1ST TIME DIESEL OWNER / CONFUSED

Thanks for everyone who gave me advice. Really appreciated.

If you have remote start, use that and let it run for a bit before you head out. You aren't going to hurt that Cummins. Just drive it.

Idle time before starting out for the day when driving a semi truck is determined by how long it takes for the AIR TANKS to fill up.
You don't have air tanks, so your start up time won't be much, start it up, walk around checking your lights & tires & take off.

If you are pulling a load, check water temperature & wait 3 minutes before shutting the engine off

On my last 40 hour a week job, we had several diesel 1 ton & above trucks.
We were required to do a Post Op at the end of the day, basically it was a walk around & write down the mileage & anything that needed to be looked at, then we shut it down.

2022 Tradesman said:

I drive like a grandma

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That can cause issues with the variable geometry turbocharger in your truck. Steady-state driving and extensive idling leads to soot, carbon, rust, and corrosion accumulation on the turbo and actuator. Using the exhaust brake helps avoid buildups too.

Don't get on it hard before it's warmed up. Let it idol normally for a few seconds before shut down after normal driving, and a 2-3 minute high idle after heavy use . This allows the oil and coolant to carry heat away from the combustion chamber, bearings, shafts, and turbocharger while reducing oil degradation.

If you choose to downshift remember diesels have a much lower RPM range.

Try not to skip your turbo actuator and EGR valve cleaning intervals.

Don't let it sit for a few weeks at a time. If you do Cummins recommends disconnecting the wire to the fuel shut-off valve and cranking the engine until oil pressure shows on the gauge before starting the engine to prevent "dry starts"

2022 Tradesman said:

Break in periods,

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The RAM diesel supplement manual says for the first 500 miles, put no load on the rear axle.

While the engine is broken in before delivery the manual recommends to run the engine under load to "allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles " after the initial 500 miles.

Tim7139 said:

That can cause issues with the variable geometry turbocharger in your truck. Steady-state driving and extensive idling leads to soot, carbon, rust, and corrosion accumulation on the turbo and actuator. Using the exhaust brake helps avoid buildups too.

Try not to skip your turbo actuator and EGR valve cleaning intervals.

Why VGT Turbo’s Fail And How You Can Prevent It

The ins and outs of VGT failure, how you can avoid it, the best way to fix it and why fixed geometry turbochargers are making a comeback.

www.drivingline.com

Click to expand...

I'm hearing so much conflicting information regarding diesel engines. Thank you for your advice. I'm reading and listening, yet I'm still confused on some topics. One is idle, I'm going to double check my idle rpm next time I start the motor in the morning. Our temp is usually above 50F outside. I hear i should be able to drive after 1 minute, and I've always been one to drive at slower speeds before the engine warms up. I hear I should wait until the oil reaches temperature? Which I'm also researching and learning the proper temperatures for all fluids for the truck. One gauge not on my display is coolant, radiator. Although I believe I can set my display to have it visible using the display options, odd because its usually one of the main gauges equipped on the dash. I believe I can also pull it up on the off-road display. I'm going to keep asking questions until I got it figured out When should you run at higher idle? I hear it's to warm the engine quickly? Yet, they say to idle for 1 minute before you're ready to drive....I've heard to set the idle at 1200 rpm. I believe, my idle after starting the engine is around 800 to 900 rpm. Some say this is good, that this is good for the engine and reduces soot build up.
I hear I need to put the motor under load to seat the piston and rings? High RPM is better for the engine performance overall?? Even during driving the truck?? How do you do that? I know how to run the idle to higher RPM while parked,, but i don't know anyore than that.. i just drive at whatever the truck is operating at. I hear not to drive it hard, but don't drive it slow??? I'm overwhelmed with all this conflicting information. Cooling temperatures? How often do you let the motor idle before shutting it down? Does it have to do with the temperature of the engine? I've never been so concerned about a engine until I got this truck. It's all probably simple to understand, but this truck is kind of expensive, so I'm eager to get familiar with the basics. Apparently this is a critical time period for the engine's longevity, so I need to know exactly how to break in the motor.
My 1500 Ram was a simple truck, turn it on and drive it, but this Tradesman...whole different truck. Sorry for the super long response, but it's really concerning me how to run this truck according to typical diesel specifications. Any advice is appreciated greatly! PS, did you recommend using the exhaust break while driving under normal conditions? As far as maintenance goes, I have a five year maintenance plan that covers most fluids and hopefully parts...

