REBUILD KIT SUGGESTIONS

Mahle makes the OEM pistons. Their names right on them, along with the DD logo. Like I said, I used the FP Kit, though I wanted the Mahle, but they were in the process of buying Clevite bearing in January, and we’re back logged, so I got the FP Kit. I’m actually glad I did. It’s a great kit, and a good price. Includes bearings. Kit was a total of $800 less than DD through Freightliner, including the $300 DD charges for bearings. No core deposits. Detroit wants the cores, so they can study the old bearings, heads, whether they’re DD, or aftermarket.They all good kits. Good piston technology. Quality control, etc. Been around forever. I’m in SE Mi. One thing I’ve learned is that parts are parts. That is most vehicles use parts made by the same suppliers. Despite common beliefs, modern quality is very good. What’s a risk, is Chinese imitations, counterfeit parts. Apparently a problem for Truck parts too. Timken bearings, had a problem with counterfeit parts a while back. The aftermarket is so big. The major suppliers have quality parts. That’s the facts. Not just perception. I’ve also heard Interstate Mcbee, and IBD are good. I’ve heard a lot of opinions, but you have to look at the facts. Do some research, don’t rely on my opinion either.

 

I just did mine in January with the FP Kit, from M&D distributers. I’ve only got 25k on it so far. I used a DD reman head. Because of the problems I’ve heard about aftermarket heads.I used DD reliabilt injectors, new old stock. Got 6 for $900. Also did the bull gear, DD reman. I contemplated a new oil pump, and rockers. But used mine, since they were still good. I’m very happy, so far. It hasn’t slobbered any oil, through the rings, and they’re already starting to seat in, I can tell by my fuel economy. My last inframe, with all DD parts, blew oil out of the stacks, for about 1000 miles. So I’d say, the cylinders, pistons, and rings with the FP Kit are good. They’re coated, and engineered for cooling, blah blah blah, you’ll have to read all about it, on the FP Diesel website. Same with Mahle. They’re not junk manufacturers. Latest technologies, top notch.

 

No problem, it’s doing well, I do have a sputter, after prolonged idling, but it’s related to air in fuel line, had the check valve go bad, changed it out. Both common problems, unrelated to the overhaul.

 

Well, I got the FP, so that’s my advice. I definitely recommend it. I originally preferred the Mahle, because of their piston technology. and they’re a German company. And because they make the OEM pistons. But I’ve since heard they’re made in China. Don’t really know, but I see they do have plants in China. The FP Diesel kit is made in USA. for sure. And Federal Mogul, is a Major Manufacturer, has been around for years. So those are my thoughts. I found the FP Kit, while looking for the Mahle Kit. They also claim a superior piston design. And it’s $200-$300 less than the Mahle Kit. I had a lot of extra work done, at the time, and it all adds up. I did a lot of parts chasing, in a short time. But so far it’s paid off. I made the mistake of getting my last Truck Inframed at a Freightliner Dealer. The cost was about double, than it was this time. That was 11 yrs ago. Live and Learn.

 

Here’s the kit I used. There’s 2 or 3 different kits, Depending on which pistons you have. But this kit is the 16.5 :1 kit. I’m pretty sure it will work in any 12.7.