2003 Dodge Ram Trucks Heavy Duty 2500 & 3500

Dodge Ram Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel

Dec. 01, 2002 By ORC STAFF
2003 Dodge Ram Trucks
2003 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY 2500/3500 CHASSIS

24 Valves. No Waiting. Let's talk real power. At a rating of 245 horsepower (with the 6-speed manual transmission), or 235 hp for automatics, the 2001 Dodge Ram with the Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel has the kind of muscle you need to power past traffic on the interstate. And with 505 lb-ft of peak torque, from 1600 rpm all the way to 2300 rpm with the 6-speed manual transmission, you've got the kind of brute strength and low-end torque that can yank a fully-loaded trailer out of the muck.

Let's talk durability, dependability and reliability. With an average life-to-overhaul of 400,000 miles*, the 24-Valve Turbo Diesel doesn't have to sacrifice anything to give you the performance and durability you depend on. In fact, this engine is backed by the same 5-year/100,000-mile warranty you've come to expect (warranty handled through your Dodge Dealer).

Dodge Ram has always been a leader in fuel economy, and we're working to make it even better. We didn't stop with the horsepower and torque - the maintenance intervals are longer too! Now you can run up to 15,000 miles between fuel filter changes and 7,500 miles before replacing the oil filter. The engine meets every 2000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resource Board (CARB) emissions standard without a catalyst or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

How did we make all these improvements? First, the Bosch VP44 electronic fuel pump that uses a Cummins-developed electronic timing and fueling control to rev up power and performance and eliminate acceleration smoke! There's four valves per cylinder. The 24-valve cylinder head increases engine airflow, improving low-speed performance. The head also features vertical and centered fuel injectors, boosting combustion efficiency, cleanliness and fuel economy. Next, we serve up electronic technology designed to give you the information you need to keep your engine running smooth.

From advanced diagnostics to complete power train monitoring systems - Cummins electronics are your key to engine protection and solid, day-to-day performance! The power is extended to 3200 rpm. Now, you get peak torque from 1600 to 2700 rpm, allowing you to use it over a wide range of operating conditions. You owe yourself a closer look at the features Cummins offers you - powerful advantages brought to you by the established market leader.

A wider torque range than competitive diesels lets the Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel continue to deliver hardworking high and low end torque while others "peak out" on a chart - and on the road.

Standard Features

This new 24-Valve Turbo Diesel's impressive power and performance are the result of these product features:

24-Valve Cylinder Head: Two extra valves per cylinder produce improved air and coolant flow, more torque over a wider range and improved fuel economy with reduced emissions.

Cylinder Block Design: Improved block gives maximum strength and durability with reduced noise. The water pump, oil pump, cooler housings and coolant bypass are all integrated to eliminate potential leak points. Average engine life-to-overhaul is still a remarkable 400,000 miles*.

Full-Authority Electronic Fuel System: Benefits of this system are engine/vehicle diagnostics, improved engine control, driving performance and engine cleanliness. This new system even automatically senses when there's water in your fuel.

Bosch VP44 Electronic Fuel Injection Pump: Precise, instant control provided by higher injection pressures, electronic-controlled timing and fueling. The pump is driven at half the engine speed by the front gear train to reduce operating noise.

Direct Injection: 100 percent of fuel is used to provide power, eliminating prechamber ignition used in indirect injection systems. This design also provides better heat efficiency, lowering internal heat stresses.

Engine-Matched Holset Turbocharger: Custom-designed for high-speed ratings and wastegated for improved engine performance at all speeds.

Valve Train: Wider lobes can be found on the tappet face and cam, with longer push tubes. To reduce camshaft wear, an electric lift pump eliminates the need for a mechanical lift pump lobe. The standard valve springs are compatible with engine braking.

Single-Piece Valve Cover: This improved cover allows faster access and easier servicing.

Piston Design: Symmetrical combustion bowl (combined with vertical-centered injector and higher injector pressures) delivers improved power, fuel efficiency and oil control.

Vertically-Housed Thermostat: In-cab heating is improved by fewer
leak paths and easier serviceability.

Fuel Filter: The water separator is fully-integrated, along with a water-in-fuel sensor. An environmentally friendly cartridge is rated at five microns, an improvement of five times the current filtration level!

No-Adjust Overhead: Reduces scheduled maintenance with improved lubrication and its first check at 150,000 miles.

Integrated Air Intake Grid Heater: White smoke is eliminated and cold-starting is improved.

Self-Tensioning Belt-Drive: Maintenance-free design means more reliability and durability.

Cast-Iron Deep-Skirt Block: Design extends below the crankshaft for extra rigidity, which contributes to improved reliability and durability.

Design Simplicity: In-line six-cylinder engine design has 40% fewer parts than a comparable V-8 diesel, improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

Forged I-Beam Connecting Rods: Improved design helps the rods handle strong low-rpm torque.

Pressure Point Oil-Feed Lubrication System: This system assures continuous flow to all wear surfaces.

Intercooler: Combustion efficiency is improved by providing cool turbocharged air to the engine.

Ratings

24-VALVE TURBO DIESEL - 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Peak Torque
505 lb-ft (from 1600 to 2300 rpm)

Advertised Power
245 hp @ 2700 rpm

Governed Speed
3200 rpm


24-VALVE TURBO DIESEL - AUTOMATIC & 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION

Peak Torque
460 lb-ft (from 1600 to 2700 rpm)

Advertised Power
235 hp @ 2700 rpm

Governed Speed
3200 rpm


24-VALVE TURBO DIESEL - GENERAL ENGINE DATA

Type
4-cycle in-line 6-cylinder

Aspiration
Turbocharged, charge air cooled

Bore & Stroke
4.02 in x 4.72 in (102 in x 120 mm)

Displacement
359 in3 (5.88 liter)

Compression Ratio
16:3:1

Firing Order
1-5-3-6-2-4

Oil Pan Capacity
2.5 US gal (9.46 liter)

 
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