2022 Tradesman said:

Engine high RPMs, idle up, idle down! ...I've never ran the high idle

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When you idle un-burnt fuel will wash-off the protective layer of oil often referred to as "Cylinder Wash Down" which increases wear and reduces oil life. The higher the RPM the lower the impact of this effect.

When a diesel is very cold or very hot idling is recommended to reach a more moderate temperature.

To minimize the downsides of idling but get the benefits of idling a higher idle RPM is recommended (high idle).

When you're trying to to warm the truck you want a high idle with the exhaust brake on. The truck will high idle after two minutes on it's own if the coolant is still below 200f, but when you know it's cold out you can command the high idle after a few seconds of having the truck on.

When you're trying to cool the truck you want a high idle with the exhaust brake off. Enabling high idle will reduce the wear from having the truck idling.

2022 Tradesman said:

I bought it because I hear they last forever, but I didn't know it requires so much attention.

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The theory is a little time and care take it from lasting 300k to forever with a bit of accommodation.

Tim7139 said:

The RAM diesel supplement manual says for the first 500 miles, put no load on the rear axle.

While the engine is broken in before delivery the manual recommends to run the engine under load to "allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles " after the initial 500 miles.

Click to expand...

I read that about the first 500 miles. My problem is putting the truck under load after 500 miles. I'm not exactly sure what this means really? I watched a video where the guy used a Dyno to start the break in processes. The truck is at 300 miles currently and I learning something different every day. Very complicated having a diesel motor for the first time and learning propper procedures. Still lost, don't drive fast, don't drive slow, increase RPM, don't increase RPM, cooling periods, piston seating, engine loads, breaking the engine in. I'm sure it's all very simple, I'll soon learn how to operate this new wonder....Thanks for your advice, all advice is greatly appreciated.

Tim7139 said:

When you idle un-burnt fuel will wash-off the protective layer of oil often referred to as "Cylinder Wash Down" which increases wear and reduces oil life. The higher the RPM the lower the impact of this effect.

When a diesel is very cold or very hot idling is recommended to reach a more moderate temperature.

To minimize the downsides of idling but get the benefits of idling a higher idle RPM is recommended (high idle).

When you're trying to to warm the truck you want a high idle with the exhaust brake on. The truck will high idle after two minutes on it's own if the coolant is still below 200f, but when you know it's cold out you can command the high idle after a few seconds of having the truck on.

When you're trying to cool the truck you want a high idle with the exhaust brake off. Enabling high idle will reduce the wear from having the truck idling.



The theory is a little time and care take it from lasting 300k to forever with a bit of accommodation.

Click to expand...

Ok, let me see if I got it right. Every morning use the exhaust break to achieve high idle? This will activate the RPMS without using the cruise control? Will the engine also reduce the idle after warming up, Or is that manual? I have been learning as much as I can, reading and watching videos. How do I set the truck to high idle without use the exhaust break? I've been letting the truck sit for 30 to 60 seconds after driving to cool down, but at regular RPMS. EXACTLY when should I use high RPMS? Mornings, if so until when? Is high idle recommended during normal driving conditions? Can you explain putting the truck under load after 500 miles to break in the piston rings and such? All information is greatly appreciated Thank you for you advice!

2022 Tradesman said:

Our temp is usually above 50F outside. I hear i should be able to drive after 1 minute

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If the wait to start light/function did not kick in you should be able to drive within a few seconds. You're good to go as soon as you have oil pressure. Once temps hit 185F the engine is officially warmed up.

