I have noticed soot on the side of my truck around the exhaust area, and around the same time my mileage has suffered. I have 16K on the engine, and have had no other problems.

 

My rig has soot on the back quarter panel too, but nothing that doesn't wash right off. I just attribute it to having a diesel I am still getting well over 18mpg in most conditions.

One thing you might check is your fuel filter if you haven't changed it already. The specified interval is every 15K miles, but some people have changed theirs earlier and they have been quite dirty.

 

Do I need to get this from the dealer, or is there another source for the fuel filter?

 

You don't have to get this filter from the dealer. Myself and many other members order filters and other items from www.genosgarage.com

Personally I use the Fleetguard filters because they are designed by Cummins. The part number for us is FS19579. Geno's sells them for 11.95 a piece, so they are fairly inexpensive.

To change the filter you will need a 1 1/8" socket wrench. If you do a search you will find many threads explaining the procedure.

Good Luck!

 

I agree with you...I have had 4 different diesels and none of them puked black soot like this 600. But I believe it is because Dodge has designed the 600 to waste fuel. Maybe we both have a problem...I see yours is a 305/555. I am setting up an appointment with the dealer.

 

I think both of you have lemons and should sell them to me right away. Since these aren't "prime" anymore I feel I should not offer any more than 20g each. Funds are waiting.
EEK!!! Automatics....I rescind my offer.

 

I also get my fuel filters at Geno's Garage. You can also get them at Napa. Part # 3585 Gold series. I have used them in the past and have never had a problem.

 

Wait another couple of months Spots...you might get an "early build date 600" for about 20g!!!

 

I would like to hear what your dealer has to say. Mine gave me the old you got to let it break it in first speech. Admits mpg's bad but said everything checks out fine

 

Dealer tellls me that my air filter needed to be replaced ($28.00), and that my tire pressure was low (reasons for the reduced mileage). I did not check the tires as I just had them rotated..so I guess I will learn that I need to do that on my own.

As for the fuel filter, they wanted to hit me up for $90.00 for a filter change ($60.00 for the filter, and $30.00 to change it). I bought 2 filters from Geno's for less than $30.00 shipped to my door...so I will be doing that myself.

Any tricks to doing this (like pouring fuel in the filter before installing0?

 

I'll have to wait till I take mine to the dealer... I just can't right now with my work schedule... I will though and I will report what they do or say. I'm glad we are finally figuring out (thanks to this web site) that Dodge knew they had a problem and fixed it for the newer released models. I just hope they do something for us early build dates... I just put my CAT back on and my mileage dropped about .6mpg with the last tank and I am ticked about getting 13mpg!!!!