First road trip in the 12 valve!
 

I took my new baby on it's first road trip today. Logged a little over 600 miles. It was all interstate at 75-80 mph. Rpm is right on 2000rpm at 75. I averaged a little under 15mpg, so apparently I have some tuning up to do. It was windy as heck out so that probably hurt the mpg some too. It seemed to run pretty well overall. I could hear what sounded like an exhaust spit sometimes, so I'll have to find where that's coming from. It doesn't have much passing power on the hills at interstate speeds. It will maintain up the steeper sections but won't gain much. I haven't been behind the wheel of a stock 6bt powered truck before, so I don't know how much is from needing a tune up and some maintenance and how much is just the fact that they don't have much in stock form. I'm planning to start out with a valve lash adjustment, and repairing the exhaust leak. I was thinking that if its a pre turbo leak, then maybe low boost could be causing me some lower power, but wouldn't low boost produce some smoke under throttle due to not enough air? It doesn't smoke at all. The idle speed seems like it might be just a tad low, as it will start and promptly die if it's cold out, unless I just barely weight the throttle with my foot and hold it that way for a min, then it will idle fine. Maybe I need to shorten up the throttle rod a tad bit. As I was getting home, I noticed a new growling noise in the front end when I turn, so I'll need to track that down. Maybe a wheel bearing. Anyway, I had a lot of fun today taking my new truck on it's "maiden voyage". I've been wanting a Cummins forever, and I'm stoked to finally have it! Now the work begins lol...

Welcome to the big show!

Getting behind your own diesel truck is one of life's best experiences. Sounds like you had a blast, and made me wish i was behind the wheel.

Try changing your fuel filter and cleaning your fuel prefilter

and good to hear! :tu:

Brand new fuel filter, which reminds me, I need to take care of the water in fuel light.

as for the dying when cold if you dont give it some throttle most will do that.. how your doing that is how your suppost to crank them am i right guys? mines the same way and there is a label from dodge on the sunvisor saying so that your supposed to give some throttle and hold it up there for a few right after startup

Ya, but my idle was excessively low, to the point that things would vibrate. I bumped it up to about 850 park 750 drive and now it's perfect.