2022 Tradesman said:

High RPM is better for the engine performance overall?? Even during driving the truck??

Click to expand...

As with most things moderation is typically preferred, but a little indulgence is warranted on occasion. If you've got an automatic the truck will do most of the work. Moderate driving with the occasional bout of more aggressive acceleration should keep things running well.

2022 Tradesman said:

did you recommend using the exhaust break while driving under normal conditions?

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I leave the exhaust brake on unless I'm trying to cool down the truck after heavy use or when road conditions are slippery.

Tim7139 said:

That can cause issues with the variable geometry turbocharger in your truck. Steady-state driving and extensive idling leads to soot, carbon, rust, and corrosion accumulation on the turbo and actuator. Using the exhaust brake helps avoid buildups too.

Don't get on it hard before it's warmed up. Let it idol normally for a few seconds before shut down after normal driving, and a 2-3 minute high idle after heavy use . This allows the oil and coolant to carry heat away from the combustion chamber, bearings, shafts, and turbocharger while reducing oil degradation.

If you choose to downshift remember diesels have a much lower RPM range.

Try not to skip your turbo actuator and EGR valve cleaning intervals.

Don't let it sit for a few weeks at a time. If you do Cummins recommends disconnecting the wire to the fuel shut-off valve and cranking the engine until oil pressure shows on the gauge before starting the engine to prevent "dry starts"

Why VGT Turbo’s Fail And How You Can Prevent It

The ins and outs of VGT failure, how you can avoid it, the best way to fix it and why fixed geometry turbochargers are making a comeback.

www.drivingline.com

Click to expand...

I doubt I'll let the truck sit for a extended amount of time, but it's valuable information. Although I have no idea where the fuel shutoff valve is? My truck will be maintenanced through the Dodge dealership for the next five years. Looking to learn as much as possible asap. Thank you for your advice. Let the engine cool under normal engine idle unless using it for heavy use. Which is rarely ever.

When starting wait for the preheat to do it's thing on cold days. It's a grid heater now vs glow plugs so even if you don't it won't hurt anything just be harder to start. Once the idle drops you're good to drive. You live where it's warm enough to skip all the winter procedures and as a daily you'll use the def in plenty of time to avoid issues, but do be carefull not to get debris in the tank (wipe around the filler if it's dirty before pulling the cap, wipe off the jug if it's dirty etc). I like to do the first oil change around 3-4 thousand miles just because of the break in, but it's good to go on delivery break in wise. If it's doing a dpf burn (not sure they still have one) then wait for it to finish before shutting it down as too many failed or interrupted attempts means limp mode. Unlike the hemi the diesel has a fuel filter and it should be changed regularly. I go with every 2nd oil change. I also like to let it idle for a minute before shutting it off to let the egts drop and cool the turbo. A minute is plenty under normal driving. 2 minutes if you're towing or just climbed a mountain.

2022 Tradesman said:

I read that about the first 500 miles. My problem is putting the truck under load after 500 miles. I'm not exactly sure what this means really?

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It means put a bunch of heavy stuff in the bed or put a reasonably heavy trailer behind it.

2022 Tradesman said:

Still lost, don't drive fast, don't drive slow, increase RPM, don't increase RPM, cooling periods, piston seating, engine loads, breaking the engine in. I'm sure it's all very simple.

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Do drive fast, do drive slow. Don't always accelerate slowly. Don't always pin it to the floor. Same as gas engine.

Cooling period is the same with a gas engine with a turbo, just no high idle.

Warm up period is the same with a gas engine with a turbo, just no high idle and no pre start delay.

Engine loads are same as gas with or without turbo, though it may sound more complicated as people talk about it in more depth and there is more detailed information available, and there is an extra step you can take (high idle). Drive with the family in normal conditions and things are normally. Start hauling heavy loads or driving on steep grades at speed and you'll want some cool down time.

