Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12 tappet cover on a 24v

[leathermaneod]

Hi all,
anyone know if a 12v tappet cover will work on a 24v motor? will all the holes line up and will i be able to mount the ECM? I want the 12v for the extra vent. I recently had my blowby tested by a shop that uses a gauge to do this. They take the truck to max boost and then read the gauge. Anyway max boost for me is over 35 psi because my waste gate is either plugged or seized shut. The tappet cover gasket blew out during the test so when changing it id like to add a vent to prevent this in the future. I know they make a kit to relocate the breather but dodge wants $700 and i don't know where else to get it. So, Im wondering if i can just use a 12v tappet cover and have 2 vents? If so anyone have the part number for a 12v tappet or a 12v ESN so i can look it up?

Thanks!!

 

[JR]

What was the gauge reading before the gasket blew?

One of two things likely happened. Either your gasket was on its last leg and just happened to blow out while they were performing the test (which they have a tendency to do, as they age they become brittle) or you've got excessive blow by.

 

[mwilson]

Here is the ESN for my '97 12 valve.

56311998

 

[leathermaneod]

The guage was reading 4-5 and they told me 12 is the number at which to rebuild the engine. My guess is that it blew out because my turbo was making too much boost and the guage was restricting the crank vent.

 

[leathermaneod]

Thanks greatly appreciate it!

 

[leathermaneod]

Also, the gasket was new just replaced.

 

[JR]

You blew a brand new gasket out?

What is the reason you were doing the blow by test? Any symptoms or other problems?

I'm not familiar with the method of test your speaking of. The only test I've seen tees into the CCV and measure the gases coming out of the engine at certain RPMs. It is a non invasive test and should not blow a new gasket .

 

[leathermaneod]

You blew a brand new gasket out?

What is the reason you were doing the blow by test? Any symptoms or other problems?

I'm not familiar with the method of test your speaking of. The only test I've seen tees into the CCV and measure the gases coming out of the engine at certain RPMs. It is a non invasive test and should not blow a new gasket .

Yes a brand new gasket blew out....I had the test performed because I had what I was worried was excessive gasses coming out of the blow your tube after having it extended down by the axle. I have not seen this test done....all I know is that they attach a gauge to the blow by tube in such a way that it can be seen while driving and so measured at max boost. It has a hole for air to escape just like a traditional manometer test. My best guess as to why it blew the gasket is because for me max boost is over 35 psi because my waste gate is stuck closed. I'm not sure how much because my boost gauge only goes to 35. With the gauge connected and the blow by tube restricted and over 35 psi of boost I think it was too much for the restricted blow by tube to vent. Now my dilemma is do I put on a tapped cover with a vent? Or will I be fine just like the PO who used the truck hard as long as I don't do another blow by test or restrict the breather?

 

[Bob4x4]

The blowby test must be done under load (dyno) to be accurate.A fixed oriface is also used.Here is an example of the chart

Blowby** (at Given Speed, 100% Load)
Engine New (L/Min.) Worn (L/Min)
4B @ 2200 18 36
4B @ 2500 20 40
4B @ 2800 23 46
4BT/4BTA/B3.9 @ 2200 45 90
4BT/4BTA/B3.9 @ 2500 51 102
4BT/4BTA/B3.9 @ 2800 57 114

6B @ 2200 26 52
6B @ 2500 30 60
6B @ 2800 34 68
6BT/6BTA/B5.9 @ 2200 63 126
6BT/6BTA/B5.9 @ 2500 76 152
6BT/6BTA/B5.9 @ 2800 85 170
**Blowby Checking tool, Part No. 3822476, has a special 5.613 mm [0.221 in.] orifice that bust be used to get an accurate reading.

 

[JR]

All engines have some blow by (look at Bobs test numbers above with a new engine). Seeing some gasses venting out of the CCV (breather) are perfectly normal. Pushing oil out the breather or having to periodically add oil to the crank case are signs of excessive blow by. 35 psi is not too much for a healthy engine with normal blow by. Adding the 2nd breather would only be a band aid fix at best and mask the real problem. If you truly suspect a problem a compression test would be money better spent and give you a much better idea of the health of your engine. The manometer test is recognized by Cummins but i dont know what the numbers you posted for the results mean. That and the fact they blew a brand new gasket makes me think they didn't do something right.

What kind of air filter is on your truck? Improper filtration is probably one of the biggest contributors of excessive blow by.

 

[leathermaneod]

Wouldn't the truck be using oil if it had excessive blow by though? It doesn't use any... And it had a k&n when I bought it and I changed to a BHAF.

 

[JMcCoy]

If it's not burning oil and not blowing smoke, I would replace the gasket and drive it.