Perkins Diesel

[Ray]

What is the difference between a 2.2 Perkins Diesel and a Mit. 2.3 Diesel, did Dodge put them in the same Model trucks?

[4D55 Performance Inc]

The difference is about 30hp and 50ft lbs of torque. The only thing the two engines have in common is they both run on diesel fuel. The Mitsubishi "4D55" has been so successful it it still being produced to this day in foriegn markets. The 2.2 Perkins "4.135" was obsolete and discontinued over 25 years ago. Unlike other small diesels of the 80's like the Isuzu "C223T" and the Toyota "2L-T, the Mitsubishi 4D55 was built to be a turbocharged engine. Other manufacturers just added turbos to there non turbo engines. The Mitsu produced 13psi of boost in stock form. I know know if you try to turbocharge the Perkins 2.2 diesel, you can only push 4-5 psi. Anything past 4-5psi and you will start blowing valves. I know when Isuzu upgraded there C223 to the C223T Turbo engine, the engines were snapping rods in stock configuration. When Toyota upgraded there 2L to the 2L-T Turbo charged engine, the 2L-T start blowing heads.

The 4D55 did suffer from head issues on the 1983 model year, but nothing like it's competitors. The head was redesigned and the engine has become very reliable as long as it is proberly maintained. Of the 11 small diesels that came in compact trucks during the 80's the 4D55 was by far the best turbo diesel engine. The best non turbo engine was the Nissan SD25.

[Ray]

Did Dodge ever use the Perkins Diesel in Ram 50 truck?

[sassafrass]

Ray,

no dodge did not use perkins diesel, probably because dodge did not build them.

tom

[pennyman1]

The Dodge Ram/D-50s are Mitsu trucks and used the same 4d55 motor

[4D55 Performance Inc]

The Perkins 4.135 diesel engine was only offered in the 83-84 Ford Ranger and the 82-85 Mazda B2200. Even over seas, Mazda switched to the 4d55/4d56 turbo diesel begining in 1986. Ford started using the 4d55 in all there foriegn and domestic Rangers starting in 1985. The Perkins 4.135 was used to compete against the naturally aspirated diesels of the early 80's. Once turbo diesels made their presence, natually aspirated diesels became obsolete. The turbo diesels got better fuel economy, made more power, provided equal performance at all altitudes and 0-60 times were cut in half. Here are the performance numbers from the 1983 model year for the Ranger and the Dodge Ram 50.

1983 Ford Ranger 2WD
Engine: Perkins 4.135
Displacement: 2.2L
Aspiration: Natural
0-60: 22.1 seconds
Combined MPG: 32.4

1983 Dodge Ram 50
Engine: Mitsubishi 4D55
Displacement: 2.3L
Aspiration: Turbocharged
0-60: 11.9
Combined MPG: 33.2

[Ray]

Can anyone tell me where the Dropping Resistor is located on a 1985 Ram Diesel? Thanks

[4D55 Performance Inc]

Can anyone tell me where the Dropping Resistor is located on a 1985 Ram Diesel? Thanks

It's located on top of the drivers side wheel well. It's a 2" x 4" rectangle with a K# printed on it.

[camoit]

If you ever need to rebuild a Perkins you had better go get a bank loan$$$$$$$$. A short block can you 3000

[4D55 Performance Inc]

I don't think the Perkins is a bad motor, in plain, it wasn't meant to be modified and it is very limited in its stock form. I should post my information I have collected on the 11 different 1980's diesel engines that were used in compact pickups.