Everything You Should Know Before Buying a 12v Cummins

In episode 2 of the Power Driven Podcast, Will, Todd and Myer discuss everything you need you know before buying your first 12v Cummins. Have you ever wondered which model year is best, or whether you should buy an automatic or manual transmission? How many miles are too many for a good running 12v Cummins Ram Truck? Tune-in to learn everything you should look out for when buying your first 12v Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high-performance turbo diesel technologies.
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[@JC-gw3yo]

Yuse guys are my go to 5.9 guys.. Thanks for your hard work

[@pddofficial]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@baconcreek609]

Thank you for doing what you guys do. I blame Will for my 12v addiction.

[@pddofficial]

Your welcome! For both!

[@idahobuckaroo8348]

Definitely agree, the 12 valve Cummins 215 P-pump are great. 🏁

[@pddofficial]

They definitely are!

[@bigmurph1447]

I have a 96 12v has over 502000 miles on it still runs strong also has a set of compound turbos on it

[@91CavGT5]

My uncle has a 2003 24 valve in a 3500 Dodge with 420,000 miles on it…… and it is bone stock!! The amazing part is the oil looks clean ALL the time!! The oil never turns dark. It has zero blow by. You can take the oil cap off, turn it upside down, and put it on the oil fill and it just sits there while the truck is at idle. Now, the rest of the truck is not in good shape, but the motor runs GREAT!!

[@pddofficial]

It’s amazing the longevity of these engines. Maintenance makes a big difference!

[@maliknolan5711]

@91CavGT5 How is that possible its a diesel engine 🤔 😳 BYPASS SYSTEM ??

[@91CavGT5]

@ I have no idea how it is possible, and no it is 100% stock. It does not have any kind of bypass filtration system. He does regular oil changes, I think 5k intervals or so. Basic oil filters. Nothing fancy, but the oil stays clean.

[@michaeltrue1143]

I have a 03 3500 srw and it's fully built 1000 hp single needs twins next 😅

[@maliknolan5711]

@91CavGT5 Wow that crazy what oil does he use I'm going do 5k Intervals

[@MrShanegoldman]

Glow worms in jam jars, love it.

[@SvinTheViking]

Please keep these coming!

[@pddofficial]

Will do!

[@sterlingcook3602]

Great video just got me a 215 12v big fan of all of y’all

[@rodneymarquardt7969]

Great information! Especially about the 12 valves in F700's. I know where one is that I could get the whole truck for 2000.00 running and driving, with a mechanical 4 speed allison behind it. BUT...the 11mm pump would be a huge disappointment for what I am ultimately wanting it for, a dedicated tow rig. Thanks for the knowledge guys.

[@pddofficial]

It is an issue but pumps aren’t terrible to swap.

[@rodneymarquardt7969]

@@pddofficial But it sounds like a replacement pump would cost more than the whole donor truck LOL.

[@Two-twelve-valves]

I absolutely love you guy’s and I would not have the truck I own if it wasn’t for the knowledge you have given me ❤

[@pakkelly]

Thank you for the education. You guys are great.

[@kurtwickam4424]

Thank you guys for sharing your knowledge

[@pddofficial]

You bet, glad you found it helpful!

[@erikkovacs3097]

I just got a 3 cylinder with 4 valves per cylinder. I think I got the wrong 12 valve...

[@RippinRaz]

Love to see another podcast style video!

[@pddofficial]

We appreciate you watching!

[@whatsoutthere6822]

I have an '01 with 417k miles. Trans was recently rebuilt because of severe overheat and upgraded cooler to 1/2" lines. It's a dually and it was pushed too hard plowing wet snow.

[@pddofficial]

Plowing is brutal on transmissions!

[@scottcrawford8583]

The White 145 workhorse tractor used a 5.9 12 valve. I work at an AGCO dealership. Some parts we can still get, some parts Cummins has franchise restrictions on and have to go through them. The workhorse has a ve pump though. The White 6175/6195 has a P pump but I do not know if is the p7100 or not. The engine is the 8.3L

[@pddofficial]

A lot of the 8.3 engines have a p7100 with smaller plungers. I imagine with a good pump that engine would make gobs of power!

[@ashfordcombs8658]

Had mine fall out at 300,000 but got that 5% lucky. Then PDD turn happened next. Love your parts that I bought.

[@mdgardner70]

I love this conversation. I would like to hear more about the Allison transmission swap potential. I got a REALLY nice 97 dually automatic 4x4. I’m interested in making it the best tow vehicle it can be. I plan on keeping it the rest of my life.

