Dodge 3500 diesel troubles

[encorehunter]

I don't know what shop you are looking at doing the work. I've got a Duramax at M and M in Trinidad right now. In Pueblo they told me I needed a new fuel pump due to low fuel rail pressure. They wanted to do their own diagnosis, some person left an extra rubber gasket on the last time the fuel filter was replaced. I learned my lesson to make sure I got all the extra gaskets out. They are a little on the expensive side, but they have kept both my diesels running good.

[C Ward]

Unplugging the actuator derates the engine and it won't make any boost .

[68Charger]

I don't know what shop you are looking at doing the work. I've got a Duramax at M and M in Trinidad right now. In Pueblo they told me I needed a new fuel pump due to low fuel rail pressure. They wanted to do their own diagnosis, some person left an extra rubber gasket on the last time the fuel filter was replaced. I learned my lesson to make sure I got all the extra gaskets out. They are a little on the expensive side, but they have kept both my diesels running good.

A good Diesel mechanic will seem expensive on the surface, but save so much money in the long run that it's worth it!
I do a lot of my own work, but BH has nailed it every time I come to them with an issue, and the fix is reasonable (last one was fuel rail pressure relief valve, and about 5-6 other codes- including the dreaded lightning bolt)... replaced the valve, and everything else went away- about $80 out the door.

[C Ward]

Be careful with " rebuilt " Holset VGT turbo's . The cost for a replacement actuator wholesale is more that the price that was quoted from Rock Auto . The actuators are the high failure item on these turbo's and the equipment , software , and annual license is over 6k , so most " rebuilders " don't check the function of the actuator with anything other than a DVOM and the actuator may or may not be good .

[Grant H.]

I will echo 68 in recommending Travis at BH.

If he's close to you, it's worth it. I don't have mechanics do much on my truck, but he and one other have been excellent when I used them.

(The other is Rich Rhoades with R&B Automotive and Diesel in Ault CO).

[Lars]

If you can get away with it, delete it. I deleted my 07' Cummins and it was a whole different machine. I hade to do emissions every two years so I would pull it in the shop and put all the stock junk on, do my emissions then pull it all right back off for another two years. 176,000 miles and never had a problem with anything.