Deanp88

I recently was able to pick up a 05 Ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins engine. I got it really cheap thru people we know. Basically the owner was an older fella and died. I do not know the history of the trucks maintenance records but picked it up cheap enough so I was prepared for possible issues. My question is, I do not know when the injectors have last been replaced, if ever. Truck has 230,000 miles on it. I keep thinking when looking under the hood while it is running that I hear a knock or tic. I have heard that they will have white or gray smoke on cold start if an injector is going out. I did see a little smoke that color but went away after about 30 seconds and it was 29 degrees outside. What are all the possible symptoms of a injector going bad? What is the most common symptom? Could a tic or knock be something else? Would an injector last 230,000 miles?
Thanks for the help...

Fordzilla

My guess is you don't currently have an injector problem...Clean fuel from a known good source and regular filter changes as part of your maintenance schedule should give you many more miles...Occasional phantom noises and 30 seconds of exhaust vapor on a cold morning shouldn't be a cause for alarm...That does not mean you are wrong to ask about such things until you're familiar with the truck...It sounds like you got a great bargain...

Happy motoring!......Ben

47Dodge

I agree with Zilla! I don't think at this time you have an injector problem. If its starting at 29 you are in good shape. Change the fuel filter and start driving it and see how the truck does...........
Also since the diesel fires by compression you will hear some different noises when its cold.

47

Deanp88

Thanks guys. I found a video Youtube that the owner of that truck had a noise that sounded like mine. It is not a loud noise. He said his was the CP3 pump. As I understand it, that is not a cause for alarm. I do plan to have the trans fluid changed and bands checked and take the truck to a diesel shop to get a look over...

StealthDiesel

Its highly unlikely a 14 year old Cummins Common rail with 230 000 miles has the original injectors in it.

If this is your 1st diesel it will take you a while to get used to the diesel clanks, knocks, ticks, etc..

If the truck starts and runs fine and the engine oil level is not going up, I would not worry too much about the injectors.
Keep a close eye on the engine oil level constantly.
You will have other issues, especially the automatic transmission.

These are good trucks. I recommend to spend a lot of time reading and learning about all the issues and quirks before spending a lot of money on it.

Deanp88

I will keep an eye on the oil level. I intend to change it here soon. I will be changing all the fluids. I do not like owning a vehicle that I do not know the last time the fluids have been changed.

Mikeske

I am the same as the original post. I am going to be picking up a 2004 Dodge 2500 4WD and the 5.9 diesel with 123,000 miles from a local dealer that I got a decent deal on. The truck is a SLT with automatic. Dealer is changing the oil, fuel filter and fixing a issue with the seat belts and had all recalls done that had none of them done. I will be running it to my mechanic to have the transmission, front axle diff, rear diff and transfer case serviced. I do know at 111,000 miles it had the brakes at all 4 wheels serviced and had new tires. I also have the mechanic to check the rest of the engine and the vehicle when it is in for the service. The truck has never been modified from stock and it is going to remain the same for me with the exception of having a 5th wheel installed and adding a exhaust brake.

Deanp88

I have another question. I used an auto stethascope and placed it on all the injector fuel lines. The front and back lines I could hear the knock well. The other lines the noise was very faint. Does that tell you guys anything?

Deanp88

My concern is I do not want to burn up a piston. I am setting up an appointment with a diesel injection place here in Indy. Is burning up pistons common issue with the Cummins?

Deanp88

Ok, I removed the valve cover and checked resistance of each injector. They are all the same. I removed a lead from an injector one at a time and ran the truck. The noise never went away. Could this be a rod bearing? How do I post videos here?