Dodge's 5.9 Cummins 12v - Common Problems & Reliability

[@ericmoralez390]

My dad finally gave me the ‘95 a couple of months ago. Nothing better than getting a 12v for free and with a manual transmission. I plan on fixing it up and making it my own and addressing all the issues you mentioned in the vid.

[@8020Media]

E - Sounds like you got a gem! We're jealous.

[@craigwhittingslow9689]

First thing is don’t listen to this guy it’s completely obvious he has never owned one. Besides the killer dowel pin is the main thrust bearing separates and the crankshaft connects the block and you can’t repair it. I have seen about 20 of these that the dowel pin fell out and only one caused serious damage. The other problem is the over drive nut and gear I suggest replacing both with upgraded parts.

[@CustomJeep]

I have a 7.3 and 12 valve. I prefer the 12 valve in every way. 7.3 is a great option but has 100’s of wires and many electronics to think about. A 7.3 runs great when all those wires and electronics are ok. They can and will fail in an instant and you are left with a big problem to contend with. A 12 valve has zero electronics to fail. Even the fuel shutoff solenoid can be removed and fuel shutoff lever can be controlled by a cheap hardware store dash mounted universal choke cable. That is how I shut mine off. Only electrical on my 12 valve is the starter and if it fails I just park on a hill , let it roll and dump the clutch as my Fummins is a manual with zf6. Fires right up even without grid heater operational.

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for taking the time to share your first-hand experience!

[@dustin959]

My 12 valve made me dislike my 7.3 due to not realizing what I was missing. #this

[@gomiddlemas]

Have one of these engines in my 2004 Hyundai 210LC excavator. Has over 12,000 hours on it and still runs strong. I better check that dowel pin!

[@8020Media]

G - Wow! Nice, goes to show what maintenance can do! Thanks for sharing.

[@ginamarchand8017]

What year is the truck in the thumbnail

[@8020Media]

G - Somewhere between 94-98.

[@gabrielzazueta2218]

Mine has no nuts!!! I’m wanting to take it to a specialist that knows them and their transmissions through and through. Know any good shops??? Please let me know

[@8020Media]

G - Where are you located?

[@ata1421]

From California, got one 97 for $32k, Is it worth the money?

[@8020Media]

Sounds expensive for a 97 but would need a lot more details than that to know what it's worth.

[@ata1421]

@@8020Media it can’t get cleaner than this truck but it has 123k miles on it. You might be able to find it online it is green color in Oregon. I really don’t know if I should do it or not.

[@8020Media]

A - Keep us updated.

[@ata1421]

@@8020Media I am still looking and studying, I am ready to do it if I find out that’s the good deal.

[@sonandsanford4963]

Buy what you can afford. I missed a deal on an item that I thought was too expensive but I had the money now it's gone and I am regretting not buying it. Money comes and goes, always but certain things may come along once in a life time and it may only be worth it too you. Don't let anyone make this decision for you and if necessary keep the cost to yourself. Yes, a late comment... but did you make the purchase? 😁

[@davidanderson8469]

California versions had EGR unfortunately.

[@8020Media]

D - Indeed they did.

[@craigwhittingslow9689]

Only 97 and 98

[@toolsntruck941]

What is the price range ? Let's say I find a truck and need to put in a fresh motor ?

[@8020Media]

T - Can find a used engine for $1,500-$3,000. But have to pay for install.

[@toolsntruck941]

@@8020Media install is easy . There heavy but easy hook ups

[@benighted09]

So with the original automatic, you cannot add any horsepower?

[@8020Media]

F - You can add power, just not near as much.

[@benighted09]

@@8020Media I wonder what the best way is to get me up the hills without holding up traffic. I feel like I need just a little more. I don’t want to smoke people out either.

[@8020Media]

F - If you need to smoke people out to get up hills, then do it! It's a normal vehicle function with the trucks.

[@OBS_J]

Why do you keep saying car?

[@8020Media]

J - Habit.

[@craigwhittingslow9689]

I gave you a thumbs down. I don’t know where you got your information but you are so wrong I don’t even know where to start.

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for the feedback. We would love to hear where we're wrong.