You'd probably be astounded by the number of emails we receive like the following:
I just wanted to thank you. Last weekend my wife and I took a long weekend trip to Gatlinburg,Tennessee. During the trip, we lost the lift pump, and it cost me $1,100 to have a local dealer replace it. Now that I'm a TDR subscriber, I am able to look up information on my 24-valve '98.5. I won't get caught unprepared again.
Or like this one:
Question 1: I own a '98.5 Dodge Turbo Diesel. At 79,000 miles, it began to idle erratically. I changed the fuel filter which solved the problem for a few days. And back it came. Is it time for a new lift pump? I do not have a fuel pressure gauge installed. Our response 1: It could be a new transfer pump is needed. Or a new VP44 (expensive). Either way, you will not know until you install a gauge. So that is your first priority. Install a gauge to see what fuel pressure you have.
Our email discussion continued with question 2: How much pressure do I need, and what's a VP44? If it is a transfer pump, is there a suitable alternative to the stocker?
Considering about 500,000 trucks were produced during model years '98.5 - '02, this Achilles heel will not go away soon. It is an unfortunate story as this deficiency can be corrected. If the TDR could only reach the balance of the 499,999 truck owners . . . . A TDR subscription prevents problems before they occur.
Conclusion: Since 1993, the goal of the Turbo Diesel Register has been to give Turbo Diesel owners more satisfaction in the ownership of their Dodge pickups. To do so, we focus on solving problems that you may encounter; inform you on areas for improvement; advise you about aftermarket parts and their performance; keep you up to date on all aspects of truck development; and provide you with information on industry trends. At the same time that we're supplying the technical nuts-and-bolts, the TDR provides you with some EZ chair entertainment and gives members a sense of community.
Using the fuel transfer pump saga that applies to 500,000 or more '98.5 - '02 owners, I hope we have given you an example of how a TDR subscription will benefit you.
But first, a note about its contents. I am sure you know the guy or gal who cannot complete the task because a small detail is missing. That has been the case with this Buyer's Guide. It was originally produced in 2002. We then updated it each year thereafter. Along the way, some of the photography was lost. Along the way Chrysler became DaimlerChrysler and now Chrysler LLC. Along the way, there have been technical service updates. Along the way we made corrections and waited. And waited. And waited.
Then we realized that it is 99.9% complete, and we decided to wait no longer. Here it is!
This 146-page .pdf TDR Buyer's Guide represents years of research. It contains a wealth of helpful information for new truck or new-to-diesel owners.
There was a debate among the staff and writers and members about who should have access to this file. In the end, we have opted to make the information available to everyone. We know that web-only viewers have come to realize that the internet is really not free. With this in mind, the TDR staff, writers and members would ask you to consider joining the Turbo Diesel Register. We have no doubt the information we can provide will prove valuable to you. To learn more about the Turbo Diesel Register or to subscribe, click here.
The Turbo Diesel Register is a community of Dodge diesel truck enthusiasts who work to support each other while having a lot of fun with our trucks. We received the following letter from a TDR Member requesting help for his local dealership, a dealership that has supported the community for over fifty years. So if you are in need of a new truck or service, consider contacting the folks at Quaden Dodge in Okauchee, Wisconsin.
* * *
Mr. Patton,
Often and regularly at TDR we, the members, are asked or offer to help someone in need. We love to do it, volunteer our time, efforts, and resources. We know people who need it, and wish that we can do so for everyone. I wouldn’t ordinarily ask for something like this, to be applied to a business. But in this case, I would at least like to share the information.
Our local dealership, Quaden Dodge, in Southeast Wisconsin’s Waukesha County, has been designated by the Dodge to be closed. This comes over the manufacturer’s decision in light of the economic developments. They contacted John, and gave them a strict time line in which to cover the inventory expenses, and basically offered no help in moving any parts, vehicles or otherwise support. Either they are stuck with a lot full of product, or do whatever to try and break even, or go bankrupt. I really don’t know, but the options are few. Quaden is a family business, and what you’d call a “mom and pop” operation. They have offered great service for about 50 years, and catered to our military veterans and public safety professionals. I, as one of their Diesel junkies, have always been happy and treated well. Despite the changes, Quaden will stay open to offer the same great service, without the “Dodge.”
