I just purchased the truck in my sig. I traded an '04 6.0 which was a nice truck...... when it ran right. Many of my friends had newer Dodges, and were very happy with them, so I went with the Cummins. I'm fairly knowledgable about diesel maintenance, but does anybody have any info as to any differences I may find with my new truck. I know the question is vaigue, but what I mean is: when should I do my first oil change( I did it every 5k on the other truck), how about fuel filters, air filters, etc. I have read the owners manual, but my experience with the old truck shows that we did things differently from the manual. Any info would be appreciated.

 

On mine, oil analysis said the oil was fine to continue using at 7500 miles. I sample every ~3500miles. I now have 10k on it. Basically, change fluids when the manual states to change them. It may be conservative, but it's cheaper than killing an engine.

Gauges...Fuel Pressure, Trans temp, and Pyro. Even on a stock truck! Think of the pyro like the gasser' vacuum economy meter. Higher EGT = lower economy!

Depending on the color of your truck, think about an exhaust tip. My truck would soot up the white rear fenderwell within a week. Now, i can wash the truck once a month when it really needs it, and not just because the fenderwell is blackend.

if these options are available on the '07 5.9:
Enable the high idle...used in conjunction with the pyro, will help to make sure you don't shut down when the exhaust / turbo are too hot! Hi idle also works with the jake to warm up the engine faster.

Put the factory Jake on it. Even non-towing, it helps! I'm sure there are other opinions out there. At least the factory jake is warantied and will not void the factory warranty. And, if you are towing, you'll love it!

Best advice....
1) Read everything on this site you can
2) Read everything on this site you are interested in
3) Ask LOTS of questions! Questions are cheap....answers may be expensive

HTH

Tony

 

Welcome to cummins ownership. Good place to get maintanance items is www.genosgarage.com

1) oil filter Fleetgaurd stratapore, Oil I use valvoline premiem blue extreme 5-40. they say not to use synthetic till around 15 to 20 thousand miles.

2) fuel filter Fleetgaurd 7 micron (premiem) every 10,000 miles at least.

3) I change oil every 7500 miles per ownwers manual. at oil change I also do fuel and air filters. Both are pretty dirty at 7500 miles, they are not expensive to change. Looks like your fuel filter for your 07 is double $ than the 06 shows 29.95$ compared to 14.95$ for 06

4) I like genosgarage, they ship the items to your door and you dont have to go from place to place to get your stuff. hint, i like the fuel and oil filter wrenches they sell. not expensive and work well.

 

Welcome!

 

I have 2 friends with 04 6.0s. You're right - they're nice when they aren't in the shop! Scheid Diesel is really good for filters too. On my 03, I pull the turbo hose and change the oil filter from the top - I think it's easier. I do the first maint. on new stuff much earlier than the book says. Go to 75w140 syn in the rear when you change it. I held my finger over the bottom half of the hole so I could get in extra lube - the fill hole is too low IMO. Break the Cummins in hard - they like it! All the warranty things on my Dodge/CTDs have been simple, cheap and quick fixes. I think you'll have much better luck with this truck. Craig

 

Thanks guys for all the good info...I just got back from putting 300 miles on my new truck...love it. I have another question for you all....I know what the manual says about breaking it in, but this friday I need to take a 7k lb trailer for a ride...approximately 400 mile round trip. The route will take me up some pretty good grades. Is it too early to do this trip with my new truck?

 

Oh, I forgot to ask. I dont have cruise control, so is there any way to enable the high idle feature and be able to control it?

 

no, it's not too early to start pulling...if you read closer in the manual, it tells you that pulling is actually a GOOD thing for breaking in the truck (you will get a quicker break in)...these common rails aren't babies, they can take it...now as for pulling off the dealer's lot and loading up 18,000lbs and going across country...I don't think I would do that....Derek

PS...Welcome to your new ownership of your CTD

 

Regarding the factory Jake: I already have the truck at home, so will the dealer install, or can I get a local mechanic to install?
Thanks.

 

I think the manual says to give the diff 500 miles to breakin before towing. Then I'd tow fairly hard. I wouldn't get too hard on it til I changed out the diff lube for the first time - the factory fill is junk. Craig

 

Thanks for the info.