TDR Members, be on the lookout for the latest issue of the Turbo Diesel Register. It was mailed on February 3, 2012. I asked the writers to have some fun with the tried-and-true practice of newsstand hooks. However, ours being a technical journal, I’m not going to put on the cover some of the outrageous titles that I’ve recently seen. For example:
“Never Replace Your Brakes Again” “Finally a Transmission That Can’t Be Broken “Doomsday Diesel: Be Ready for the Apocalypse,” and my favorite, “Sell Your House, Stop Paying Rent, Live in Your Diesel”
Call me gullible. I purchased the magazines. Upon reflection, the idiom “a fool and his money are soon parted” certainly fits the sequence of events at the bookstore checkout stand. The point of this rambling: I’d like to give you an honest and sincere thank you for your membership with the TDR. Your helpfulness at our website and the spot-on technical information that you guys and gals freely share with one another makes this membership group the number one resource for Dodge/Cummins technical information. Again, thank you!
Now, what is in Issue 75?
One year ago writer David Magnoli wrote “Everything you need to know about exhaust brakes.” In this issue he tackles everything you need to know about auxiliary fuel tanks. Both the exhaust brake and the fuel tank articles should be added to the Turbo Diesel Buyer’s Guide. Oops, while I’m at it, I should add James Walker’s expose on brakes and brake pads in Issues 50 to 54. Oops, how about air intake systems form Issue 56 and 59. Oops, how about lube oils from Issues 55 to 58. Wow, we have really covered a lot of topics. Also in this issue:
• New shocks and new seats in “Member to Member.” • 67.5k service help in “6.7 HPCR.” • Understanding new towing standards in “BITW.”
Writers Holmes, Dagleish, Anderson, Donnelly and Redmond give us lots of service, parts and accessory updates in their columns.
Enjoy Issue 75 and please spread the word about our membership group.
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).
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.
Sometimes the theme that we ask the writers to discuss is so obvious that it gets overlooked. For example in Issue 73 we had the TDR writers review two letters from new Turbo Diesel owners then submit their responses.
I think you will enjoy reading the opinions of the TDR writing staff. But before you take a peek at the responses, make a mental note about how you would have responded. You are the best ambassadors that RAM and Cummins could ask for, and I am betting that there will be a consensus of opinions. If there is a difference of opinion, with who did you most identify? Fun reading!
What else can you expect in Issue 73?
- It is that time again. Submit your photograph for the 2012 TDR Member Calendar Contest (details on page 5) - Insights on the 6.7-liter engine's regeneration events as provided by an Edge Insight gauge. - Everything you ever wanted to know about vibration dampers. - Everything you ever wanted to know about power steering pump removal. - Your Story continues its up-fit of Mr. Schwarz. - Begin reading about Scott Dalgleish's new project truck, the '98 "Flame Red Ram." - A review of the 2011 CMEP Open House and TDR Rally in Columbus, IN. - A review of the 2011 May Madness event in Pahrump, NV.
As always, we thank you for our support. I trust you will enjoy Issue 73, and I welcome your comments.
Spring has arrived, and the travel season is fast approaching. Or with the price of fuel bouncing up and down with world events, perhaps you will be staying closer to home this year. Regardless, we hope you will take Issue 72 of the Turbo Diesel Register with you and that you find the articles save you both time and money.
Saving time and money. The assignment to the writers for Issue 72 was to write an all-encompassing article. Now how is that for a monumental task? I did not provide much direction and knew there would be an e-mail or two from the writers about, "What does an all encompassing article really mean?" My response? Find ways to educate and entertain as in Issue 68 where you wrote about your "Best Of" articles.
And I asked Joe Donnelly to write an article on HPCR Injectors that includes:
- Principals of operation - Proper maintenance - Common sense tips - Cost to repair - Removal and installation - Troubleshooting
So what else can you find in Issue 72?
- An update on the 6.7-liter engine
- Several of the writers attended Ram press events where new engine ratings or new vehicles (2011 Cab and Chassis) were unveiled.
- The "Harvey Barlow Challenge." If you are giving serious thought to the purchase of a Fourth Generation truck, you may want to take a look at this piece starting on page 68.
- Lots of new products are reviewed and many more problems are solved.
Issue 72 was mailed to the TDR Membership on May 2, 2011. Look for delivery in your mailbox soon.
And as always, I trust you will enjoy this issue of the Turbo Diesel Register.
Did you have a chance to attend the 2010 May Madness regional event in Pahrump, Nevada? If not, you will want to make your plans to attend this year's event now. Here is a link to the information about the 2011 May Madness event in Pahrump, Nevada. Click here to download the schedule and registration information.
Why the emphasis and the links to these upcoming events? Perhaps because there is something to be learned at these events. Perhaps because there is always some form of competition that is entertaining. Perhaps for the fellowship with other Turbo Diesel owners. Perhaps a chance to discuss new products with other owners and vendors. Or, perhaps to have the focus on YOU as I found in this collection of eight video clips.
As you will see in the video, Cummins was at the 2010 May Madness regional event with their video camera in tow, and they took the time to interview eight TDR Members. Now ask yourself, when was the last time you starred in a video? Never? Me neither. So, it was with great interest that I personally took the time to watch fellow TDR Members to see what they had to say about their trucks. After all, I know these guys. Do you?
- David Magnoli - San Jose, CA - Brad Ponci - Fortuna, CA - Eric Bickel - Salt Lake City, UT - George Hall - Las Vegas, NV - Jeff Scairretta, Las Vegas, NV - Jeremy Torgersen - Eureka, CA - Larry Willard - Frederick MD - Harold Harks - Sumas, WA
Check out their fifteen minutes of fame.
