Hello all, looking hard at buying a cummins. Think I've settled on a 12v unless you care to talk me out of it... They went to 24v in the middle of '98 right? So how can I tell which version it is?

 

Hi and welcome to DTR!

There's no way I would try to talk you into a 24 valve.

Best way to tell is to pop the hood and look at the engine. The 24 valve has a wide aluminum valve cover. A 12 valve has a narrow black sheetmetal trim cover partially hiding 6 individual rocker covers. The 24 valve trucks should have fender badges that say "24 valve turbo diesel", but I have seen several 24 valve trucks with the old "Cummins turbo diesel" badges so it's best to look under the hood.

 

Welcome to the DTR!

You are correct...98.5 is going to be a 24v. I'm not sure what the exact cutoff date is, but I'm sure you can find that answer on this website.

Probably a few more wires under the hood than a 12v too.