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RE: 2008 Dodge CTD First Oil Change
If you want to make do-it-yourself oil changing easy on your new Cummins obtain a Fumoto drain valve. I installed one on my 6.7 Cummins and it makes oil changing much less messy since you can control the flow of oil and drain it bottle by bottle if you wish.
As another respondent mentioned, don't be surprised if you find your engine is "making" oil. When I changed my oil recently I removed over 3 gallons. I was sure 3 gallons went in. Another thing, the dipstick is difficult to read and I wouldn't trust the reading. Mine reads overfull all the time, even shortly after an oil change.
My truck is an 07.5 model and I'm pretty sure the '08's, with the latest computer flashes, have addressed this issue to some extent. I'm inclined to change my oil somewhat sooner than the recommendation or before the oil change indicator comes on because I know my oil level is gradually going up over time.
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mr. ed
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12/01/08 04:45pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Hunting in your newer DPF equipped vehicle?
You can unplug your EGR and that will cut off almost all soot going through your motor and to the DPF. Two side affects are a almost 4mpg raise and a check engine light that will not cause you any problems. Myself I have removed my EGR and my DPF using the available aftermarket kits and now have a totally reliable truck that gets 19mpg city and 23mpg highway. I get 12mpg towing my 13,000lb 40' 5er.
I have the newer Dodge also, and am quite tempted to unplug the EGR as others have done. However, there are a few caveats when doing this, as I've learned from perusing the various Dodge diesel forums. According to these folks, there's a certain butterfly valve that MUST default to the open position when the EGR is unplugged or you face some issues. Evidently, the '08 trucks and the 07.5's with the latest computer flashes do this. I'm also a little wary of any long term effects unplugging the EGR may, although I do understand that if an aftermarket "kit" is installed, as Cabanaman has done, then there should be no issues except a constant CEL (check engine light). However, there are tuners available that will extinguish this light at start-up.
I'll probably just leave mine stock until either the warranty is up or I start having problems, whichever comes first.
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mr. ed
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11/28/08 04:12pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Mystery Plug..2007.5 Dodge RAM 3500
Possible lead for a dash speaker? No voltage makes me think maybe a speaker pair. Turn the stereo up and check for a couple of volts fluctuating with the beat. I used a volt meter to check for polarity when I changed out the el-cheapo's for a set of Infinities.
Also, I thought high idle was available with the standards and would disengage with the push of a clutch or brake peddle no different than cruise control. I'm trying to imagine what the safety hazard would be.
Yes, I agree, Hannibal. My investigation through other diesel truck forums confirms that a manual shift Dodge truck CAN have the high idle feature enabled. The safety factor applies in that it's possible to disengage the clutch, put the tranny in gear and drive away with the high idle still engaged. The dealer is supposed to add a switch to the clutch pedal that will automatically disengage the high idle when the pedal is depressed. All this costs about $300-400...a little too much for a few dollars in parts and a short installation time. Besides, if you push on the brake pedal BEFORE the clutch pedal (which most of us do, I assume), then that action will automatically disengage the cruise control and, therefor, the high idle feature. So, there's really no big safety factor here. But of course the manufacturer must cover all bases to be legally safe.
So, my next step is to locate that green wire (this wire would normally go to the safety switch) somewhere in the large wiring harness near the "mystery plug" and bring that wire to ground.
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mr. ed
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11/28/08 03:43pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Mystery Plug..2007.5 Dodge RAM 3500
Thanks for the replies. I never thought of the adjustable pedal feature. That's probably it. I know it isn't for the fog lights as someone mentioned because mine work fine. At any rate, there is supposed to be a green wire located in the fat wiring harness seen in the photo that has to be grounded in order for the option to work. I'll try to locate it. I only thought this "mystery plug" had something to do with it. And, yes, I did use a digital meter to test for voltage in the plug (none was detected but it's possible I didn't get the probes deep enough to make contact)...it was the first thing I did, but thanks for the suggestion.