[@bryanford1139]

Do it!! It's very involved, but worth it. If you have someone do the work for you, it'll cost $$10k-15k$$ But if you can do the work yourself?....I spent $4k in parts.

[@Mr2eyedjack]

I have a first gen with fusable link trouble, a 2nd gen with transmission being rebuilt now and a parts truck and I drive a 4 gen for work. Love the cummins!

[@pddofficial]

Sounds like you've got quite the collection!

[@7.3PSDA2]

as a person who has a 5.9 12v p-pump with an hx 40 thats original was in a ford school bus. and i put it in a 1990 f350, that originally was a 7.3 idi, best decision ever. i use my on the farm its a flatbed truck. i work for a guy who runs and owns lots of dodge trucks mainly 6.7 cummins. and i do not like dodge whatsoever. im a 7.3 psd, 5.9 both 12v and 24v and 3126/c7. im a ford truck guy tho. and i like the 80s body chevy truck also.

[@dbfabworks5320]

Awesome Video!!!! Great stuff, yall forgot to talk about blow-by though lol Love the podcast and cant wait to see more!!!!

[@pddofficial]

Glad you liked it! More content is coming!

[@Balakay9435]

Hell Yeah Brother 🇺🇸🦅

[@jamesmarlar696]

Imma Cummins addict since my first 12 valve and you guys have been my drug supplier 😂

[@SvinTheViking]

I’ll buy the “Glow Worms in Jam Jars” shirt

[@pddofficial]

It needs to happen!

[@kennethschlabach]

In my delivery business, my preferred truck is the 2000 to 2002 HO vp44 trucks with the 6 speed manuals. Running Weston Shuppe 7x10 injectors, Smarty so3 programmer and a Fenley 60/67/12 hx35 makes for a smooth, high torque, reliable hauler. Using the Revo tuning on the Smarty, the truck is smoke free on the street. These trucks work hard. With good tuning, lift pumps, headstuds, and strict maintenance to keep everything working , i have yet to have one truck fail. Vp44 pumps last a long long time if given the fuel pressure they need. I usually get 450,000 miles out of a pump. Vp44 pump is reliable if taken care of. Motor on! Love the content!

[@pddofficial]

Well said!

[@robsnodgrass915]

Bought one "professionally done". Replaced, repaired, rebuilt, everything..... Could write a book about the suffering and strife. Hopefully I can master the 47re before it kills me. Moral of story? Trust no one . Buy a sitting still not running stock one and do it all yourself, cause your the only one you can truly trust!

[@amoyer6807]

"glow worms in jam jars" 😂 I will surely be using that

[@Sauhacksch]

Super Diskussionsrunde👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Sehr sehr informativ, aufschlussreich und hilfreich!!! Dankeschön und weiter so

[@pddofficial]

More to come!

[@TheRitchieLeeShow]

1996 ram 2500 Cummins nv4500 290,000 miles. I could see it was no cream puff, but I had to have it. I was able to drive it home that day and I’ve had no serious issues with it owned 1 1/.2 years 5000 miles so far. Getting 19 mpg. Still collecting parts, basic upgrades exhaust manifold head studs valve springs etc… a bit like owning a black hole. I think the clutch had a new southbend clutch prior to me, I baby the transmission, not for fast shifting, but adequate. Pretty much stock the p pump has a label on indicating it came from a pump shop. Came with billet tappit cover, two vent hoses plumbed to catch cans cans i did, also one hose coming from valve cover to catch can. Before catch cans nasty black oil would drip out of vent hoses.I did front cover and kdp. Happy to say very little drips of engine oil. Getting a small amount from transfer case. 😅😅😅😅😅

[@chadcolby1320]

Ok, I’ve got to ask, you glossed over your opinion about why I shouldn’t have an Allison. The OBS Chevy I bought already had the Cummins Allison swap done when I bought it. I am looking at having to rebuild the Allison……. So why shouldn’t I rebuild it and put it back in? I’m not trying to be a smart ass, I really want to make the right move. It’s really just my fun truck but I do occasional mild towing with it. Thanks!

[@pddofficial]

Does is have the A1000 Allison from duramax application, or is it the bus Allison that came from a 190HP 12v Cummins/bus application?

