I have a 2002 3500 with 6spd manual and HO engine with 205k. My local Dodge service department tells me I need a new engine. Mine has compression around 180psi. Service tech says it was caused by lean fuel mixture due to faulty fuel pump. Dodge wants $13,000 for a new drop in, or $7500 for a rebuilt engine.

My question is, if I can find a good, complete junkyard engine with ECM, turbo, etc., could I use a newer engine? Anybody had any experience with this?

 

RED FLAG! Take it to a Cummins dealer, unless Dodge is paying for it due to the "faulty fuel pump". If for no other reason than a second opinion, dealers are notorious for throwing parts at it, hoping to hit it.

 

Guess if yours needs to be swapped out mine will also. For it is the apitame of lean burn !!!!!( Gutless wonder) This will be the last cry-slurrrr and cumins junk that I ever buy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Problem from day one. November 31 1998.

 

i agree and i would just take it to a performance shop and have them rebuild it.

 

to answer your ? you could put any motor in any truck, but at what cost? 03 is a common rail and 02 is a vp44 pump 24v. you would have to change out more than just the ecm to get it to run 98.5 to 02 would be the best choice for a replacement. NOW like said I would talk to some one else about the problem, Ive never heard of a bad fuel pump taking out the whole motor. I guess anythinks possible

 

Take it to a Cummins shop before you drop any big money on it. What are your symptoms? I also have never heard of a bad fuel pump taking out the engine. These trucks always run "lean" (when they're stock). Fuel burns into heat, heat drives the turbo, the turbo puts the air in the engine. To be lean you have to have low fuel and lots of air, however you control the engine by controlling its fuel delivery, this is why I don't see how you could have a lean mixture.

If I were you, I'd start up a thread with your current symptoms and see what folks on here can do for you. There's a LOT of knowledge on this site. Then I would take it to a Cummins shop for proper diagnosis.

Good Luck,
Matt

 

Can you actually run a diesel lean? I thought engine speed was controlled by the amount of fuel injected. Less fuel less engine speed. No restriction on air so it will always have plenty of air. How could this be lean? Does anyone know what the air fuel ratio is at idle? I know its pretty "lean".

Of course I could be wrong.

 

The only way a diesel can be to lean is to not have enough fuel to run.

 

Well as far as an engine running lean I will say that mine always has,
that is why it has got 30 miles to the Canadian gal the overhead display was reading 7.5 L /100 That was as 11,400 lbs according to the hiway scales!!!! Can you say underpowered from the factory.As far as cumins goes I hope that there shop near you is better then the one at Surrey BC they couldn't diagnos a t-stat not working with and engine temp of 225*F and the top of the rad at 114*F and the bottom of the rad at 86*F. That was the guys running the dyno and the head service manager and the former head service manager. The bill said that I had to get a Viscious fan put on!!! So hope that the one in your area is better then that.