Dano1955
Apr 15, 2016Explorer
Diesel engines.
This is NOT another thread about gas vs. diesel. This is a new diesel owner with some questions.
1st, just purchased 2013 Ram Crew Cab long bed with 6.7 Cummins diesel engine.
My history, I have been driving gas 1500 Ram 4 doors short beds for 20 years. They were the family SUV's if you will.
Now that I'm going FT RV with a new 5th wheel, diesel was the way to go (heck it's even cheaper than regular gas now, so the only way to go in my mind)
This is the 1st diesel truck I have ever owned and I have been Googling like crazy to find out everything I can about maintenance and upkeep for the engine. Seems like every article out there was put out by someone who's product is better than anyone else's so I should buy it.
I really would just like to know...what fuel additive(s) and how often? What is the life span for the injectors? I know diesels don't have spark plugs (used to refer to them as glow plugs for the 18 wheelers, is it still the same?)
Owners manual really is worthless except for basic "idiot" items, of which when it comes to diesel engines I guess I am one. I didn't even know about DEF until I noticed 2 "fuel" gauges on the dash (yah, laugh, I can now without shame :o )
Anyway, I just want to make sure that I have an understanding of how to keep this is the best shape for normal driving/towing so it will last a long time. I can follow the manufacturer recommendations for scheduled maintenance, but want to be treating the best in between.
Anyway TIA for anyone that takes the time, all opinions are valid
1st, just purchased 2013 Ram Crew Cab long bed with 6.7 Cummins diesel engine.
My history, I have been driving gas 1500 Ram 4 doors short beds for 20 years. They were the family SUV's if you will.
Now that I'm going FT RV with a new 5th wheel, diesel was the way to go (heck it's even cheaper than regular gas now, so the only way to go in my mind)
This is the 1st diesel truck I have ever owned and I have been Googling like crazy to find out everything I can about maintenance and upkeep for the engine. Seems like every article out there was put out by someone who's product is better than anyone else's so I should buy it.
I really would just like to know...what fuel additive(s) and how often? What is the life span for the injectors? I know diesels don't have spark plugs (used to refer to them as glow plugs for the 18 wheelers, is it still the same?)
Owners manual really is worthless except for basic "idiot" items, of which when it comes to diesel engines I guess I am one. I didn't even know about DEF until I noticed 2 "fuel" gauges on the dash (yah, laugh, I can now without shame :o )
Anyway, I just want to make sure that I have an understanding of how to keep this is the best shape for normal driving/towing so it will last a long time. I can follow the manufacturer recommendations for scheduled maintenance, but want to be treating the best in between.
Anyway TIA for anyone that takes the time, all opinions are valid