Ok so I wish I would have found this site a few hours ago. I just bought a 2001 2500 4x4 24 valve 165K milage. I didnt know about the code thing so hope I'm ok on the VP ...the truck drove great...I want to install FP gauge not sure what the others do Boost/ pyro care to explain?

I could install 3 gauge cluster. I am mechnically inclined but never worked on a diesel. Any help on where to get the guages? Any shad tree mechanics in auburn wanna or willing to help me install for reasonable fee or out of the goodness of their hearts and beer and food.

Thanks in advance I'm sure I'll be here a lot.

 

first of all welcome to DTR
It helps to fill out your sig in the user cp so we know exactly what you got.
FP, boost, and pyro are probably the most important, trans temp if you have an auto. Lots of guys run Isspro guages because they match the factory guages. I got mine from wildcat diesel, but there not is business any more so I'm sure someone will chime in on where to get them. guages install is pretty easy, you should do just fine

Randy

 

Thanks for the welcome charlie what is boost and pyro and what are they telling me? I have seen thousands of dodge diesels on the road and have know people with these trucks. Had no idea about a need for gauges or anything I know at least 2 friends with 98-2001 dodges with over 100K miles and they have never had problems. Is the VP and FP problems only if you start doing modifications or towing very often?

 

Boost is the pressure of the air created by the turbo in the intake side of the engine. Pyro is short for pyrometer, which is the temp of the exhaust gasses as the leave the engine. These truck have aluminum pistons so exhaust gas temp (EGT's) should not exceed 1200* for sustained periods. In a stock truck there isn't much need for guages except for a FP guages. But if power is added the they become very important. The fuel systems in these truck left something to be desired, some have had problem with stock trucks and others have had very little problems with highly modified trucks. Get a FP guages and make sure the VP is getting all the fuel it needs. (The VP44 is lubricated by diesel fuel)

Randy

 

Thanks Randy.

Again any wrenchers in or around western WA want have a beer or have reasonable prices and help me look over this truck let me know!! Thanks!

 

Get the gauges, they are interesting to watch(not for long periods )while driving down the road under different load conditions....hot rodding conditions I think fuel pressure not below 5 psi, this would be the Bad zone.... I bought the Dipricol gauges, they match my gauges, color etc real good and yours is like mine...just about. Search around for prices, may take a couple hours of searching many websites to find the best deal and if one place makes you feel better to buy from, most will price match. I got mine from Diesel Performance Parts(on this site) and they got me everything I needed for a simple install. I did not have to run out to the hardware store or anything for any forgotten parts.

You can get an isolator(fuel) or not, personal preference. Some do and some don't. GET the boost bolt, no drilling/ tapping, just remove a bolt located on the vp side of the valve cover and install boost bolt, then connect lines. Simple and worth the $8 for the bolt.

Fuel system...well if it's gonna die.....it's gonna die. I think someone said it's not a matter of if it will happen but when. All you can do is try and prolong it with big line kits, etc. I was adding Power Service to my fuel but stopped in at the Cummins place in town and he convinced me to buy the additive made by Stanadyne, something Junior?? $13 and treats 480 gallons. The additive will add lubrication to the fuel....he(Cummins guy) said we'll need it with the new upcoming Ultra Low Sulpher Diesel.....but then again oil/fuel companies say we won't have to add additives cause they do...better safe than sorry....so I add it.

Oil and filter, watch what type of oil filter you use. I stick with the Fleetguard from the Cummins place, around $10, then you know its good. Or you could go with the mopar or Cummins filters. Fuel filters, I change mine every other oil change, also fleetguard. The engine oil, well, another decision based on preference. Search around here and get some ideas. I have been using the Valvoline, but heard that Delo is good. So many brands.....

hope this gives ya some ideas, Welcome to the board, now lets rip that muffler and resonator off!!! Throw on the gauges and build a BHAF!!! Have fun with it......I do.....I bet a lot of other guys here do to!!

 

Thanks dodgeguy great post I apprciate the advice!

 

Man if your in the Seattle area you are in the middle of Diesel central. Check out http://www.nwbombers.com/
the majority of the people on that board are in your neck of the woods.

 

I'm about 1/2 hour from seattle...thanks I'll check that site out!