Old Square Rams - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SwampYankee · #31 12-10-2010, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Hmmm. Interesting stuff. I wonder if it were possible on a 92/93 with judicious use of such things as economy rear axel ratio and maybe a six speed manual tranny to get close to 30mpg highway.

- Peter.

Maybe in a Craig's List ad?

Local2ED · #32 12-10-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimFreeh

True on a gasoline powered vehicle but Diesel engines don't have to worry about pre-ignition detonation since the incoming air isn't pre-charged with a fuel mixture.

Intercooling on a Diesel does permit more air/oxygen to enter the combustion chamber since cooler air is denser air. More oxygen means more fuel can be injected for more power.

I had an 89 W250 4WD with the Cummins engine for about 6 years before I upgraded to my current 98 Dodge/Cummins.

My 89 would get about 22mpg unloaded and around 15-17 towing, it was a great truck and in many respects it was superior to my 98. My 89 was sold to my cousin and is still in service with him at 212K if I recall correctly, the truck has only had routine maintenance over its lifetime.

I'd buy another one in a second.

If your truck was an automatic it did not have overdrive.

Local2ED · #33 12-10-2010, 03:35 PM

I also forget the most important thing to know about a 12 valve Cummins; google "killer dowel pin" for plenty of information on what will destroy a Cummins. Don't let it frighten you, I have repaired this on two trucks and it's not that big of a deal. It looks harder and scarier to fix than it really is.
You can search down as rear axle with a 3.08 ratio and swap it in and pick-up maybe 1 or 2 mpg I believe. They were also available with a 5 speed Gettrag trans.

pj67coll · #34 12-10-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Local2ED

I also forget the most important thing to know about a 12 valve Cummins; google "killer dowel pin" for plenty of information on what will destroy a Cummins. Don't let it frighten you, I have repaired this on two trucks and it's not that big of a deal. It looks harder and scarier to fix than it really is.
You can search down as rear axle with a 3.08 ratio and swap it in and pick-up maybe 1 or 2 mpg I believe. They were also available with a 5 speed Gettrag trans.

Interesting, would it not be easier just to drill thru the head of the dowel pin in the front of the block, insert a metal pin and epoxy it in place with JB Weld. Surely that would keep it in place forever more? Or would that be too half assed asking for trouble?

- Peter.

TimFreeh · #35 12-10-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Interesting, would it not be easier just to drill thru the head of the dowel pin in the front of the block, insert a metal pin and epoxy it in place with JB Weld. Surely that would keep it in place forever more? Or would that be too half assed asking for trouble?

- Peter.

The dowel pin is a metal pin, the pin can 'walk' forward and fall into the timing gears.

IMHO, generally speaking, I'm 100% in agreement with using the words 'half-assed' and 'JB weld' in the same sentence. Its very easy to make a small metal tab that can be secured via one of the timing cover case bolts. The tap covers the dowel pin and prevents it from walking out.

I think the official fix as published by Cummins is to remove the pin and reinsert it with red threadlocker.

I agree with Local2ed, the fix isn't that tough - takes about 2-3 hours total.

TimFreeh · #36 12-10-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Local2ED

If your truck was an automatic it did not have overdrive.

Did I say it did?

My truck was equipped with the Getrag G360 5 speed transmission. I beleive some version of the 3 speed 727 torqueflite was the automatic transmission option and it did not have an over drive top gear.

Aquaticedge · #37 12-10-2010, 05:14 PM

I'm actually thinking about selling off my D-350... I dont really need it anymore and I'd love to have my money out of it...

pj67coll · #38 12-10-2010, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

I'm actually thinking about selling off my D-350... I dont really need it anymore and I'd love to have my money out of it...

What year?

- Peter.

Local2ED · #39 12-10-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Interesting, would it not be easier just to drill thru the head of the dowel pin in the front of the block, insert a metal pin and epoxy it in place with JB Weld. Surely that would keep it in place forever more? Or would that be too half assed asking for trouble?

- Peter.

I also forgot,again, that on the front timing gear case there are 4 or 5 bolts that should also be removed and locktited while you tab the dowel pin. you will see them when you remove the front cover. I did two of these within a week of each other and although people say 2 or 3 hours both times took me about 8hrs. each but I was'nt rushing and took the time to clean everything I could see.

Aquaticedge · #40 12-10-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

What year?

- Peter.

1989. Set up for any kind of towing you'd want. Has a winch on the back Air over Hydro brakes, Air brake setup in the back for air brake trailers etc has approx 136,000 miles on it before I put it back into storage

strelnik · #41 12-10-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Anybody have any experience with the old first generation Dodge Rams? The old square ones that stopped production in 93? I rather like the look of them and am idly wondering about acquiring one. Cummins ideally. Any opinions?

- Peter.

I just acquired a 1983 4x4 D150 short box raised to use 36 " tires (included)