1ST TIME DIESEL OWNER / CONFUSED

06 Dodge said:

I just got a 2022 Bighorn in March, I will do first oil change around 3K, I will be putting synthetic oil in as I've had very good luck using it in my 2006 for the 15.5 years I owned it, if you had the time and $$$ you could help break in your engine quickly with a 72 hours run by putting 2,000 weight in the bed and run it non stop ( except to refuel and eat) one way for 30 hours and then do the same on the return trip, I did this in my 06 never did use oil and it ran like a top until I sold it back in Jan.. One nice thing about having a Cummins in your truck is the higher resale value when you go to sell it, so long as its been taken care of and well maintained. So far with mine I have noticed that it is getting over 15 mpg mixed driving and it only has 1220 miles, I hand calculated over 18 MPG on trip home from dealer in Idaho driving speeds from 55 to 75 MPH...

Click to expand...

I'm getting concerned with this new truck of mine. A new cummins engine has requirements if you want it to run properly throughout it's life span. How am i supposed to carry 2000lb around for 5000 miles? Or drive for 72hrs straight? Just asking?? I do use my truck for everyday use and to load up tools because I'm a contractor. What what weights that much and can be carried around for that period of time without taking up the entire bed? Ofcourse I need my vehicle for everything, so if you or someone has advice for breaking in this beautiful truck, without taking up the whole bed, I'm all open for suggestions!

What I've been practicing so far....
250 miles on odometer currently.
I start it up in the morning, let it run for a minute or two on normal idle 800 900 rpms, then kick up the rpm to 1000 for a few minutes, then drive at slow to normal speeds until normal temperatures are reached to (190f) then maybe hit the hwy. As far as cooling the engine I let it idle for a minute or two to cool down before shutting down, I do this every time I drive the truck, short drive or not because I'm not sure when exactly I should cool the engine?? Other than that, it's just basic driving, not really driving over 70mph. The truck cruises without really giving it much throttle at all because I'm mainly driving on flat roads. Once in awhile I give it a little throttle to Rev the motor because it's always purring and I wonderif I shouldgive it a rev once n awhile...?.
I just want this beautiful truck to last, and If i knew about the diesel motor and the recommended procedures I'm leaning of, then i might have made a different choice in trucks.I like this truck, Its a beautiful truck, and yeah I'm paying more then I should for it...but I have to make it work...or.....
Is it possible to ruin a new truck like mine if you don't put it under load requirements during the break in periods? (Likely) from what I've been learning lately. Advice is always welcome being I'm a new owner of this type of truck and only recently learning of this type of truck.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR ADVICE! You are appreciated.
As far as oil, they said I'm running synthetic oil. Don't know the weight or brand. This truck is serviced through the dealership for the next 5 years on a 7 year loan. Biggest, baddest truck I've have in my possession so far. It's a ranchers truck meant for serious work. Even though I'm a painting contractor without the need to tow or haul heavy loads maybe.....with the advice and help I'm receiving from you guys I'll be able to save this beauty.

2022 Tradesman said:

let it run for a minute or two on normal idle 800 900 rpms, then kick up the rpm to 1000 for a few minutes, then drive at slow to normal speeds until normal temperatures are reached to (190f)

Click to expand...

Doing more harm than good to the engine, and wasting your time and fuel too. Diesel supplement tells you to warm up before applying a load (You have no heavy load, so no concern), it does not advise you not to move or drive until warmed up. Further it warns light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the time before the engine is at full efficiency. Idling is not doing more than light trailer towing.

2022 Tradesman said:

I let it idle for a minute or two to cool down before shutting down, I do this every time I drive the truck, short drive or not because I'm not sure when exactly I should cool the engine??

Click to expand...

Doing more harm than good to the engine, and wasting your time and fuel too. Based on your loading, you should never try and cool it. It's fine.

2022 Tradesman said:

A new cummins engine has requirements if you want it to run properly throughout it's life span. How am i supposed to carry 2000lb around for 5000 miles? Or drive for 72hrs straight? Just asking?? ...Is it possible to ruin a new truck like mine if you don't put it under load requirements

Click to expand...

