tndiesel

This is my first CTD. I took somewhat of a risk buying an 04 with 193K miles but I know 75% are highway miles and the truck has been well taken care of, new tranny at 150K miles. Anyway, I'm learning about the CTD and just thought I'd share this short video of me starting the truck. If anyone can pick any problems out of this please share. Should it start quicker?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhG-a7-zpnI

SmokinDodge12V

Sounds good to me.

12valvedutchy

I dont have any experience with a CR with that many miles but it def starts good. Mine has 107,000 and starts like an old dinosaur. But thats getting fixed . Sounded fine to me though. Nice looking truck for the mileage. Just keep an eye on the lift pump and injectors. Ive learned this in depth lately

cody459

Just saw your video, starts up good, engine sounds good, and good choice of paint. One thing though, get you a custom exhaust tip. Looks like you've found a pretty good truck. Take care of her.

Dodgezilla

Yeah. It starts fine and seems to run well for a 193000 mile engine. It's not purring like when brand new but that's to be expected.

tndiesel

I'm getting the dealer where the first owner took it for all it's service to mail me the service records so I can see exactly what has been done. Can I realistically expect to get 300K out of this motor? I thought it purred pretty well compared to my 97 F-350 that has 288K miles on it. Why should I get an exhaust tip? Just for looks?

Torqfan84

sounded like it might need a valve adjustment to me might be a good idea just to get it out of the way

NickBeek

Sounds great, started normal. If the valves haven't been adjusted then I would have them done. Congrats on the new ride.

tndiesel

Seriously? what is involved with a valve adjustment?

NickBeek

The interval is 150K miles for "valve lash adjustment". It involves taking the valve cover off, getting the engine to TDC and checking / adjusting the clearance in the rocker arms. I haven't done it yet, but I have viewed the procedure and will be doing my own when it's time.

tndiesel

Does it involve special tools? Is it something that can be done by a novice?

NickBeek

You'll need some feeler gauges to check the gaps, and a barring tool to turn the engine is a help but not needed, other then that it is just simple tools. I don't know if there is a DIY write up here but I have seen them somewhere on line with pictures. Novice is a relative term. Compared to a dealer tech I would be considered a "novice", but like I said, I will be doing my own when it's time.

cody459

If you done it before its not to hard on the valve adjustment, but if you want to fell safe and have a diesel shop do it they'll charge about $80-$160.