It has been almost 14,000. miles since the first time I heard my horrible intermittent noise. Thanks to you guys, I finally got an answer (see post of 05-15-07 “Turbo or something sounds terrible”).
Armed with info from this forum I dropped the truck off at the dealer. Because it wasn’t making any noise, (darned intermittent problems) I had to agree to an $89 dollar charge if they didn’t find anything. Turns out, the exhaust side of the turbo is pretty chewed up. The exhaust housing is pretty scraped up also.
Their mechanic says it was caused by the end of the bolt on the clamp being broken off allowing the exhaust housing to “flex” enough to contact the blades.
They say they have never seen this before and sort of implied that I must have done it. They said it couldn’t have been like that from the beginning (new) or it would have failed earlier.
I have never touched it.
They said I should have noticed a big difference in power after the blades got worn off (I didn’t but I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed).
Any thoughts on the next questions would be appreciated.
1. All of those metal shavings went someplace, will they cause me a problem?
2. Should I try to fight the $100 bucks they now want to charge me for doing warranty work or should I just be happy that its getting fixed?

 

If your truck has less than 100,000 miles it should be covered no cost, no charge under the Cummins engine warranty. My dealer covered my lift pump no charge. Sounds like they are trying to get the $100 deductable for the Chrysler warranty.

Hondo

 

You should not have to pay anything to them. Its warranty work covered by Cummins! And since its the exhaust side, I wouldn't worry about the metal shavings.

 

to clarify the above......

Dodge supported Cummins engine warranty is 5 years under 100K no charge, 5 to 7 years under 100k $100 deductable. Sounds like you may be slightly over the 5 year and if so you may owe the $100. If under the 5 year then no deductable.

Been there done that.....

 

It looks to me that his '03 is at 4 years, not 5.

 

Dealer would have to check the in service date for the warranty. Everything hinges off that date.

 

Could have been purchased in mid 02 so it could be right at the 5 year mark but if it had been in for this problem earlier then it may be documented that the problem was within the 5 years.

 

Once again, you guys have provided me with good info. The truck was purchased in May of 03, so only 4 years.
I called a dealer in a different town (Anchorage) and asked them about the warranty stuff. They were vauge and said I would have to bring the truck to them so they could "scan it".
I asked them what a new turbo costs. They said they dont get new turbo's, only rebuilt ($970 dollars).
That creates a new questions for you wizards.
1. If my dealer installs a used (rebuilt) turbo, should I complain?
2. Will I be able to see if the turbo is used or do they clean and paint em so well that I wont be able to tell?

 

Not sure on the turbo question, but I just took mine in for warranty work and got the same BS $100 stuff. Told em, look the truck was bought in Arpil of '03 and I can do simple math, they fixed it at no cast to me.

 

rebuilt turbos are fine...lots of companies out there specialize in rebuilding turbos, and I know quite of few people running rebuilt turbos just fine.

 

There is no warranty from Cummins. The engine warranty is by Dodge and it is separate from the Truck warranty. Cummins sells the engines cheap to Dodge because Dodge covers the warranty. When in doubt check the warranty in the owners manual....It specifies exactly what the time lines are and what parts of the engine are covered. ks

 

I was just guessing on the age of the truck and it could have been built in 02 so...not knowing just stating the warranty timeline. Figured it would be close. As far as the dealers they try to squeeze every dime that they can get out of you. They should know the warranty terms and you being the consumer should not have to argue with them about everything. And yes it is Dodge that covers the engine for 100K but I do believe that they call it the Cummins engine warranty. Don't be so nit picky, just trying to help a fellow Dodge owner with some info that I had to do a lot of research on with my 04.5 when Dodge tried to make my life miserable with deductables etc....

Sorry for the rant but needed to say it. I didn't know we had to be letter perfect on this board. and as far as rebuilt turbo I'd go for it as it should be still covered under the original 100K warranty till it runs out.

 

The is nothing wrong with rebuilt turbo's, put them on all on the time on hi-way trucks. They come from the engine manf anyways, so it will be a holset turbo, and rebuilt to specs.

 

You people have yet again provided me with some really good info. Hope I can someday return the favor. The new (or used) Turbo is supposed to be here in a few more days. I will post to let you know if I turn pansy and wind up having to pay the hundred bucks to get my truck back. If I dont post anything for awhile please check the Kenai jail...I may need bail money.

 

Smoked Alaska King Salmon... Fresh Halibut... Parking spot for a 5th wheel for a few days...