The dealer said they've NEVER enabled high idle on a manual shift truck, only the automatics. So, perhaps he's right that due to safety concerns it just can't be done. If that's the case, I'll devise a "poor man's" high idle device, which will be an adjustable curtain rod placed between the seat and accelerator pedal. If it works I'll post pictures...should be good for a laugh :B.
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mr. ed
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11/26/08 04:07pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Motorhome Racing
Here's a neat video you might enjoy. Be sure to watch until the end.
http://www.flixxy.com/motorhome-car-racing.htm
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mr. ed
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11/25/08 04:35pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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Motorhome Racing
Here's a neat video you might enjoy. Be sure to watch until the end.
http://www.flixxy.com/motorhome-car-racing.htm
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mr. ed
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11/25/08 04:33pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Mystery Plug..2007.5 Dodge RAM 3500
Hello, fellow Dodge owners. I have this plug hanging under the dash of my Dodge RAM truck (6.7L engine) and no one has been able to identify it yet, neither the dealer's service dep't nor anyone on the Diesel Truck Resource forum. So, I thought I'd put this question to you good folks on RV.Net.
As you can see, the plug has two greenish wires going to it. My thought is that this plug ties into the high-idle feature somehow. I believe there is supposed to be a switch installed that senses clutch pedal position once the high-idle feature is enabled in the PCM. I'm guessing that this switch attaches to this plug but no one has the answer. I even called Dodge technical assistance and spoke to a guy (sounded like he was in India) who told me he will work on it and get back to me. I'm tempted to short out that plug to simulate a switch but don't want to cause any damage unless I'm sure what this plug is for.
Anybody out there have the answer? Thanks in advance.
http://i36.tinypic.com/352jl9f.jpg
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mr. ed
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11/25/08 03:23pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Where tosearch for local private RV sites for rent?
This is a good topic and one which I've considered over the years. I've been able to park at private sites on occasion during my travels but the only reason I found these sites was by asking friends in those areas. Like you, I don't care to pay the price at most RV parks but there are benefits to be had by staying in a park. One is safety, in that you have neighbors around, which may thwart crime to some extent. And, if a private site doesn't have full hookups this will necessitate some inconvenience in obtaining water and dumping the holding tanks. Still, I like the idea of not having to pay for facilities you don't need or want...just a "place to plop".
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mr. ed
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11/21/08 05:10pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: how cold for water lines
In my previous motorhome I've camped where temps dipped into the teens at night but went above freezing early in the day. This presented no problem at all and the motorhome didn't have an insulated or heated area for the holding tanks and plumbing. The possibility of freezing hard the water in your plumbing depends on how long the temps stay below 32 deg (remember, water takes time to freeze solid). Often, temps dip to below freezing just before dawn and then the temps rapidly rise during the AM).
I did take the precaution of making sure there was no water pressure in the plumbing when retiring at night. It's my belief that when the water is not under pressure this will allow for any expansion should it begin to freeze.
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mr. ed
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11/21/08 04:47pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Short Box + 5th wheel
I tow with a Dodge 3500 shortbed and almost never use my manual sliding hitch (Hijacker). My fiver has an extended pin box and this allows me to make virtually any turn without a problem. I've only used the slider a couple of times but only as a precaution during some unusual situations. It's possible I didn't have to use it at all.
Keep in mind some fivers have a differently shaped "nose" that allows more clearance when making turns. At any rate, an extended pin box may be all you need.
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mr. ed
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11/21/08 04:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Differential Fluid Maintenance
I had a mechanically gifted friend change my Dodge's rear diff fluid about 2 weeks ago (about 25k on the truck, towing 5er occasionally). As I watched him, it appeared to be a pretty easy job. There's no need to buy a gasket since they are re-usable (at least two times, I'm told). If you were to purchase a gasket, they're about $30 from the dealer and $60 from an auto supplies store (go figure??). I simply purchased 4 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic. I put off doing the front diff for another time.
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mr. ed
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11/21/08 06:54am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Ford Radiator Leaks recall???
