Everything Wrong with the 5.9L Cummins (12V & 24V)

Although it has some minor issues, once the killer dowel pin is dealt with, it's an incredibly reliable engine, it just happens to be backed up with a lackluster automatic transmission. Besides the issues we mentioned in this video, there aren't really any other major issues. There's other small stuff, such as it constantly leaking oil, but nothing major.

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[Dustrunnersauto]

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[Ericjeep]

The 5.9 isn't a "light duty" diesel engine. It's a medium duty that was designed for commercial box trucks etc. It's major overkill for a pickup truck & that's exactly why we all love it 😁

[Jeff-hpvn]

Considering mine made it over 1, 266, 289 miles before I rebuilt it! Along with that decent fuel milage pulls everything I need parts are easy to get!

[kristopherdavis]

I'll admit the dodge with the manual transmission is the most reliable, you just have to get past the fact that it's the worst riding truck with build quality that rivals China quality and an electrical system that is beyond sub par.

[michaelcoonce]

I have both Cummings and powerstrokes in my fleet and the dodges win hands down on maintenance and dependability

[infernoking]

5.9 is not overrated I believe its legit the perfect engine for anything that can fit it all the way up to a school bus

[BrodieBr]

I bought two 1st gen Cummins Dodges (1990 D350, 5spd Getrag/ 1993 W350, auto) brand new for the farm that are still daily driving to date. This video pretty much sums up my experience with them. Addressed the KDP long ago, put in manual shut off cables eliminating the shut off solenoid, and put in an old style charging system and they've been the roughest riding but most dependible and reliable trucks I've ever owned.

[rtwice]

In my lengthy career (39 years) I have not had the opportunity to work on many Cummins engines until the last couple of years. The bulk of my diesel work has been Navistar/Ford. The last couple of years our fleet has been phasing out the MaxxForce and started using the 6.7 Cummins and the L9 350 Cummims. Our smaller F550s are still using the Ford 6.7 diesels.

So far the Cummins have held up remarkably well with the only problem on the 6.7 is a fuel pressure regulator in the end of the common rail that has failed on a couple units. It looks like a little bolt in the end of the rail that costs about $300. You can either remove the rail to change it, however I found its easier to leave the rail in place and take off the EGR valve for access.

How did I discover that was the problem? Here is where Cummins beats the others, Cummins has 24 hour technical support! I work a swing shift so this comes in handy at 11:00pm when I am pulling my hair out. Give Cummins a call with the serial number of the engine and they are more than happy to help. Need an engine wiring diagram or want to know any service bulletins on the engine? Go to Cummins Quickserve website and set up a free account; type in the engine serial number and learn everything about the engine you are working on. Download the app and the info will always be with you.

[isaiahlunsford]

you got one thing wrong the 47 and 48 RE transmissions Aren’t the best from factory but they’re the best platform for aftermarket mods and can handle over 3000 hp

[OnefastAZfarmtruck]

As someone who works a 5.9 24 valve dodge auto 3500 daily, I can say once you have a built trans and a better than stock lift pump, that truck is indestructible. I work it with a large gooseneck trailer loaded down quite often. The truck is beat up, dash flew apart, seat is ripped, etc. but I won’t hesitate to take it on a thousand mile trip towing. I’ve passed a lot of fords, newer GM and Ram trucks stuck on the side of the interstate. 200k+ on the clock and still going strong. Even if it dies I’ll rebuild it cause it’s way cheaper than a new rig with emissions and complicated computers

[scottrupley]

The 5.9 12v or 24v can be made to haul torque or race and beat any similar yr GM or ford for much less… & beat most today too…

[seedycanuck]

12V is the BEST diesel engine for a working truck with a 5 speed. Miners in my area have been using them since new, and the only problem - which is not an engine problem - is the rest of the Dodge truck ! The bodies fall apart way way before the engines. Seen many stuffed into late 70's / early 80's Chevys. With a NP205, Dana 44 front, corporate rear no issues for years and years.

[thenomad]

‘97 12valve…deleted fss, fuel heater element, wastegate feed. Tabbed kdp, adjustable ofv, 4”straight pipe, fuel pressure, exhaust temp, boost and transmission temperature gages. Lockup switch…All mechanical reliability…the BOSS!😮😅

[bigpapi]

Point is cummisn 12 valve and 24 valve are reliable as f
If you want more reliability put a fast fuel system
Autos stock are okay but if you want power build a auto or use a manual nv4500 or nv5600 and use a good clutch 👍🏻 cummins wins all day every day

[davej]

As a long time owner of an 02 Cummins dodge, I have to say a couple of things about this system. Mine has had a factory in tank pump since new, and it’s always supplied a consistent 13psi measured right at the vp44 Schraeder valve. Second, while the timing and fuel quantity is electronically controlled, it’s still a mechanical/rotary pump, not electronic as the common rail is. Great engine, 465K and never been apart. The truck isn’t anything to write home about though 😂

[jessicamcconnell]

Tons of these trucks are still on the road, unlike most vehicles of the same year

[DasMoose]

Overrated?

Sorry man, I've owned a lot of the others, and had to drive the rest in my industry.

I own a Cummins because of their reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance compared to a V8 motor.

You're inclined to feel the way you do, but I'll stick with my Cummins, and I don't care what it's in....a native Dodge, a Ford or even a GM, I make similar power, get better MPG's and don't have all the extra crap.

Ford's haven't been good since the 7.3
GM's Duramax is great until it breaks, then you find other issues digging in to fix the one.

I've pretty well accepted the issues of my Dodge as acceptable considering how much down time I do not have.

[HowardJrFord]

This kid probably never changed a spark plug in a lawnmower .

[matthewmccarter]

I have an 89 d250 with the automatic tranny. The truck was owned by Cummins and used at thier plant in charleston sc for landscaping. When the company I worked for bought the site they.sold me the truck for 100 bucks just to get rid of it. I've been driving it daily for over 15yrs and it hasn't missed a beat. Love my beat up old truck❤

[jimmydavis]

In 1989 the 5.9 BT was the highest tech engine available for three quarter and one ton trucks. The biggest problem with early Dodges was the rusting out of the cab....particularly the roof area. Mechanically the 5.9 is nearly indestructible....but they will commit suicide ( KDP syndrome). I've operated 12 v and 24 v and I have had almost no trouble other than the 47RE transmission slipping in 2nd under high load.