Melted a Piston Lately?
Posted by Diesel Power Source on Feb 15, 2016
On the 2003-2007 Dodge Cummins common rail there are a large number of pistons "sticking" or failing. This is especially the case on 2004.5-2007 years. One main reason for the engine failures: Common rail engines have a different exhaust manifold than the older style engines, and they have a significant flaw, in exhaust flow, on the back three cylinders, especially cylinders 4 and 5. If you look at the stock exhaust manifold cylinders 4 and 5 actually blow directly into each other. When a pyrometer probe is placed in each cylinder, cylinders 4 and 5 run approximately 200 degrees hotter than the front 3 cylinders, and cylinder 6 runs over 100 degrees hotter than the front three. So if your pyro probe is in the collector, chances are cylinders 4, 5 and 6 could be as much as 200 degrees hotter than your probe is reading. So if you read 1500 degrees, you're actually at 1700 degrees on those hotter cylinders, resulting in premature piston and engine failure. In many cases the piston (which is aluminum) expands so much in the cylinder, that it actually wedges itself in the cylinder, resulting in the piston material rubbing off onto the cylinder walls, what mechanics call a "stuck piston".
Solution: Diesel Power Source's, 2-Piece Manifold, reduces EGT's in the rear three cylinder by 150-200 degrees, due to a better flowing design. Our manifold flows much better in the rear three cylinders than the stock manifold does, as well as flowing better in the front three cylinders. EGT reduction in front cylinders of 30-60 degrees, and the rear cylinder of 150-200 degrees makes the temperatures in the cylinders much more balanced, and cooler overall. This could literally save the life of your engine.
With only a $399 price-tag, it could save you an engine rebuild, and have a crack-proof manifold. Not a bad investment.