The Cummins 6.7-liter engine was first introduced to the market in March, 2006 with Ram's announcement that they were reentering the chassis cab market with their 3500 chassis cab truck. The 3500 chassis cab was given a model year 2007 nomenclature (TDR Issue 52, page 118.) The 4500/5500 chassis cab trucks were introduced later (February, 2009).

Then on January 1, 2007 Ram and Cummins introduced the 6.7-liter engine to the consumer 2500/3500 market. The January introduction coincided with new emissions legislation and all Ram consumer 2500/3500 trucks made after January 1, 2007 are known as '07.5 vehicles (a mid-year produce change).   Credit goes to Ram and Cummins: With the '07.5 6.7-liter engine, they were one step ahead of the competition. Not only did the engine meet the 2007 emission requirements, it also met the future 2010 requirements.

Over the past two years, the 6.7-liter engine has had its share of teething problems, mostly software and engine calibration updates (flashes). I am pleased to report that warranty problems on the 6.7-liter are now lower than those of the final year of the 5.9-liter engine that was used from model years '03 - '07.   Additional good news about the 6.7-liter engine: In April of 2008, Cummins announced that it had earned the Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Supplier's Contribution to Excellence) Award for the 6.7-liter engine (Issue 61, page 48).

And now, the point of all this rambling. Folks still do not understand the 6.7-liter engine and all of its exhaust aftermarket controls and devices. Perhaps rightfully so. The system seems complicated, but really it is not too difficult to understand. For grins, here is a TDR chapter and verse article that will bring the new or prospective owner up to date (Issue 69, pages 48 - 53).  

Likewise, in late 2007 the folks at Cummins worked with long-time TDR Writer and television guy, Sam Memmolo, to develop a video to explain the exhaust after treatment controls. For those of you who would like to take the vide route, here it is.

Thank you for viewing this video or reading the TDR. We hope we have entertained and educated.

By the way, if you missed my "take away," I will give you my conclusion. Ram and Cummins have developed a solid engine with a proven after treatment system. After five years in the market, how does the Ram compare to the competition?  Well, just try a simple web search on 2010 Power Stroke engine or 2010 Duramax engine. 

Issue 74 of the Turbo Diesel Register magazine was mailed from the printer’s facility in Greenville, SC the week of November 7 – 10, 2011. Some last minute problems with the 2012 TDR Calendar caused us to be about a week late in mailing the magazine. Please allow 10 – 14 days for delivery to your mailbox.

My experience has been that the first calendar to arrive is the one that gets put up on the wall for planning. We are hopeful that the 2012 TDR Calendar finds a place of importance in your home, office, or garage. You will want to take a minute to review the Tech Tips and product specials featured in each month of the calendar.

What else is in the TDR for Issue 74?

- As it is with every TDR magazine, you will find members helping members in our columns that are specific to the different engines and generations of the trucks. Thanks, Members, for your input! 

- Exhaust gas temperature gauge evaluation by Jim Weir. 

- Everything you ever wanted to know about steering, the death wobble, and replacement of suspension parts by Brent Boxall and Andy Redmond. 

- What is the cost of regeneration on the 6.7-liter engine? With data from my Edge Insight digital monitor, I have computed the cost-per-mile, and it is less than you might think. 

- Issue 74 contains our annual summary of Dodge Technical Service Bulletins. 

- An update on the most frequent trouble codes is provided by John Holmes. 

- For those of you with Second Generation trucks, Scott Dalgleish starts his up-fit as he pushes the old 12-valve engine for more horsepower. 

- Joe Donnelly talks you through the steps to replace a vacuum pump seal.

And be sure to take a look at this issue's cover.  This Fourth Generation truck continues to do well in the marketplace.  We could not resist this photo from new truck owner, Gene Tolliver.  Gene has the basics covered with his 2500 4x4, no frills ST equipped truck.  With the chain saws in the background, I have to assume he is cutting firewood for the winter.  Thank you, Gene, for this great photo!

As always, I thank you for your support of the Turbo Diesel Register and hope you enjoy reading Issue 74.

Robert Patton
Editor, Turbo Diesel Register

TDR, I just got back from my deployment to Iraq and thought it would be nice to get this posted at the Turbo Diesel Register. I know it's not a fancy background, but it would be nice to see family members with their trucks.  This is my brother's and my truck. We bought them about two weeks apart. We are both in the USAF.  He is stationed in Florida, and I am stationed in Georgia. Before I got to Georgia, I was in Alaska so we never got to hang out much.  When we made this picture, it had been about five years since we had seen each other.  We are enjoying hanging out as much as possibe now before our next deployment.  ~ William Wingertsahn

Edward J. Wingertsahn (right) and William F. Wingertsahn (left)

We thank you, Edward, William, and all of our servicemen and women, for your service to our Country. 

Edge Products is pleased to announce a partnership with United Pullers to act as the title sponsor of the series for the 2012 season. The Edge Pulling Series will include all of United’s events held in the Rocky Mountain region. Weekend on the Edge will become an official United Pullers event in 2012 and will serve as the flagship national show within the Edge Pulling Series.

“The opportunity to partner with United provides us with numerous opportunities to support the diesel community and to participate within a growing sport together with our end users and dealers.” said Joe Dussol, Director of Marketing at Edge Products. Dussol continued, “Aligning our brand with diesel enthusiasts is a key element for our long term success. Given the proximity of United’s events in the region, partnered with their reputation in the industry, we couldn’t ask for a better group to work with.”

Click here to read the entire press release.