Re: [RC] biodiesel and the new diesel engines... - Mike Lewis
The '99 Ford diesels were 7.3L engines that had
235hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque. That same year Dodge had
a 235hp, 460 ft-lb diesel engine in the truck if I recall... hence why
you're not keeping up on hills. The inline 6 is a monster, though, and
will last a long, long time if you treat it right. I wish I could get your
fuel mileage--with my '06 I see about 21 on the highway at 68mph and 13 when
pulling the horse trailer (about 10,000 pounds with 3 horses
onboard.)
I have to be careful when passing slower cars
uphill, even with the trailer, because she'll be up to 95 in literally a
heartbeat (or two.)
Hope your truck lasts... Size isn't the reason for
the better performance of the engine in the Ford... inline-6 engines like your
Dodge has have been in big rigs for years and perform just as well or better
than larger V-8 designs, as your fuel mileage figures attest. Keep the
Sheep and enjoy! Wish I could use the biodiesel or veggie oil with my
newer truck but don't feel comfortable using anything other than good ultra low
sulfur diesel from the pump...
Subject: [RC] biodiesel and the new
diesel engines...
After talking with the service departments of
Ford, Chevy, Dodge & GMC - and being flat out TOLD that the '2007 and
newer' diesel engines are only designed for the EPA-required low sulphur'
diesel - and CANNOT run on the 'old diesel or Biodiesel without major
problems'..... I'm Keeping my 'ol 99 Dodge diesel.. It's over 150K - which is
just 'broke in' for a Cummings engine.. I bought the thing - primarily because
Cummings are well-reputed to run until 500K before needing
rebored/rebuilt..... Now, this said, the Transmissions Dodge uses - has the
reputation of needing rebuild by 200K - but I figure a Trans is STILL cheaper
than a Diesel engine.... So I decided on the Dodge - since Ford's have the
opposite reputation - longlasting Transmissions, but Engines needing
rebore/rebuild at 200K....
And my '99 Dodge gets 24-26mpg when not
pulling - and 14.4-14.6mpg when at it's tow limit - pulling a fully loaded 5
horse slant w/sleeper. My friend's Same year Ford gets
18-20mpg not pulling, 9-11mpg pulling the same load... Granted she DOES have
much more power up mountain passes - bigger diesel engine.....