Tim7139 said:

If the wait to start light/function did not kick in you should be able to drive within a few seconds. You're good to go as soon as you have oil pressure. Once temps hit 185F the engine is officially warmed up.



As with most things moderation is typically preferred, but a little indulgence is warranted on occasion. If you've got an automatic the truck will do most of the work. Moderate driving with the occasional bout of more aggressive acceleration should keep things running well.


I leave the exhaust brake on unless I'm trying to cool down the truck after heavy use or when road conditions are slippery.

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Ok, occasionally the glow plugs need to warm up, but not always. Some mornings it starts right up. Today in the afternoon I noticed the truck didn't start with a clean turn, it seemed to have a small hesitant which concerned me. Do I always need to cool down before shutting down? Or can I rely on the engine temperature to find the answer?? Which isn't located on my screen! I believe I have to set it in the screen options or locate it on my off-road screen. My truck is Automatic, and all the gauges seem to always work properly. Noted about the exhaust brake, I also hear it helps to have it on because it helps keep the engine running properly. I rarely put my foot in the petal, the engine is calm and it gets up to speed. Taking some time to get used to...185F temp is the oil or radiator coolent temp?
Thank you for all your advise, I really appreciate it!

2022 Tradesman said:

Ok, let me see if I got it right. Every morning use the exhaust break to achieve high idle?

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If you move to Antarctica, sure. If you're in the lower 48 most days you will not need to do anything. If the wait to start light/function did not show on the screen you should be able to drive within a few seconds. You're good to go as soon as you have oil pressure. Once temps hit 185F the engine is officially warmed up.

2022 Tradesman said:

use the exhaust break to achieve high idle? This will activate the RPMS without using the cruise control? Will the engine also reduce the idle after warming up, Or is that manual?

Click to expand...

Separate of the idle setting, the exhaust brake will decrease the time needed for the vehicle to reach operating temperatures.

If you turn on your truck, leave it sitting in park for 2 minutes, and the coolant is below 200F it will bring the RPM up to 1,000 to speed the warm up.

If you manually adjust the idle speed with the cruise control buttons while in park the truck is going to use whatever setting you select until you disable it or shift into gear.

2022 Tradesman said:

Is high idle recommended during normal driving conditions?

Click to expand...

High idle only worked when he vehicle is parked.

2022 Tradesman said:

EXACTLY when should I use high RPMS? Mornings, if so until when?

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On a morning it was cold enough the truck did not immediately start when you told it to, but instead showed a wait to start message you can use the high idle with the exhaust brake on until the coolant hits 200f or you just feel like driving.

After carrying or towing a load that exceeds 25% of your vehicles ratings <or> after driving through the mountain passes with runaway lanes or grade signs on hot days you can use the high idle with the exhaust brake off for 2.5 minutes after parking before you turn off the truck.

BWL said:

When starting wait for the preheat to do it's thing on cold days. It's a grid heater now vs glow plugs so even if you don't it won't hurt anything just be harder to start. Once the idle drops you're good to drive. You live where it's warm enough to skip all the winter procedures and as a daily you'll use the def in plenty of time to avoid issues, but do be carefull not to get debris in the tank (wipe around the filler if it's dirty before pulling the cap, wipe off the jug if it's dirty etc). I like to do the first oil change around 3-4 thousand miles just because of the break in, but it's good to go on delivery break in wise. If it's doing a dpf burn (not sure they still have one) then wait for it to finish before shutting it down as too many failed or interrupted attempts means limp mode. Unlike the hemi the diesel has a fuel filter and it should be changed regularly. I go with every 2nd oil change. I also like to let it idle for a minute before shutting it off to let the egts drop and cool the turbo. A minute is plenty under normal driving. 2 minutes if you're towing or just climbed a mountain.

