Had to pick between saving an old 12-valve or swapping in a common-rail

Pulled a 1997 12-valve Cummins out of a wrecked Ram 2500 last month, engine had 340k miles but ran like a top. I was torn between rebuilding that old mechanical engine or just finding a used common-rail for the project truck. I went with the 12-valve because I know those P-pumps inside out and parts are cheap, plus no wiring headaches. After I got the injection pump timed it fired right up - who else has stuck with the old stuff over the newer computer controlled diesels?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_west510d ago

That clatter and smoke ever cause you trouble with neighbors or inspections?

avery_fox9311d ago

Have you ever had to troubleshoot wiring on a modern diesel that goes into limp mode over a corroded pin? That's exactly why I stick with the mechanical stuff too, you can fix a P-pump with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer on the side of the road if you have to. Once you get used to the loud clatter and black smoke at startup, there's just something honest about an engine that doesn't need a laptop to tell you what's wrong.