[@chadcolby1320]

@ a1000 5 speed using Allison programming from custom automatic conversions. I have receipts from the electronics previous owner purchased from them along with a triple disc torque converter. Works fine til you stand on it then it will fall on face going into 5th, limp mode shortly after. I’m speculating the trans was a junkyard duramax unit that they didn’t touch other than installing the torque converter. Maybe c3 is burnt up?? Also worth saying that I had always wanted a Cummins and while not knowing a whole lot about how to work on them specifically, I’ve Been a “gas engine gearhead all my life. After buying this truck a few years ago I found you guys and Lenny Reed on KZbin and I have watched several of you guy’s “how to” videos over and over again to become more familiar with upgrades I can do. It’s been a lot of fun and I don’t ever see myself selling it. Thanks

[@cotrevor1]

What about if you just buy the 5.9 engine thats already out of a truck. what do you look for then ?

[@Beersbrassnbigtrucks]

Look for front frame horn rot if you live up north

[@JustinSchooler-f2j]

Have a 1st gen, three 2nd gens, two 3rd gens lol

[@pddofficial]

My man!

[@andrewmoroney2381]

I love you guys - wish we had vehicles with the 12V in Australia. I've been considering swapping one into my 6x6 Land Rover Perentie - will have to contact you when ready to get an engine built and sent over here.

[@TBGaels32]

I’m curious on what your opinion is on the 3.9 4BT. I heard they’re just as reliable as the 6BT. I love the 12/24 valve Cummins. At least on the 24 valve you can put a P7100 in it. Don’t know about the newer 6.7 on the late models

[@pddofficial]

I love them. I wish the people that bought the 3.9’s weren’t so scared of power. It seems there is no market for power parts for these engines and i can’t figure out why.

[@TBGaels32]

@pddofficial From what I remember the 3.9s were used in a lot of industrial applications and I believe they were used in some of fedex/ups trucks on the international chassis along with the 6BT. I’m not 100% sure if 5.9 parts are interchangeable with the 3.9. Seems like there’s more aftermarket support for the new R2.8 or possibly the 4 cylinder Duramax that came out.

[@pddofficial]

Parts are totally interchangeable for the most part. They are a p-pump away from an easy 350 hp all day long for a long time. Heck 500 hp is not really hard. Every time i think about them i feel i should do a build on one.

[@IanYav5.9]

I guess I had great luck with my NV4500, had a 3rd gear failure and the 5th gear nut failure but after fixing those issues and adding a full splined mainshaft the 5 speed was fantastic until I decided to make my 2nd gen a race truck.

[@AndyFromm]

I did a 12v ve into an excursion because after scrapping the shipping crate the engine was free. I didn't do it for performance.

[@supercharged2414]

Two things I didn't hear you mention, BLOWBY and that half way thru 98 the 4 valve came out and they do not have a P pump. I was ready to bid on a beautiful 98 but realized it was a 24 valve motor and not a 12 valve.

[@pddofficial]

Good point on the half year 98 engine crossover. We normally just check the 6th digit in the vin, if it's a "D" it's a 12valve aka Vin "D" or a Dinosaur... easy to remember!

[@supercharged2414]

@@pddofficial Thats how I figured it out. 6th letter on truck vin plate has to be a D.

[@paulschneider5636]

What is your thoughts on people p-pumping the 24v?

[@JalopyFarmer]

Dt360 12v ❤

[@slowaf12v]

Myer Shirt Make It Happen!

[@charlesmiddleton5499]

Here is a ? On the 94-95 if the barrel warps only when its hot then maybe the pump is not getting enough fuel to keep it cool because if it was warped it would do it all the time Right

[@montycrain5783]

I understand the Navistar DT466P which is a straight 6 466 ci wet sleeve diesel with a p -pump. I understand it can accept the same mods as a Cummins 12v. Things like Compound Turbos and mods to the Bosch P-pump as well as bigger injectors . Do you ever mod these ???

[@pddofficial]

We haven't worked on any DT466 engines, but we hear they respond well to modifications!

[@maliknolan5711]

Everything you need you know before buying your first "24 VALVE CUMMINS" 🔥🔥🔥

[@simonsavala4164]

@Will When talking about the Fummins guys, you say that them Fummins owners claim that a Allison Swap is the best. You said that it wasn't and I was wondering why you think the Allison behind a Cummins isn't the best? If that isn't the best, what would be the best for a daily driver that doesn't go out racing or anything like that? Would you still go with that automatic with a manual valve body?

