TECHNICAL ARTICLES FOR THE DODGE/CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL OWNER

Here are some informative articles provided by the Turbo Diesel Register about topics that
Dodge/Cummins Turbo Diesel owners typically have concerning the operation and maintenance of their trucks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Click to open PDF - 1 meg)
In this FAQ document you will find that we’ve given a concise answer to each question and often referenced detailed (often four to six page articles) where the reader can get more information.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY TRUCK? (Click to open PDF - 3.5 meg)
The staff at Geno’s Garage (with help from our friends at the Turbo Diesel Register) presents a list of Dodge/Cummins Turbo Diesel Flaws and Fixes.

DODGE DIESEL TRUCK FUEL TRANSFER PUMPS REVISITED - TDR BUYER'S GUIDE (Click to open PDF - 2 meg)
While this article focuses on the '98.5-'02 truck owners, this collection of TDR oldies also has tips for the '94-'98 12-valve owners and '03-'07 owners. The information was pulled from our issue 32, 48, and 50 magazines. Updates have been added to reflect the latest part number information.

UNDERSTANDING AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS (PART I - AIR DENSITY) - TDR ISSUE 56 (Click to open PDF - 2 meg)
Air intake systems appear to be a mystery to most readers. Sometimes they improve power, other times they don’t. This two part article will help to explain how an air intake system works using engineering principals and dynamometer test data. Part 1 will discuss airflow and show the effects different intake components have on engine power. Part 2 will discuss air density and show the effects air density has on engine power.

UNDERSTANDING AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS (PART II - AIR DENSITY) - TDR ISSUE 59 (Click to open PDF - 1 meg)
As a summary, a properly engineered aftermarket air intake kit installed on the Third Generation truck should produce rear wheel dynamometer power increases between 0-7 horsepower with stock fueling calibrations; between 8-11 horsepower with a 100 horsepower fueling module/tuner; and 17-20 horsepower with a 200hp fueling module/tuner. The variations in power numbers reflect the year the truck was built and the type of fuel enhancement used. As you will see in this article, when you test a truck under real-world conditions, power improvements from most aftermarket intakes will diminish due to the effects of heat under the hood.

ANTIFREEZE FOR YOUR TRUCK - TDR ISSUE 62 (Click to open PDF - 2 meg)
With the wide choice of antifreeze products at the auto parts store, it puzzles the mind. Which one is correct for your Dodge Turbo Diesel truck?

KILLER DOWEL PIN - TDR ISSUE 57 (Click to open PDF - 3 meg)
The dowel pin has been (starting with production in 1983), and continues to be, used on the Cummins B-series engine as a locating and alignment point for the attachment of the front gear cover to the engine block. The problem that has been encountered by owners is predominately with the ’94 to ’98 12-valve engines.

DEBUNKING LUBE OIL MYTHS - TDR ISSUE 55 (Click to open PDF - 3 meg)
In this article, the TDR will initiate readers into the mysteries of the lube oil industry and, along the way, debunk a few lube oil myths.

2nd GENERATION HANDLING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS - TDR ISSUE 53 (Click to open PDF - 3.5 meg)
Most of you are familiar with the death wobble, but it bears mentioning again. It is violent caster shimmy where the tire and axle shake after striking a pothole, un-even road surface or bump. This usually involves the right front wheel. We learned that a worn track bar can allow the axle to have some side to side movement (detrimental to maintaining proper alignment) and this likely contributes to the wobble.

BRAKE PAD SPOTTERS GUIDE - TDR ISSUE 51 (Click to open PDF - 3 meg)
In order to help you out in the hunt for the right brake pad, here is a brief brake pad “spotter’s guide” which describes different brake pad types, their characteristics, and key features.

BRAKE UTOPIA - TDR ISSUE 50 (Click to open PDF - 4 meg)
Quite simply brake vibrations are never a good thing. In fact, a common saying in the brake industry is, “The best brake system is an invisible brake system.” Let’s try to understand why this can sometimes be difficult to achieve.