6.7L Cummins Forum

Hello! Not long ago I purchased my first Dodge ever! It is a 2008 Ram 2500 4X4 Quad cab, Inferno Red with 6.7L Cummins and 6 speed auto. I have been pretty much pleased with the truck, until last Friday nite, with 4500 miles on it, I got a ECM light, no error messages on the overhead console, it read "System OK". Well I have looked at some other forums and have read some real horror stories and have been somewhat concerned. Monday I took the truck to the dealer and they said the turbo was "sooting up, mainly the sensor". And it also needed some software updates added. They cleaned the turbo and did the software updates and said that this would fix the problem. My service writer also said that I needed to use my exhaust brake to help keep the turbo clean. I have been wondering if these updates are a real fix or am I in for more trips to the dealer. The only time I "idle" the truck is the warmup time when the "glow plugs" are doing their thing. I have only used my exhaust brake a couple of times. Question: Can you turn the exhaust brake on at any time at any rpm? I do some mixed driving, most trips are 12 -20 miles with some intown. I would say that most driving is on highway at 65-70 mph, engine speed at 1700-1800 rpm. Thanks for listening to my concerns.

Notrader,

I too am new to Cummins and Dodge, but not new to turbo diesels (I am a Powerstroke convert). I use my exhaust brake often, i.e. every time I am exiting the freeway, going down my street (I live at the top of a long hill with a stop sign at the bottom), and of course while towing my car trailer. I also downshift using the button on the shift lever to load the engine more while slowing down, increasing the effect of the exhaust brake. Using your exhaust brake will reduce some of the burden from your braking system, allowing your rotors and pads to last longer, plus it just sounds wonderful! Enjoy your new truck!!

I have 27K on mine and (Knock on wood) no MIL lamps. I turn the EB on every time the truck is started, I also use the high idle feature when I need to have it run rather than starting and stoping often. I have experienced an elevated idle and the EB activate when extended idling takes place, Some of my hobbies require me to move 10 ft and stop then move 10 more and stop over a 2 hour period, I have not experienced any issues so far with this type of operation. Evevated fuel in oil at oil sampling time, but I understand that it is normal with this type of emission system. The fuel dilution level is still with in the factory 'OK' limits and I service it at 5,000 miles.

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07.5 3500 Quad, SRW, 4X4, Laramie, Leathered, Dark Metallic Gray, 6.7, 68RFE, 20K Reese, Ride Rite's, 2 Viair air compressors, Bully steps, Kleinn Locomotive air horns (5 in all), Billet polished locking fuel door, 'A' pillar mount Auto Meter Pryo, PML X-deep trans pan
06 Durango 285 RL 5'er Lifted by KZ

Notrader, how you drive this truck is very important.
Limit the idleing
Go to wide open throttle from time to time
Run only the first 4 gears in town
Don't lug the engine/keep the rpms up
Run with the engine brake on
Work this sucker, it loves it
and, imho, get boost and exhaust temp gauges
Welcome:

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7.5 3500QC 6.7CTD 68RFE Build date June 2007
Superchips tuner 3808, Boost/EGT Laser Gauge, Airaid cold intake

NoTrader I bought a 2009 Ram 2500 diesel (4x4) MegaCab last month and just joined the forum. I'm new to Dodge and this is my first diesel truck. Why do I need the boost and exhaust temperature gauges?

The gauges (If you don't have something like a Edge Insight) allow you to know when the truck is regenerating. With these you'll get an idea of when the truck regenerates and if you ever drive long enough to finish the process and if not you'll have to set some time aside to take her out on the highway to allow the process to complete to keep your DPF from clogging up. The EGT is more important then the boost as far as I'm concerned because not only can you tell when you're regenerating you can also allow your truck to cool down if she has because the EGT will get well above 1100 degrees F.

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2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 HD,QC, 6.7L Cummins, 6speed Auto, 4X4, Bighorn Edition.
Click for installs: Carr Steps PML Diff Cover Edge Juice with Attitude Volant Intake Hankook ATM RF10