Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12 v quad cab leaking oil at timing cover

[JLittle]

OK bought a one owner 12 v quad cab 4x4 for $2000 thats leaking oil bad at front cover, trucks owner had it fixed 2 times and it always leaked oil there too so he said just sell it and I was the lucky man! anyway I took off radiator and timing cover off and see theres a small crack in housing on bottom where one of the bolts go thru that hold the outer cover, so ?s is wheres the dowell pin that I hear all the storys about? I dont see any pins on my cover or anywhere?? and 2nd what is envolved to replace the timing cover? a guy told me that engine would have to be pulled out to replace it? I thought of trying to get it welded on the outside first and see if I can buy some time until I replace that dude! any thoughts? im more worried about the dowell location than anything right now!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hi JLittle, this should help you ID the location of the killer dowel pin



Ram Diesel KDP retainer



If the timing housing has a significant crack JB weld probably isn't going to fix it for the long term. . . unfortunately it's probably best to replace it, and it is a bit of a job since you have to remove the injection pump and vacuum pump assembly.



Vaughn

 

[JLittle]

Well I just got it welded back up today and i hope it stops its leaking? atleast it wont leak like it did with a 1inch crack in it, anyway we will see.

 

[JGK]

Jlittle,



You don't have to pull the engine to replace the gear case, but it's still a big job. As Vaughn said, injection pump and vacuum/power steering pump come off, for starters. Add front bumper, radiator, intercooler, rocker arms, push rods, cam comes out, etc. plus all the related parts and those that are in the way of these.



When a friend and I did mine, we started on a Friday evening, worked all day Saturday and most of Sunday. Drove it home from his shop Sunday early evening though.



-Jay

 

[JLittle]

Hey thanks for the info, Ive read something about wooden dowels? I guess they are used to keep the lifters from falling out of the engine down into the oilpan maybe? anyway that might explain why one guy said to pull enigne out and lay on its side? anyway Im gonna try and run it with it welded until ater this winter when I got more time and ROOM LOL in my garage to change that cover out!

 

[Joe G.]

I hope you make without the gear case failing. There is a lot of weight and torque on it because of the P7100 pump. Others that have been repaired by welding have failed. Look here for how to fix it:

CumminsDatabase.com :: 12V Dowel Pin Repair

 

[JLittle]

my crack wasnt nothing like that pic at all, my was so fine of a crack that you could barely see it, and my pin didnt fall out either, it must of vibrated a crack there cos the rear pump support was gone off it. anyway the welding job should buy me time until I can replace the cover anyway later next month! I HOPE! LOL