I don't own a Ford but my Dodge's radiator needed to be replaced due to a pinhole leak at the top (under warranty). I wonder if there's some sort of inherent weakness in the new radiators or if they come from the same vendor? Maybe they're now made in China....:E
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mr. ed
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11/21/08 06:43am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Ford Radiator Leaks recall???
I don't own a Ford but my Dodge's radiator needed to be replaced due to a pinhole leak at the top (under warranty). I wonder if there's some sort of inherent weakness in the new radiators or if they come from the same vendor? Maybe they're now made in China....:E
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mr. ed
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11/21/08 06:42am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: I-10 Through Houston
Prior to nearing Houston I stopped at the Texas welcome center on I-10 at the Louisiana border. I inquired about traffic conditions on I-10 through Houston and was encouraged to stay on I-10 through the city to the Hwy 59 turnoff. Since I would arrive in Houston around 11AM the lady told me there should be no problems with traffic. Well, she was right. I zoomed through the city pretty quickly and before I knew it I was on 59 heading towards Victoria. (Compared to L.A traffic it was a breeze :)).
As an additional bonus, she informed me that I would cut about 20 miles off my driving by NOT using the Sam Houston Tollway. So, I'm happy to have saved the cost of 20 miles worth of fuel AND the $16-17 the toll would have cost! Thanks to all for your suggestions.
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mr. ed
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11/18/08 08:30pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: I-10 Through Houston
Thanks for the replies, folks. If I do decide on the toll road how much should I expect to pay for my 30' fiver and truck to the Hwy 59 exit?
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mr. ed
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11/12/08 03:35pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: 1 ton without dually?
I have a 3500 RAM (one ton) with single rear wheels and tow a 30' Hitchhiker 5er. The combination is just perfect IMHO.
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mr. ed
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11/11/08 04:23pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 08 Ram 2500 CTD Recall>>>>Anyone Else??
Get the latest flashes and fixes that are available for the new Cummins 6.7. I own a 2007.5 truck with the new engine and have had a number of issues with CEL's for a while but since having the latest flashes performed (plus a new turbo, EGR valve and updated O2 sensors) the truck is running very well now. I'm still leary about the new emissions stuff and possible future problems but as long as the truck isn't babied too much these problems should be kept to a minimum. Of course, some owners are unplugging the EGR and removing other emissions-related stuff but that's another subject.
P.S. It's good to run with the exhaust brake on all the time and to keep the RPM's up when driving around town to minimize excessive sooting problems. These are NICE trucks but need to be handled a little differently than the previous 5.9 engines.
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mr. ed
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11/11/08 04:17pm |
Tow Vehicles
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I-10 Through Houston
Hello, fellow travelers!`I'm planning a trip to southern TX (possibly, Victoria) and will be traveling through Houston from Louisiana. I notice on the map that I can stay on I-10 to Hwy 59 through the heart of the city or take the toll road that passes around the southern part of Houston to Hwy 59. I would, of course, avoid rush hours. I'm familiar with Los Angeles traffic and can't imagine anything being worse but thought I'd ask here which route YOU would prefer? Thanks in advance....
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mr. ed
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11/11/08 04:02pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Having Trouble Embedding Photo In Yahoo e-mail
Thanks for the assistance, guys. Mr. Wizard, I think you may be correct. I also believe what respondent "1492" says is correct. I'm using the newer version of Yahoo and that won't allow me to do this. I'll see about using the other venues you've mentioned.
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mr. ed
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11/02/08 03:49pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: The Chrysler/GM Merger may not happen
If there is no merger and Chrysler goes bankrupt next year, what is that going to mean for all of us who own newer vehicles? I think the warranties won't be honored. That'll be bad for all of us, but especially for those who bought new Dodges with the lifetime warranties! I wonder if Dodge knew they where facing bad times ahead and offered these lifetime warranties knowing that they most likely wouldn't have to honor them. Food for thought.....
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mr. ed
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10/31/08 03:39pm |
Tow Vehicles
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