Maybe we can spread the word around, and have members visit the dealership. They have inventory on good pricing in the lot, and parts department. We can even make a regional even and get together. It is a beautiful drive this time of year from any point in Midwest, or wherever your piece of heaven may be. Any thoughts you have, please let me know.
Thank you for your help and great work as always. If you think this should be printed or posted in forums, please do as you wish.
Sincerely,
Steve R,
TDR Member, rabsyeeha
* * *
We appreciate Steve's letter and encourage you to contact the folks at Quaken Dodge if you're in the area and in need of a truck or parts. Thank you, Steve, for exemplifying what the TDR is all about!
DEALER INFORMATION: John Quaden Dodge 127 E Wisconsin Ave Okauchee, WI 53069 Phone: (262) 367-2626
Issue 64 of the Turbo Diesel Register is being mailed out week beginning April 27, 2009. Current subscribers within the United States, please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery. International subscribers should allow 14 - 21 days for delivery.
In Issue 64, the TDR Membership is challenged to "Turn off the television, and go outside to play!"
Our focus is on what makes the world of the Turbo Diesel Truck go round, thus helping you maintain your truck. We've not wasted any ink on the "blues of the day." You can get that in abundance on the radio, television and other internet outlets.
Although the page count is 124 pages (versus the 132 pages in Issue 63), there is more information available to TDR Members in this issue. Some of the articles you will find in Issue 64 include:
- Automatic transmission fluid change. - Steering improvements using an aftermarket steering dampener. - TDR Member maintenance tips. - Fuel filter leaks discussed in First Generation and 24-Valve Columns. - Injector advice in the 5.9 HPCR Column. - A lengthy discussion on diagnostic trouble codes for the 6.7-liter engine. - New TSBs for the 6.7-liter engine. - New fuel filter assembly for the 6.7-liter engine. - Media gibberish and irresponsible reporting. - Try a bottle of "Noo-Life" for your fuel system and our discussion of fuel additives - again! - A look at the 2010 Dodge Ram Turbo Diesel. - Long-time writers Holmes, Donnelly, Leno and Redmond discuss new product installations on their trucks.
We are confident that you will enjoy Issue 64.
Spread the word about the TDR! And as always, thank you for your continued support.
Beginning March 1, TDR Members had the opportunity to post their credentials in order to do a product evaluation of a Wilson "Thrasher" Intake Manifold.
The Wilson folks generously agreed to supply an intake manifold for the contest and the would-be TDR field test correspondents submitted their entries during the next sixty days.
It is now time to announce the winners. That's right, winners (plural)!
The folks at Wilson shared your enthusiasm for this contest (TDR members responded with many excellent entries), and they decided to ship out two of their Thrasher manifolds for our contest winners to evaluate. Let us extend a big "thank you" to the folks at Wilson for their sponsorship of this contest.
And the winners of the Wilson Thrasher Intake Manifolds for their '03 - '07 5.9 engines:
SSwords - Scott's entry represents the "average Joe" kind of owner. He has a '06 2500, Quad Cab, 4x4 that already has several engine modifications. We look forward to his evaluation to see how the Thrasher works with his existing PSM air box, drop in air filter, and Bully Dog performance module. The judges felt your evaluation would be very analytical and contain an excellent technical evaluation!
HHuntitall - Casey's entry represents the owner that likes to talk and type. His colorful entry caught the judges' attention. The key to his winning entry, "I know the County Sheriff and most of his deputies very well." Casey's truck is a '03 3500, 4x4 that already has a TST PowerMax, new injector nozzles, a Holley fuel transfer pump, a SouthBend Clutch and perhaps a new turbocharger. The judges felt your evaluation would be very insightful and, shall we say, colorful!
Congratulations, SSwords and HHuntitall! A member of the TDR staff will contact you to make shipping arrangements. Your assignment will be to provide a 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day report on the Wilson Thrasher manifold. The project should be completed and your final evaluation submitted 90 days after you receive the product.
Again, our thanks go out to all of the TDR Membership for your participation. And thank you, Wilson Manufacturing, for your sponsorship of this project!
This one has been so much fun that we'll be working with other vendors to offer their products for future "be a TDR writer" contests.
Scott and Casey, get ready to send us your stories!
Issue 63 of the Turbo Diesel Register was mailed out week ending January 30, 2009. Current subscribers within the United States, please allow 10 to 14 days for delivery. International subscribers should allow 14 to 21 days for delivery.
