Diesel Buying FAQ
 

For a first time diesel owner/bomber
 

QUESTION: What route should i go with performance upgrades?

ANSWER: BEFORE you start bombing your new diesel with any kind of programmer/pressure box or any kind of upgrade to add fuel GET GAUGES, prolly start out with PYRO, BOOST, and FUEL PRESSURE possibly TRANS TEMP. everyone will tell you, GAUGES GAUGES GAUGES! they are a MUST
Also if you are going to be running a programmer your going to be running more fuel, which means your gonna be running hotter. colder air= more power, and its a lot safer for the motor. get a CAI(cold air intake) or a freer flowing air filter, and a freer flowing exhaust system.
THESE ARE JUST THE BASICS!
In my opinion (i cant speak for everyone) all of these should be had BEFORE adding fuel. now get out there and start BOMBING:5:

when looking to buying a diesel, take your time looking if your not sure what to get (ford dodge or chevy) test drive the truck let it warm up then take it for a spin dont have the radio blarring, listen to the motor see if it sounds good, no wierd nosies, and has good power and it shift right. get it up to speed see if the steering works good and doesn't pull one way or other, check your gauges make sure they work. pop the hood look for any leaks bring a flashlight and look it over good look at the wiring under the hood any splices, corrosion. have fun looking you dont need to buy it on the spot

Just a few tips
 

When in the market for a diesel truck, don't be afraid to push it. These trucks are meant to go hard. When your test driving your truck make sure to take the RPM's high and make the truck go fast. Of course do it where you won't get in trouble.:pca1: I bought my truck without pushing it and after I bought it and got it home, I pushed it and discovered a fuel lag at the top of 3rd gear. That helped me figure out that I needed a new CP3 in my 04 Dodge. Look for leaks under the engine compartment as well and if possible drive without the air conditioner on to make sure there is no condensation from it when you stop to take a peek. The other thing is research, research, research! I wish I knew half the things I do before I had bought my truck. Also when going to purchase a new diesel truck take someone who is knowledgeable about them, they can be a tremendous help and may see or hear things that may sound normal to you. Of course we here at Diesel Bombers are here to help as well, don't hesitate to ask. The only dumb question is one that is never asked!

Questions: What are the goods and bad about owning a diesel truck VS gasoline driven?

(In my opinion)

Diesel gets better gas milage and has more toque then a gasoline truck.
Diesel engine typically last a lot longer then a gasoline engine. (1,000,000 miles vs couple hundred thousand miles)
Depending on where you live, diesel can cost a little more or a little less then gas.
Diesel engines are more expensive to maintain then gas engine, but last a lot longer.
If you plan on towing or hauling heavy loads, then diesel trucks are the way to go.
If you plan on using the truck for transportation, gas truck might be the way to go.
To own a diesel you must become a diesel person as these engines are different from gas engines and require different knowledge and thinking than a gas engine does. A properly maintained diesel will be just as reliable as a gas engine, and be cheaper to maintain over the life of the engine.
They can be a handful, especially in winter climates, but the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
The new Duramax engines are very quiet. They tow so well that the most common complaint is that people forget they are towing and drive too fast.
The Cummins in the new Dodge trucks are also excellent engines. They are only noisy if you are outside the truck.
If you are a Ford person try to get an older 7.3 as they are much more reliable than the new 6 liter engines. (my opinion)
Diesels also have the advantage of being able to run biodiesel, making them greener than a similar gas vehicle.

If your Looking for a cummins here is some incite


These Problems Affect all Years up to 2003: Steering wander, 5th Gear Nut, TPS, Tranny Cooler Lines and Connectors, Torque Convertor Hunting/Slipping, Fuel Tank Sending Unit Failures, Poor AC Performance, Seat Foam Failure, Console Lid Hinge Failures, Starter Contacts, Axle Lip Seals

Truck
Common Issues / Set Backs

1994


KDP, Paint / Primer Failure, 160 Pump, Throttle Cable, Fuel Shutoff Solenoid / Relay Failures, Fuel Lines

1995


KDP, Paint / Primer Failure, 160 Pump, Throttle Cable, Fuel Shutoff Solenoid / Relay Failures, Fuel Lines
1996 KDP, Paint / Primer Failure, ABS Sensor, Fuel Lines, Throttle Cable, Fuel Shutoff Solenoid / Relay Failures, Fuel Lines
1997 KDP, Paint / Primer Failure, Cruise Control Too Sensitive, Throttle Cable,

Fuel Shutoff Solenoid / Relay Failures

1998

12 V
KDP, Throttle Cable, Fuel Shutoff Solenoid / Relay Failures
1998.5

24 V
Fuel Delivery Issues
1999 Fuel Delivery Issues, 53 Block
2000 Fuel Delivery Issues, 53 Block
2001 Fuel Delivery Issues, 53 Block, HY's On Auto
2002 Fuel Delivery Issues, HY's On Auto

Needs Continued ...

Man these are some good posts guys!!!

It also doesn't hurt to run a Carfax. Be surprised the number of things owners hide to make the sale. An accident is one of them, next any major service repairs, such as having a new engine.

I 2nd being thorough in inspecting a vehicle. On the fluids, check the engine oil for excessive soot by rubbing some between your fingers. If it stains them, you got some engine issues that should be checked out. Check the color/smell of the transmission fluid (auto).

number one thing is to research the vehicle you are interested in and there common problems and weak points. and if you have any other questions come to the forums, some one will answer them

when you go to see the truck tell the salesman to let you start the truck and have it cold. this way you can get a proper cold start and you can see how it does. after driving the truck for a bit pop the hood and open the oil filler for blow by. if your getting a lot i would walk away. a little bit for older engines is normal. also unclamp the air intake and check for compressor play in the turbo.

On a 12V look for tampering of the tamper proof bolt in the fuel plate cover, 24V's look for tampering of the VP44 wires