No, you will not ruin your truck. Failing to "run properly" is slightly reduced fuel economy and power, which given your light duty use should have minimal impact for your ownership period. It's likely you'll waste more fuel in the short term than you'll save long term.

Cummins and RAM provide guidance, and if you follow it you'll have no problems during your warranty period and beyond. Much of the advice you'll find was accurate in the 80's and even early 2000's, but changes in design, manufacture, and consumables has obsoleted many of the old practices, or even made them detrimental. I work with organizations that have hundreds of 6.7 cummins, and lots of time and resources get expended dispelling myths and identifying outdated practices that have become engrained truths in so many operators and mechanics.

My self never worry about cool down longer then 1 minute unless towing or hauling heavy for long periods of time, for you it may be best just to keep as much weight in the bed as best you can and just drive it an not worry so much, it will do okay for you to keep doing what you are, my self I learned to do brake-in from old time diesel truck mechanic and when I took mine out for it's brake in I did the long drive on a trip to visit wife's family so we were able to do keep it running non stop for the 36 hour drive from the mid west to Oregon visited for a few days and did non stop run on way back home.. As for oil I would ask to see ( aka Proof) what oil is being used, my self don't trust dealerships so I buy my own oil & filters and have it installed, this way I have proof of oil changes, having bad lower spine is why I no longer like laying on the ground to change it my self..

Tim7139 said:

Doing more harm than good to the engine, and wasting your time and fuel too. Diesel supplement tells you to warm up before applying a load (which you never do), it does not advise you not to move or drive until warmed up. Further it warns light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the time before the engine is at full efficiency. Idling is not doing more than light trailer towing.



Doing more harm than good to the engine, and wasting your time and fuel too. Based on your loading, you should never try and cool it.



No, you will not ruin your truck. Failing to "run properly" is slightly reduced fuel economy and power, which given your light duty use should have minimal impact for your ownership period. It's likely you'll waste more fuel in the short term than you'll save long term.

Cummins and RAM provide guidance, and if you follow it you'll have no problems during your warranty period and beyond. Much of the advice you'll find was accurate in the 80's and even early 2000's, but changes in design, manufacture, and consumables has obsoleted many of the old practices, or even made them detrimental. I work with organizations that have hundreds of 6.7 cummins, and lots of time and resources get expended dispelling myths and identifying outdated practices that have become engrained truths in so many operators and mechanics.

Click to expand...

In reality, the whole diesle thing has got me so confused. I don't know what to think anymore. I never owned a diesel or even needed a 3/4 ton. But now I have one and I really am quite confused on exactly how to operate the vehicle correctly according to manufacturer suggestions. I've never been so evolved into a vehicle my whole life! It's keeping me awake at night! I'm watching videos constantly and posting questions. Everytime I think I got it right, I got it completely wrong! Ruining the truck at only 350 miles! Seriously taking a toll on my brain I just can't figure out what to do....can anyone give me the basics on running this vehicle where I'm currently at? 350 miles.

I'm seriously not going to drive the truck anymore until I understand completely about the vehicle and what is recommended procedures.

Starting
Idle
Shut down
Driving
& any other suggestions that I should know about.

7hrs idle
13hrs driven
20hrs total to date

06 Dodge said:

My self never worry about cool down longer then 1 minute unless towing or hauling heavy for long periods of time, for you it may be best just to keep as much weight in the bed as best you can and just drive it an not worry so much, it will do okay for you to keep doing what you are, my self I learned to do brake-in from old time diesel truck mechanic and when I took mine out for it's brake in I did the long drive on a trip to visit wife's family so we were able to do keep it running non stop for the 36 hour drive from the mid west to Oregon visited for a few days and did non stop run on way back home.. As for oil I would ask to see ( aka Proof) what oil is being used, my self don't trust dealerships so I buy my own oil & filters and have it installed, this way I have proof of oil changes, having bad lower spine is why I no longer like laying on the ground to change it my self..

Click to expand...

Thank you for your kind advice

@2022 Tradesman I applaud your desire to be an expert in all things Diesel. I am waiting on my first diesel to arrive in a few weeks' time.

My advice is don’t overthink this. Someone early in the thread said just drive it, and I generally agree for around town. Yes, there are little things like after towing a heavy load, let it cool for 2-3 mins. Some might light me on fire for saying just drive it, but so be it. The level of stress you are going through is not worth it.

