[Stankfish8]

Hey I am new to diesel's and I am going this Friday to look in person with the intent to buy an '07 5.9 2wd 3500 dually 6spd quad cab 115,xxx miles. I am looking for tips to inspect this truck for anything you guys would consider a deal breaker. (ie sooty oil I have read, High dollar repair items) I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Lyle C]

Blowby, you'll hear it 100 times...

Take it for a long enough test drive to get it up to temp. Park it, leave it running and open the oil filler cap. If it puffs major smoke out then it is all bad news. A haze is normal. Set the cap in the hole (don't screw it in) if the cap bounces and puffs smoke around it then it's pretty bad. :thumbsup:

The usual rust, tires, check for programmers. How it drives. Get neew tie rod ends and ball joints on it before u buy it. Tell them you don't want it if they dont!

 

[98whitelightnin]

The oil will be black but that is normal.

 

[Stankfish8]

Thanks for the info. She is supposed to be bone stock and the guy I am meeting is the original owner. Carfax checks out.

 

[Lyle C]

Good Luck Bud:thumbsup:

Let us know how u make out

 

[phxjcc]

A 6-spd dually means he probably towed heavy.

Check for clutch slippage.
Get all service records possible.

MSN pulled their checklist, but here is a similar link.
How to check a used car - illustrated used car checklist

Here is a previous discussion link, but it is for 2nd gen.
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/98-5-02-powertrain/333149-new-cummins-what-look.html#post3496310

good luck

 

[pocketgunner]

-trick for the blow by someone told me is to take the filler cap and turn it upside down and put it back over the hole, if it "blows" off not bounces off from the rattle of the motor then it has blow by.
-Take the turbo inlet tube off and wiggle the compressor wheel there shouldnt be shaft play, meaning it shouldnt wiggle side to side, also spin the wheel it should freely spin it shouldnt bind up or stop suddenly it should spin for a second or two when you give it a quick flick with your finger.
-Also smell the oil on the dipstick if it smells like diesel fuel thats bad.

Aside from that just make sure it pulls hard like it should in the power band, there shouldnt be any real laggy spots in the acceleration especially being a manual. Good luck and hope this truck works out for you bud.