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350 Hemi, High Output Cummins - READ ONLY

28 messages,  Last post on Jul 11, 2003 at 7:50 AM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Fuel System, Engine, Diesel, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

Messages Page 3 of 3

#19 of 28 Bryan by mullins87

Jun 06, 2002 (8:16 pm)

You honestly don't know anyone who has ever had an automatic transmission failure????? Dang, I wish I were that lucky. I've had one go out on a Chevy truck, and my wife's has been acting funny.

#20 of 28 tranny failures by hersbird

Jun 08, 2002 (7:03 pm)

I can't think of anybody close right off the top of my head. My dad had some problems with a Chevy Blazer and one of his Dodge Caravans but neither of them proved to be a whole transmission. Just a part failure, or the wrong fluid in the case of the Dodge. Neither cost more the $100 to fix. I am a believer that more then 1/2 of the transmssions replaced or "rebuilt" were in need of only a specific part or two, not the entire assembly. Poeple are to afraid of the mysterious workings of the automatic transmissions and the repair sops just pray on this. It's like rebuilding or replacing your motor cause your water pump is bad, or your valve guides are worn. For some reason people will target and fix a specific motor problem but if the transmission is just acting weird they want a whole new one! Now we have blown up a clutch or two in my memories but that was pure abuse!

#21 of 28 That's where the uninformed public comes in... by mullins87

Jun 08, 2002 (7:42 pm)

The shops love those people!!!! I can hear it now, "My car dies everytime I put it in gear" says the car owner. "Sounds bad. I think you probably need a new transmission" says the shop owner. The car owner considers the $2,300 price for the new(rebuilt) tranny, then says "Well, it's expensive, but I gotta have it."
 
9 times out of 10 all that problem turns out to be is the torque convertor control switch. Worst case scenario, a $200 fix, usually less than $75. I think you have hit the nail on the head with a lot of tranny repairs. Most people are scared to death of an auto when it comes to fixing them.
 
Come to think of it, recently my neighbor came over all worked up over the tranny on his Olds. He just knew the tranny was toast. Well, I looked at it, got it to do exactly what he said it was doing, and told him it was the TCC switch. He took it to a shop, they told him rebuild. He told them what I said and they said, well that could be the problem. They were going to take him, but since he already had an idea what was wrong, they knew better than to push it. Just one of the many reasons why I do 95% of my own maintenance and repairs.

#22 of 28 BTW by mullins87

Jun 08, 2002 (7:42 pm)

How did this thread get so far off topic?!?!

#23 of 28 Transmission failures............ by dustyk

Jun 09, 2002 (9:50 am)

Everybody's got some anecdotal story about transmissions. Around here there seems to be a higher propensity of failures on the Power Stroke autos. My daughter rides horses and the Power Stroke owners don't seem to be very pleased with the automatic transmissions.
 
I've heard of one Dodge diesel and 4 or 5 GM's failing. I personally know one Dodge diesel owner and at over 200,000 miles his transmission is going strong. I know two Chevy diesel owners and one had a torque converter failure early on but other than that they've been good.
 
Dusty

#24 of 28 gmengineman1 by gmengineman1

Jun 29, 2002 (1:29 am)

The new B series Cummins engine is reported by the manufacturer to put out more than 300 hp and 540 ft.bs of torque. With the new injection system it is estimated to be about 40% quieter than the 2002 version. If this is true and the new transmission design works out; this should take over the market place! The previous transmission failures that I've seen were not of the "catastrophic" type. I'm sure that an analysis of the problem would reveal that replacement of te failed parts would correct the problem. Most ransmission shops don't like their tech's taking up that kind of time when they can sell you a rebuilt unit installed in less than half the time and move on to the next customers vehicle. I do know of a shop in Huntinton Beach, CA. that will pull the Mopar Auto, modify it and reinstall it. Those who have done this have not been reporting failures.

#25 of 28 Gas Mileage for new HO 5.9L? by sawdin

Jul 13, 2002 (11:04 am)

First off, great board! Any guesses what the new HO 5.9L Cummins Diesel will get for gas mileage? Also, what are people getting with the current 5.9L for mileage.
 
Thanks,
 
Dino

#26 of 28 Gmengineman1 by gmengineman1

Aug 02, 2002 (3:59 am)

Message to sawdin. I spoke to the Dodge Truck Zone rep inmy area and he says his staff has been using two of the new updated Cummins 5.9 and have reported consistent highway numbers of 21 mpg and as high as 24 mpg. Thats unloaded in the central valley area of California. He says the mountain road experience is about 17-19 mpg. There are two issues of this engine. The 49 state version and the California version. (Reminiscent of the gas engines) and the non-California version out does the other in horse power, torque and fuel economy. Does that help?

#28 of 28 What happened to #27......................... by ezshift5

Jul 11, 2003 (7:50 am)

....well, it's been almost a year.........
 
It looks like 22 MPG for the latest edition of the 24v Cummins B series would be a fair call.
 
Any new fuel efficiency for the Cummins avail?
 
best, ez

Messages Page 3 of 3

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