Yes, constant 5 min trips if that's your commute or driving pattern are not ideal for a Diesel engine. Having said that, I hate to see you sweat the fact you won’t get awesome life out of your truck if you drive it and do the simple things right. The Law of averages IMHO will likely rule in your favor.

If you are the sort of person who wants to ensure you are maximizing the absolute mathematical advantage to squeeze every ounce of life, then keep on the path you are on. I’d still say just drive it and not stress. Change the oil, keep maintenance current and that truck will repay you. Good luck.

Do not use cheap after market fuel filters in your truck only use the Mopar fuel filters for both under the hood and truck, I bought a set of them and a air filter a few weeks ago even thought I will not need them for awhile, I feel better having a set on hand just in case, right now they are in short supply and I can buy them cheaper then what dealer sells them for as time of service... Now go enjoy your truck and don't let it keep you up at night with worry...

KoboldTaco said:

@2022 Tradesman I applaud your desire to be an expert in all things Diesel. I am waiting on my first diesel to arrive in a few weeks' time.

My advice is don’t overthink this. Someone early in the thread said just drive it, and I generally agree for around town. Yes, there are little things like after towing a heavy load, let it cool for 2-3 mins. Some might light me on fire for saying just drive it, but so be it. The level of stress you are going through is not worth it.

Yes, constant 5 min trips if that's your commute or driving pattern are not ideal for a Diesel engine. Having said that, I hate to see you sweat the fact you won’t get awesome life out of your truck if you drive it and do the simple things right. The Law of averages IMHO will likely rule in your favor.

If you are the sort of person who wants to ensure you are maximizing the absolute mathematical advantage to squeeze every ounce of life, then keep on the path you are on. I’d still say just drive it and not stress. Change the oil, keep maintenance current and that truck will repay you. Good luck.

Click to expand...

Thank you, yes I am stressing out! I don't like feeling this way. I've read so much information about the diesel, and yet I haven't got the basics down, or so it seems. My girlfriend just asked me to take her to work to pick up her check. I told her I don't want to drive the truck! People tell me it's not good for short trips, that the engine doesn't heat up enough. Apologies if I'm incorrect about this?

I assume (ass u me) since I live in a area that is relatively warm, I don't need to worry about excessive warming of the engine? That i don't need to use the high idle at all? Basically warm up the engine a couple minutes at regular idle 800 to 900 rpms and drive away? Ofcourse keeping the mph at a normal to slower pace until the engine reaches a higher temperature. Mine runs around 190F, both oil and coolant temperatures. I drive the vehicle like any other person on the roadways, casual driving. As far as shutting it down, I don't know? Lately I idle for a minute or so before shutting down after any drivetime. Again, Apologies if I'm incorrect on proper management of the diesel engine. So I'm starting with the basics so I can understand whats really needed to keep the vehicle healthy. So I'm starting at the beginning.
Start up / couple minutes normal idle?
Idling / little as possible?
Shut down / No clue really?
Short trips / not recommended?

I'll keep it basic to remember and compute the information given.

06 Dodge said:

Do not use cheap after market fuel filters in your truck only use the Mopar fuel filters for both under the hood and truck, I bought a set of them and a air filter a few weeks ago even thought I will not need them for awhile, I feel better having a set on hand just in case, right now they are in short supply and I can buy them cheaper then what dealer sells them for as time of service... Now go enjoy your truck and don't let it keep you up at night with worry...

Click to expand...

Thank you! As far as parts and filters, I don't think I would need them as of yet would I? 20hrs into driving the vehicle?
Just asking??

You are way over thinking it. Just get out and drive the truck and enjoy it. As long as you don’t jump in and try to roast tires when it’s cold your fine. I’ve owned several Cummins already and haven’t had any issues to speak of yet. Usually sell them around 200,000 miles. Just do the regular maintenance and the truck will last a long time. Enjoy it.

Cummins diesel said:

You are way over thinking it. Just get out and drive the truck and enjoy it. As long as you don’t jump in and try to roast tires when it’s cold your fine. I’ve owned several Cummins already and haven’t had any issues to speak of yet. Usually sell them around 200,000 miles. Just do the regular maintenance and the truck will last a long time. Enjoy it.