Hope you enjoy the videos and consider joining us at one of the 2011 TDR events.
OK, a lot of you are enjoying your weekends and vacations - not to mention retirements - traveling throughout the country. While you are at it, consider participating in the Turbo Diesel Register's Five Points Tour.
Inviting all TDR Members! Register now for the 2011 Cummins' Columbus Mid-Range Engine Plant Tour and TDR GTG!
This year’s CMEP open house and plant tour is very similar to the first gathering we had at CMEP back in 1995. That’s right. In 1995 the plant folks extended an invitation for us to visit this facility, and by the time the dust had settled, we had almost 200 trucks drive to Columbus to attend. The scope of this year’s gathering is much like that in 1995. In today's world of club and car shows this will be correctly known as a get-together or GTG. And we’re working to make this GTG an event worthy of your travel and vacation time.
If you’ve not been to Cummins CMEP before, I can promise you that you’ll not find a cleaner and more organized manufacturing location staffed with employees that are the most gracious of hosts. For fun and related reading, TDR Issue 37 gives you a look at the plant back in 2002.
As an added attraction, the folks at Dodge are busy with plans to bring 2011 trucks down for a Ride-n-Drive. Without a doubt the Friday’s festivities at the plant and at the Ride-n-Drive will make for a memorable day.
- Thursday, June 9 – Afternoon registration and evening Ice Cream Social. - Friday, June 10 – CMEP Plant Tour, Show-n-Shine, seminars, Dodge Ride-n-Drive, Dinner gathering. - Saturday, June 11 – Caravan to NHRDA event in Indianapolis. - Sunday, June 12 – Rain make-up date for NHRDA event, depart for home.
So we’ve got you covered for two days (June 10-11) of solid activities and entertainment. For now, it looks like that 200 trucks may be the limit for the 2011 CMEP GTG. After all, that’s 400 people and the logistics of a plant tour for that many folks is the reason we’re asking you to sign up early.
Registration cost is $35 per person. Once your registration is received, we will email details to you further documenting and outlining the event. Questions or problems with registration? Give us a call at (888) 440-8371 or (770) 886-8877.
Distribution of Issue 71 goes hand-in-hand with a good holiday season and favorable sales for the folks at Chrysler, Dodge and Cummins. Two of the TDR Writers have purchased 2010 trucks and the new trucks are receiving lots of coverage. With this focus on the new truck, I see some momentum building. So we asked our writers to incorporate "momentum" into their articles.
Some took the assignment literally. Writer, Magnoli, wrote an excellent article on exhaust brakes, "Momentum Versus the Exhaust Brake." Some took the assignment as an opportunity to talk about the auto industry as writer, Whale, reported in his "Momentum or Momentous?" Some stayed focused on the task at hand and provided parts and product updates.
What can you expect in TDR Issue 71?
- 10 Back - News from February, 2001 - Is Your Fuel Pressure Adequate? - Member2Member - Clutch Replacement Notes and Ball Joint Replacement Procedure - Fourth Generation - 3G vs 4G Observations - TDResource - An Examination of Lube Oil Filters - Other Topics - Mirror Replacement, G56 Rebuild, Trailer Brake Controllers, Injectors, and New 4G Accessories
Also, this issue includes your 2011 TDR Member decal, and a TDR brochure. Please help us spread the word about the Turbo Diesel Register!
Finally, you will find the registration information for the upcoming TDR get-together at the Cummins' Columbus MidRange Engine Plant (CMEP) scheduled for Friday, June 10. We will have the registration forms available online no later than Monday, February 7, 2011. If you're available, make plans to attend. It will be a great opportunity to tour the Plant and catch up with other TDR friends.
As always thank you for your support, and I trust you will enjoy Issue 71.
Another Turbo Diesel Register in 2010? What do you think about the possibility of a to Nissan with a Cummins Turbo Diesel? Here is a link to an article we found at http://www.reuters.com titled, "Niss...
I've been a long-time interweb user.I use search motors to help me find stuff. That's how I found you'ns at the TRD. Uh, TDR.I've even used Internet Exploder once or twice when I got the...
So this guy comes into Dunkin Donuts in his AIG sweatshirt, and his date has on a Merrill Lynch ball cap. I guess there was something about the couple that just caught my eye beca...
TDR Members, be on the lookout for the latest issue of the Turbo Diesel Register. It was mailed on February 3, 2012. I asked the writers to have some fun with the tried-and-true practice of newsstand hooks. However, ours being a technical journal, I’m not going to put on the cover some of the outrageous titles that I’ve recently seen. For example: 
printer version
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). 
Sometimes the theme that we ask the writers to discuss is so obvious that it gets overlooked. For example in Issue 73 we had the TDR writers review two letters from new Turbo Diesel owners then submit their responses.
full story
Did you have a chance to attend the 2010 May Madness regional event in Pahrump, Nevada? If not, you will want to make your plans to attend this year's event now. Here is a link to the information about the 2011 May Madness event in Pahrump, Nevada. 
visit site
Distribution of Issue 71 goes hand-in-hand with a good holiday season and favorable sales for the folks at Chrysler, Dodge and Cummins. Two of the TDR Writers have purchased 2010 trucks and the new trucks are receiving lots of coverage. With this focus on the new truck, I see some momentum building. So we asked our writers to incorporate "momentum" into their articles.