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I don't think I've heard my idle drop after starting in the morning? My Hemi yes, but not so much the diesel, atleast not that I'm aware of...? If the truck needs to preheat, it will on it's own prior to starting after the warming has been completed, no problem there. I have no idea about the dpf burn, or when it should happen? Hopefully it will inform me on my dash display when that needs to happen??? As for my filters, everything is sensor, giving me current percentage on filter life. Hell, just yesterday my buddy told me where and what the def gauge is located and how it works. Luckily for me sense I need learn how to maintenance the truck, the dealership has the truck on a 5 year maintenance plan. Hopefully that will help keep the truck up and running. All your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

2022 Tradesman said:

185F temp is the oil or radiator coolent temp?

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Coolant, but at that point they'll probably be the same and you'll be miles from home.

One note about the Cummins, unless something has miraculous been changed for the +'19 engines the oil temperature and pressure are calculated values(have been for quite a few years).
The biggest concern will be driving the truck enough to get and keep the engine hot/warm. Looks like your in Cali so the cold weather (below freezing) concerns are probably nill, so using the winter front, elevated idle and block heater usage won't be needed. If the engine is going to be idled the five minute mark is a good decision line, if you think it's going to be more than 5 minutes then shut the truck off.

Tim7139 said:

If you move to Antarctica, sure. If you're in the lower 48 most days you will not need to do anything. If the wait to start light/function did not show on the screen you should be able to drive within a few seconds. You're good to go as soon as you have oil pressure. Once temps hit 185F the engine is officially warmed up.



Separate of the idle setting, the exhaust brake will decrease the time needed for the vehicle to reach operating temperatures.

If you turn on your truck, leave it sitting in park for 2 minutes, and the coolant is below 200F it will bring the RPM up to 1,000 to speed the warm up.

If you manually adjust the idle speed with the cruise control buttons while in park the truck is going to use whatever setting you select until you disable it or shift into gear.





High idle only worked when he vehicle is parked.



On a morning it was cold enough the truck did not immediately start when you told it to, but instead showed a wait to start message you can use the high idle with the exhaust brake on until the coolant hits 200f or you just feel like driving.

After carrying or towing a load that exceeds 25% of your vehicles ratings <or> after driving through the mountain passes with runaway lanes or grade signs on hot days you can use the high idle with the exhaust brake off for 2.5 minutes after parking before you turn off the truck.

Click to expand...

I apologize for being diesel illiterate. Final question regarding the exhaust brake. Yes, it can be used to bring up the RPMS. I have used the technique once and witnessed how it works. Final questions regarding exhaust brake and high idle. Some recommend always using the exhaust brake during normal driving conditions. If so, would i turn it on as soon as I start the engine in the morning,? I've used it most out of my settings during driving, but I'm curious, if I turn it on after starting the motor it will run the engine at higher rpms correct, if engine temperature is under 200F? If correct, would i shut it off to lower the rpms prior to driving, then soon after turn it on again? Also, how would I idle the engine on high without the use of the exhaust brake or cruise control if needed? Also, would you recommend high idle during driving, or only under cooling and starting conditions?

crash68 said:

One note about the Cummins, unless something has miraculous been changed for the +'19 engines the oil temperature and pressure are calculated values(have been for quite a few years).
The biggest concern will be driving the truck enough to get and keep the engine hot/warm. Looks like your in Cali so the cold weather (below freezing) concerns are probably nill, so using the winter front, elevated idle and block heater usage won't be needed. If the engine is going to be idled the five minute mark is a good decision line, if you think it's going to be more than 5 minutes then shut the truck off.

Click to expand...

The oil temperature and pressure are clearly visible in the truck and I've been researching normal operating temperatures to keep watch. Ofcourse my truck is brand new and likely nothing to worry about .I drive the truck like any other vehicle, but recently I've been hearing about recommendations concerning a diesel engine. Therefore I'm trying to learn about a diesel engine and what might be necessary to maintain the truck, not to make mistakes if possible. Northern California, our weather here is usually never below 32° commonly low 50s.