Click to expand...

Will do.

OC455 said:

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.

Click to expand...

^^^BINGO!!!^^^
To hear so many guys here with the "YOU CAN'T DO THAT or YOU MUST ALWAYS DO THIS" crap you would think these engine are made of crystal.
Almost ALL of the alleged "problems" are blown way out of proportion.
You would really have to go out of your way to intentionally hurt these engines to have a problem.

Gr8bawana said:

^^^BINGO!!!^^^
To hear so many guys here with the "YOU CAN'T DO THAT or YOU MUST ALWAYS DO THIS" crap you would think these engine are made of crystal.
Almost ALL of the alleged "problems" are blown way out of proportion.
You would really have to go out of your way to intentionally hurt these engines to have a problem.

Click to expand...

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions. After reading all the replies again, I think I'm figuring it out.

2022 Tradesman said:

Thank you! As far as parts and filters, I don't think I would need them as of yet would I? 20hrs into driving the vehicle?
Just asking??

Click to expand...

I have learned to be prepared and having a set of fuel filters in the truck with me at all times IMHO is cheap insurance...

Recently I traded in my 2019 Hemi for a 2022 Diesel Tradesman because of the terable financing i was at. I was at a 20% interest! It was killing me! So I asked the dealership what my options were after 2 years of payments? They said let's evaluate your truck and see if we can get you into a new truck at a lower interest. I said great! Long story short, I ended up with the Tradesman at 8.4%.
Being this is my first ever Diesel, I didn't realize what I was purchasing other than it's style and durability. I'm not one to haul or tow, rather I need a everyday truck thats gets me around town. i haven't even made a payment on this Tradesman yet. So I'm researching videos on the Tradesman and decided to watch a video featuring both trucks, cummins and Hemi. Well the video got me thinking, and now I'm in a pinch because the hemi fits my needs! Especially the 1500 rather then the 2500. But what to do now? Trucks are not easy to get a the dealership. The only truck available on site was this Tradesman I'm purchasing for much more then the 1500 Hemi I was purchasing. Now what? The truck is brand new, with only 350 miles currently. The Diesel has been quite a hassle for me to understand and adapt to it's suggested manufacturers break-in requirements and so on. Now I'm in a tight spot! There's got to be a way out and purchase a vehicle that fits my needs rather than the trucks needs. Don't get me wrong, it's a awesome truck, but it exceeds my needs for a vehicle. Open for suggestions.

One small detail...
I went to the bank that I thought was my lender for the Tradesman because i got mail stating they couldn't process my loan. I brought the paper to them to look over and they said they are not the lenders. After that I called the dealership to ask who my lender is...? They said it was the bank I just questioned....strange? Dealership said it just haven't processed yet.
I HAVE THE TRUCK IN MY POSSESSION! What does that mean? I got a free truck??? Doubtful. I guess time will tell.

Uh……..right. I believe everything you said. Got any swamp land in arizona for sale?

Moose2 said:

Uh……..right. I believe everything you said. Got any swamp land in arizona for sale?

Click to expand...

As a matter of fact!....I ....no sorry.
Unbelievable facts huh? It's real believe it.

Take it back to the dealer and work out a deal with them for a gasser. I have heard of this happening before.

Oh me... I didn't realize there were so many experts ready to comment on this subject. My opinion is that you are over thinking this whole issue. The only time you need to do anything special is when you've been pulling a load and running at highway speed for a while. The turbocharger spins very fast and gets really hot. It's bearings are bathed in oil and if you don't give it a couple of minutes of idle to cool down before shutting down, the oil will do what is called "coke up" and may keep the shaft of the turbocharger from turning.

Im

John R said:

Oh me... I didn't realize there were so many experts ready to comment on this subject. My opinion is that you are over thinking this whole issue. The only time you need to do anything special is when you've been pulling a load and running at highway speed for a while. The turbocharger spins very fast and gets really hot. It's bearings are bathed in oil and if you don't give it a couple of minutes of idle to cool down before shutting down, the oil will do what is called "coke up" and may keep the shaft of the turbocharger from turning.

Click to expand...

I'm getting used to the truck