From: bowmanj@csn.org (Jerry Bowman)
Subject: Re: CUMMINS FAQ: Cost, experiences, options...
Keywords: Dodge, Cummins, diesel
Organization: University of Colorado Boulder, OCS
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 15:21:48 GMT

In article <1993Jan21.164053.1957@berlioz.nsc.com> alan@lancaster.nsc.com (The Hepburn) writes:
>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

      I have a friend that has a Dodge deisel pick up. I don't know
   if it is a W 250 or W 350, but he absolutely loves it. He is a MAC  
   Tool distributor and pulls a fifth wheel trailer with it daily.We
   are in the Denver area ( cold ) He does plug it in at night in the
   winter. Good Luck.