Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 97 D3500

[Demon Dodge]

I picked my 97 up in Texas Friday morning made a side trip to Kansas and then got home Sunday morning at 2am. I put 2200 miles on it. I think my 92 will see less time on the road now. The 97 is quieter no wind noise rides smoother turns sharper shifts easier. However about 600 miles into trip the crank seal decided to leak and I ran 2 gals of oil through it in 1600 miles.

Changing the seal is not that big of a job, but I was wondering what other things I should look at while I have it apart. I saw a post about fuel lines has anyone replaced them with braided line? Sorry this post is so long it must be jet lag. Wish I had the shop done so I could work in there.

Thanks Rod

 

[DSiemens]

If it is the front crank seal is leaking..... while the cover is off... Tab the KDP.

 

[Demon Dodge]

The jig is already on its way. I just thought of another question. The engine temp flucuated a lot ( the ambient temp was high 20's low 30's) is there a better thermostat since I am going to flush all the trucks fluids I could change the thermostst also.

Thanks Guys,

Rod

 

[dalton4]

The active temp gauge is a normal thing. Mine has been doing it since day one. It now has 106k miles. Some members have posted about an updated thermostat that will give a steady reading.



Jerry

 

[Boomer II]

I've got the same thing with the temp gauge, it's all over the place.

 

[Extreme1]

The temp guage fluctuation is normal, don't worry about it. The NAPA replacement is apparenly pretty steady and lets the engine warm up to the right temp.



After some rudementary math, you were leaking 1 quart of oil every 200 miles. My front seal was leaking for way over 100,00 miles (lips were GONE) and it got down to about 1,800 miles per quart before I replaced it. I suspect the Killer Dowel Pin, I hope I'm wrong.



As for the jig, since you will have the cover off to replace the seal, you can make a tab and install it under a new (longer) case bolt. You really don't need the jig...

 

[Demon Dodge]

The front of the engine is dry all the oil appears to be coming out of and around the bell housing. I ran it pretty hard coming home got up against the gov a couple of times in 5th.

 

[illflem]

Braided fuel lines are not really necessary, no one will ever see them. Marine grade diesel rated hose will work just as well if not better for a fraction of the cost.

 

[Extreme1]

Ahh... Rear main seal. Not as "fun" to change. Dowl pin kit required for KDP.



I was thinking front...

 

[scramblin]

Demon Dodge,

When are you going to do the KDP? If i am in the area I would like to see how its done.

 

[Demon Dodge]

I have done 2 of these already it is really simple. When I get the jig I will let you know we could do yours too.

rod

 

[scramblin]

Thanks

 

[ewcmr2]

I was going to tab my '96... But if the jig is going to be in the area??



Eric

 

[Demon Dodge]

I'm still waiting for the jig. I'll post here when I get it.

 

[ewcmr2]

Cool! Thanks



Eric