Our goal is for Issue 63 is to provide a much needed break from the never-ending media pounding of the economy, the Chrysler saga, and the other media negatives. What specifically is in Issue 63? Aside from Automotive Journalist Greg Whale’s discussion of the auto business, we consciously did not cover the woes of the auto industry as the stories are changing daily. Issue 63 contains 132 pages of meaningful Turbo Diesel discussion like:
- Fuel Economy Follow-Up - Transfer pump Discussion in 12-Valve, 24-Valve and 5.9 HPCR columns - New Technical Service Bulletins for the 6.7 HPCR - Industry News on the Next Emissions Hurdles - Mega Cab, Long Box Update - A lengthy report on extended idling - A letter to the TDR Membership from Lyle Cummins - Long-term writers Holmes, Nielsen, Donnelly, Dalgleish, Redmond and Leno discuss various new product installations on their trucks
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 because I see them over and over and over again.
It is just me, or do those reminders of AIG and Merrill Lynch and their recent corporate blunders raise your blood pressure up a notch or two? You kind of want to go over and say, "Folks, I don't like your company and I doubt I'd like your company for a cup of coffee either."
That got me to thinking. How does America feel about me and my Chrysler/Dodge ball cap, jacket, t-shirt and officially-licensed Mopar underwear?
Just something to think about and respond to after you read the Wall Street Journal's "Mean Street" editorial. Take a few minutes to read. This link will take you to the Wall Street Journal Online's piece, "Chrysler's Italian Job."
So, before you leave the house today, will you grab that Chrysler-logoed ball cap?
Not knowing much about Fiat, I asked Automotive Journalist Greg Whale to comment. I will present his blogitorial (hey, a new word), then we will open the forum to your responses.
This link to the Wall Street Journal (Ford Settles Engine Dispute With Navistar) comfirms what TDR Members have known for a while from reading our "Blowin' in the Wind" column and from internet discussions.
So you are in the market for a 2010 truck. Are you going to purchase the unproven Ford/European diesel engine? The new Duramax in the GM truck? Or the proven Cummins engine in a new Dodge chassis?
I thought out loud, “This is what the TDR is all about! Members helping members with the website and magazine as channels for the flow of information.”
I captured Harvey’s comments and added them to an article that I had already written for Issue 62 of the Turbo Diesel Register which will be out in November, 2008. The preview of this article is available here: http://www.turbodieselregister.com/tdrarticles/tdrarticle62_fuelfilterchange.pdf We sent Harvey $100 today and decided to officially announce a “TDR Common-Sense Tip Contest.”
So here goes:
1. Using Harvey Barlow’s tip as a guide (his tip pointed out that since the 6.7-liter engine’s introduction, the audience has overlooked the obvious), submit your Common-Sense Tip in the new “TDR Common Sense Tips from TDR Members” forum (http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/common-sense-tips-tdr-members/).
2. The contest will run through November 30, 2008.
3. The top ten tips will be selected and published in the Turbo Diesel Register.
4. The best tip, as judged by the TDR staff, will be recognized in the TDR Magazine and will be sent a $100 check. The second the third place tips will also be recognized in the TDR magazine and will be sent a $50 gift certificate to Geno’s Garage. The other submissions will be given honorable mention status and will be published in the Turbo Diesel Register magazine.
5. Get busy!
You web guys and gals share LOTS of information that does not make it to print. The writers and I try to capture data, and it is important to do so. We’ve got some good stuff on our website, but we need to get it into the magazine for all TDR members to benefit from. Participate in the “Become a TDR Writer” contest, and let’s get the information to the masses!
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...
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The Turbo Diesel Register is a community of Dodge diesel truck enthusiasts who work to support each other while having a lot of fun with our trucks. We received the following letter from a TDR Member requesting help for his local dealership, a dealership that has supported the community for over fifty years. So if you are in need of a new truck or service, consider contacting the folks at Quaden Dodge in Okauchee, Wisconsin.
Issue 64 of the Turbo Diesel Register is being mailed out week beginning April 27, 2009. Current subscribers within the United States, please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery. International subscribers should allow 14 - 21 days for delivery. 
Beginning March 1, TDR Members had the opportunity to post their credentials in order to do a product evaluation of a Wilson "Thrasher" Intake Manifold. 
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 because I see them over and over and over again.
Harvey Barlow wins TDR Common-Sense Tip Contest! 