[@justincardwell8155]

This almost has me ready to buy new batteries for my 12v quad cab 5 speed sport that never gets driven fired up to play with.

[@pddofficial]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@TheCntryson47]

I'm gonna be needing a 12valves and 2strokes sticker. My "unicorn" 98 12 valve is outside with an 01 cr250 on the bed

[@MikeSteuerwald]

Please expand on the Allison comment!!

[@Qrail]

Great video. I have a 94 with 95,000 original miles. (Second owner, I’m 70) It is not the Holy Grail. Standard cab, long bed automatic 2WD. What value would it have? (I used to live in Ely)

[@pddofficial]

It really depends on what someone is willing to pay for it!! If it's beautiful it could bring upwards of 20k, if it's rough, probably only get 5k.

[@williamwalker9504]

What would happen if I advanced the pump timing, with no other modifications?

[@pddofficial]

Assuming pump timing is less than 30* to start in your scenario, more advanced would increase power, lower EGT, lower boost slightly, and increase overall efficiency.

[@williamwalker9504]

@ Thank You!!! I have a 210hp pump on my motorhome with an Allison 542 transmission. I’m just looking for slightly better mileage.

[@garyguyette9739]

Same time next week?

[@pddofficial]

You bet, we'll be back with another video soon!

[@joelground7557]

Have yall ever seen or messed with a 235hp p-pump? We have an airstream diesel pusher that has a 12 valve and the tag says it’s 235 hp. Any ideas what this pump is all about? Would it make a decent swap engine? I would love to get it in my old f250 with a v10… lol

[@pddofficial]

The best way to look up the pump info is with the data tag on the side of the pump. Should start of PESP7100....

[@joelground7557]

@ alright, I’ll have to get myself snuck down in there to get a picture of it.

[@HunterRitchie]

Over the course of a year or so, I resealed my 12 valve. Only to come to the realization that they are always going to leak something from somewhere. Easier to add a gallon every 2 months and leave it be.

[@jeremymyers5643]

If it hasnt lived under a roof the vast majority of its life , its a parts truck or beater just that simple. The dang plastic in the dash evaporates , also the frame beside the fuel tank is starting to be a common issue.

[@jedpratte]

100% about the age of the owner. They can even be modded some but if its someone usually 30+ and truck is nice, interior is nice, there place is nice. They have other nice things around especially if other older nice vehicles. That's a good sign. Though already then they will have it priced higher because its not clapped out. I will not buy anything with starlight headliners, rock lights, ect. These trucks are always red flags to me.

[@themajesticmanic]

First of all, If you're talking about 12V Cummins It CANNOT be a LEMON...BY DEFINITION!

[@paularteau9482]

True... but beat to death sums up every 12v for sale now... and let's be real the Cummins is the best part... the truck is the lemon part. Lol

[@ryanfallon3904]

Are you on Apple Podcasts

[@pddofficial]

Not yet, but soon!

[@mattmiedema]

I already bought two, is it too late? 😂

[@pddofficial]

Hopefully you learned on the first one and made a great second purchase!!

[@anschuelke]

​@@pddofficial white tractor company also used them in the mid 80s

[@mattmiedema]

@@pddofficialBought the first for the body, and the second for the engine. After the swap is done it’s time for go fast parts!

[@prestonjames5722]

Too late to buy 3?? Absolutely not 😂

[@bryanford1139]

Transmission?? ...automajical! .....Allison 1000, to be specific ....built for 1kHP in a 500HP truck 😁😁😁 BTW.......Will........uhh, how MUCH Cinnamon oil??

[@pddofficial]

I think the cinnamon oil thing of going to get its’ own video!

[@NavyCuda]

If you guys ever cover the 5.0 ISV... don't fall for the wiring harness breaking cranks bs!

[@SHUlivin]

These podcasts are very important. They have convinced me to NOT buy a diesel. I need a HD truck but I will not own a diesel unless it's getting paid. I am buying a Ford F250 with Godzilla engine. It's $10k cheaper than a diesel. Costs a fraction to maintain and is more reliable. So thanks for steering me in the right direction

[@teddyandreyka9668]

Gas rigs just cant pull as much. If you aren’t hauling heavy all the time I’d say that’s a good idea to go gas.

[@ruobe1]

60 people late to this lol

[@JonDarntDouchit-i8w]

Mine is for sale. I've had it. Had great plans for it. I'm just done. I quit. Cash talks...

[@hamop3]

How much Jon?

[@JonDarntDouchit-i8w]

$15k