From: alan@lancaster.nsc.com (The Hepburn)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: CUMMINS FAQ: Cost, experiences, options...
Keywords: Dodge, Cummins, diesel
Date: 21 Jan 93 16:40:53 GMT
Organization: National Semiconductor Corporation

In article <C15vsA.2o4@boi.hp.com>, kmcintyr@boi.hp.com (Kevin McIntyre) writes:
|> 
|> Netters--
|>   I know portions of this have been discussed in parts, on
|> and off but I'd like some help.
|> 
|>   I am considering a Cummins Turbo Diesel 4x4 W250 or W350
|> and have no experiences
|> with Dodge or Diesels.  I have talked to the dealer and got a
|> dealer cost vs. retail print out from my credit union but what
|> I need help with is a few things.  I am primarily going to use
|> this truck for typical truck usages (hauling, etc.) and a camper.
|> 

I can't comment specifically on the Cummins engine but I do own a Ford
F350 with the Navistar engine so I can give you some opinionsd on diesel
in general.

|> 1)  Maintenance (what, how much, differences from gasoline engines, additives
|>          filtration, etc.)

Regular maintenance includes changing the oil every 2500 miles under most
driving conditions.  Cummins is very specific as to what oil filter to use
and both Cummins and Navistar are very specific as to oil grade (SG/CE or
better).  Change te air filter every 12K miles and the fuel filters every
12K-25K miles,depending on the quality of the fuel you buy.  Drain the
water separator every 5K miles.  Cummins requires valve adjustment every
12K miles, also (I think;  Walt Koziarz will correct me if I'm in error!).
Other than that; just drive it!

|> 2)  Reliablity (I know they last longer (diesel) but that's it)

Given proper maintenance it's not uncommon for a diesel engine to make it to
1 million miles.  The truck body will wear out long before the engine.  It
will start in wet conditions (ever try to start a gas engine when the ignition
system gets wet?) and in an emergency it will burn heating oil.

|> 3)  Fuel (how hard to get, different grades, etc.)

Fuel is readily available just about everywhere.  Around town you will
find it at regular gas stations, for about the same price as regular unleaded gas.
Out on the interstates you will find it everywhere, usually cheaper than 
any grade of gas.  Truck stops are the best bargain; most provide full service
and charge a lot less than gas stations.  And their pumps run at up to 28 
gallons per minute instead of the standard 6 gallons per minute found at all
gas stations.  When you're pumping 40 gallons or more, it makes a difference!
Note that to take advantage of this high volume pumping, your tank must be
well vented, with minimal bending of the inlet pipe.  Truck stops also tend to have
fresher fuel, due to their volume of sales, and tend to keep their tanks in
better condition (less water and other contaminants) than a lower volume gas
station.

|> 4)  Options (which options are worth while, which aren't)

If an engine brake is available from the dealer, then get it.  You will
find almost no engine braking on a diesel and going down long grades with
a full load is a lot easier on you and your truck if you don't have to
smoke your brakes.  A tach is nice for monitoring engine speed, and a
pyrometer is helpful for monitoring exhaust temperature, allowing you to
adjust your driving to minimise wide temperature swings.  Cruise control
is nice for trips, as is air conditioning.

|> 5)  Cost (what's the best deal around that people have got)

Expect to pay in the neighbourhood of $20K for a well-equipped truck.

|> 6)  Cold weather starting (with and without plugging the block heater in)
|>        What if you're out at your cabin and it's -20 with no elec.????

Being in sunny (?) Calif, I can't comment on real cold.  My Navistar has
had no problem starting on the first compression stroke after soaking 
overnight in temperatures in the mid 30's (except when the batteries were weak!).
I've seen reports from Cummins owners claiming no problems in sub-zero
temperatures with no heater.  Either Walt Koziarz or Dan Hepner can help
more here.

|> 7)  Performance (I know the mileage is quite good but how good and what
|>        type of performance data vs. gas?)

Well, I used to own a Chevy C30 Crew Cab with a 7.4 l gas hog, auto tranny and
4.1:1 rear axle.  I pull a 34 ft fifth wheel weighing 11K lb.  Driving the
C30 empty I got 6 mpg and pulling the fifth wheel I got 5 mpg.  With my F350
Crew Cab with 7.3 l diesel, auto tranny, and 4.1:1 rear axle I get 17 mpg
empty and 12 mpg pulling the trailer.  Acceleration, both empty and towing,
is comparable between the two trucks.  I don't have any figures, sorry.

|> 8)  W350 vs W250 (is it worth it?)

Check prices on this.  You might find that with the W250, you will
have to pay for options (heavy springs, swaw bars, cooling system, etc)
that are standard on the W350.  This assumes you will be looking for good
towing capacity and GCVWR.  I found (back several years) that a standard
C30 was almost $3K cheaper than a C20 with the added towing capability to
bring it up close to the C30.

|> 9)  5 speed vs. auto (opinions, durability, operation, smoothness...)
|> 
I've heard nothing but good reports on the Getrag tranny that Dodge uses.
For maximum towing capacity, the 5 speed is required.
|> 

-- 
Alan Hepburn           "An ignorant person is one who doesn't know
National Semiconductor       what you have just found out."
Santa Clara, Ca              
alan@berlioz.nsc.com                              Will Rogers
Newsgroups: rec.autos