buying an older used dodge diesel....advice?

[sisu]

Does anyone know what year they added that tank of secret fluid to get it to pass emmisions?  You know the one where you can't start the truck if the tank runs dry...

Was it '07? or '04?

I'd probably avoid that if possible...

He is talking about the urea aldehyde. I think it was required in all 09 or 2010 but not sure.

[6x6in6]

That's kinda what I thought he was refering to but was not sure.
At least through 2010's, Dodge's did not need urea to meet emissions standards.
I think 2011's do not either but I do believe it is coming in '12.

[MP123]

Yeah, that's it: Urea.

Sounds crazy but they inject it into the exhaust to cut down emmisions and the truck won't start without it.  I guess it might just be the really new ones that have it.  Another reason to get an older one  

[6x6in6]

That's kinda what I thought he was refering to but was not sure.
At least through 2010's, Dodge's did not need urea to meet emissions standards.
I think 2011's do not either but I do believe it is coming in '12.

Clarify..........
The 2500 and 3500 standard models do not.
The 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab and chassis models do have urea tanks beginning with the 2010 model years.

[jackelope]

That's kinda what I thought he was refering to but was not sure.
At least through 2010's, Dodge's did not need urea to meet emissions standards.
I think 2011's do not either but I do believe it is coming in '12.

thats spot on. I posted in a different thread that it was 2011, but I was wrong. For regular passenger light duty trucks, it will be 2012 for Dodge. For medium duty and larger trucks, 2011. I believe(I'm a Dodge guy so I might be wrong) that 2011 Chev and Ford diesels are using it.

[jackelope]

Yeah, that's it: Urea.

Sounds crazy but they inject it into the exhaust to cut down emmisions and the truck won't start without it.  I guess it might just be the really new ones that have it.  Another reason to get an older one  

It's expected that a tank will last an oil change interval and then some, so it'll need to be topped off at that oil change interval. No big deal IMO.
The truck will default and will not run if the tank goes dry but will not shut off while driving.
 

[Alchase]

The secret fluid "Urea" is a chemical compound found in urine,

It's expected that a tank will last an oil change interval and then some, so it'll need to be topped off at that oil change interval. No big deal IMO.
The truck will default and will not run if the tank goes dry but will not shut off while driving.
 

So the jiffy lube guy gets to pi$$ in my truck 

[6x6in6]

The secret fluid "Urea" is a chemical compound found in urine,

It's expected that a tank will last an oil change interval and then some, so it'll need to be topped off at that oil change interval. No big deal IMO.
The truck will default and will not run if the tank goes dry but will not shut off while driving.
 

So the jiffy lube guy gets to pi$$ in my truck 

Only if he drank Bud Light the night before since urea is about 33% water. 

[Special T]

I'm surprise no one asked WHY?? Why change? You want a camper or to tow a trailer or something?  Why a diesel?  Are you wanting to run bio fuel? is it gona be a lifted 4x4? purpose will determine what kind and vintage you should get... the 03 and newer are pretty good machines, but if you want to run home brew the common rail don't like it... the older trucks autos are fine if you are gona drive it like a car, even tho they are POS.. the older 5speed Sticks are ok UNLESS you pull heavy loads.. I spun the 5th gear off one tranny a 2000 i think, 5 times! the tranny is a 4 speed that they modified by replacing a nut with a gear.    So whats the purpose? in one of your previous posts you mentioned going back to school... I've had 5 different dodges and all have pros and cons... I currently have the mini semi of the groop 1 ton 2wd dually with the 6 speed stick... great mileage and can tow more than you legally should!  

[Special T]

6x6x6 funny you mention the water.. When i was in shop class in HS we build a water tank with a carb jet/hose attachment that hung over the throat of the barrels of the carb.. The vacuum of running the engine would draw small amounts of water into the engine... Water expands more than air fuel so that if you get the right amount of water flowing in you get more power and fuel economy...

[Rick]

 I believe(I'm a Dodge guy so I might be wrong) that 2011 Chev and Ford diesels are using it.

Thats correct.

The Fords have gained about 6mpg going to the 6.7 with urea vs. the 6.4

[6x6in6]

6x6x6 funny you mention the water.. When i was in shop class in HS we build a water tank with a carb jet/hose attachment that hung over the throat of the barrels of the carb.. The vacuum of running the engine would draw small amounts of water into the engine... Water expands more than air fuel so that if you get the right amount of water flowing in you get more power and fuel economy...

Add a little methanol to that water, and it gets even better in diesels.  Such as the windshield washer fluid that contains methanol injected with a multiple stage pump and jet system into the intake horn.
Kinda like a poor man's giggle gas.

[Woodchuck]

Also cools the charge so intake temps don't get too high

[6x6in6]

Yep!
Our aluminum pistons don't do so well with sustained heat in excess of 1300*.
Neither do the tips of the injectors.

[Woodchuck]

which is why everybody should run and egt gauge, hell should be stock equipped