What to Look for on buying a used CRD and What ISSUES...?

Katmandu · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:17 am

... do they have ??

I'm pondering buying a CRD in the near future.

What issues have come up with the CRDs ? I read that the EGR system is quirky.

Also, I do a lot of highway driving. What MPG should I expect from a CRD ?

TIA

linewarbr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:46 am

There is more than enough knowledge combined in this forum to help you with any issues you may encounter with the CRD. Common problem areas are the EGR system (easy to fix, if you don't mind a CEL), oil in the intake via the crankcase vent (another emissions component, also an easy fix if you don't mind a little smell and smoke) and the torque converter. I think in all the CRD users on this forum we have one member who experienced a turbocharger failure that led to a thrown rod, and one who had a glowplug break off in the head, requiring head removal and some internal engine work. If you can, I personally would suggest trying to locate and purchase a CRD with a post-11/2005 build date, as those made after November 2005 had some of the torque converter issue addressed in factory production.

If you run stock, I think you could expect mileage from the low to mid 20's, and if you do some engine modification you could probably anticipate high 20's. Some users claim to have gotten into the high 30's by "hypermiling", where they go about 62-65 mph and remove the antenna, and fold in the side mirrors while running stock passenger-car tires.

Katmandu · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:02 pm

linewarbr wrote:

if you don't mind a little smell and smoke)

I own a Dodge Ram 2500 w/Cummins Turbo Diesel right now. It's actually up For Sale. It has a 5 speed and I recently had an injury that makes shifting a bad experience. If you have sciatica (Nerve PAIN) from your lower back you can sympathize. Oh... my Cummins is Bombed (modded) to hell and back! It's throwing down around 400HP and nearing 1000lbs of Torque!

linewarbr wrote:

if you do some engine modification you could probably anticipate high 20's.

What engine mods do you'all do to increase MPGs ?

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:32 pm

Well thats tough. I bought mine from a HYPER responsible previous owner. Heck the guy even did the front breaks for me before I picked up the truck in Nashville and drove it home to Seattle!

On the trip home I got 38, 28 (driving through the Rockies) 34 and 36 MPG.

Know this, I was driving 60 MPH on cruise the whole way... Accept when it came to the 28 MPG tank. That was 75MPG through the Rockies.

linewarbr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:44 pm

Katmandu wrote:

linewarbr wrote:

if you don't mind a little smell and smoke)

I own a Dodge Ram 2500 w/Cummins Turbo Diesel right now. It's actually up For Sale. It has a 5 speed and I recently had an injury that makes shifting a bad experience. If you have sciatica (Nerve PAIN) from your lower back you can sympathize. Oh... my Cummins is Bombed (modded) to hell and back! It's throwing down around 400HP and nearing 1000lbs of Torque!

What I'm talking about is the EHM, or, Elephant Hose Mod. Vents crankcase gas and oil into the atmosphere rather than the intake.

linewarbr wrote:

if you do some engine modification you could probably anticipate high 20's.

What engine mods do you'all do to increase MPGs ?

Doing the ORM (Off-Road Mod - unplug the MAF sensor to disable the EGR but you will have a CEL on) or SEGR (fools the ECU into thinking the EGR is working when it's not, no CEL) will keep exhaust gas out of your intake, giving you more power and better fuel mileage. Also, you could get the ECU tuned, via either Inmotion ($350) or Green Diesel Engineering. ($550) Both tunes seem to produce better mileage and more power. I can only speak from experience on the Green Diesel Tune, as I do not have Inmotion, and I can tell you my mpg has increased significantly. The stock exhaust is rather restrictive, so gutting the cat and replacing the muffler with either a straight pipe or a flow-through muffler should net you a couple extra mpg.

Defeat emission controls = better fuel mileage, power, and longevity.

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:54 pm

Good points Line. I forgot to mention. Cat back 3" NO muffler! :lol:

What to Look for on buying a used CRD and What ISSUES...?

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