets denser. A No.2 gel at a warmer temperature than does No.1. However, your engine will run better and more efficiently with No.2. If you live in the artic you may only be able to run No.1 because of the consistently cold temperatures.

A Google search will give you more specifics.

Basically, the stations will decide when to blend in the cold months. If you want to be on the safe side you can get an anti-gel fuel additive such as Power Service in the cold months.