Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) cost of dowel pin preventative measures

[mainer]

First let me apologize for asking a question that's probably been discussed here previously. What would I expect to pay a shop to make sure that the dowel pin in my '96 CTD doesn't ruin my day someday? The locktite solution provided by Chrysler looks pretty shaky to me. I can't see how just lathering locktite around the pin is a very reassuring solution. Thanks very much.

 

[bmoeller]

If you can do the work, https://secure.tstproducts.com/acatalog/TST_s_Products_1994_1998_12_Valve_Items_15.html has a KDP kit to put a tab over it. Comes with some other needed things. Around $50.



To have someone else do it, I think others have said it is around $200 including labor.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Better r&r, clean, loctite the bolts too.

 

[SRehberg]

I did the jig method awhile back, but noticed in the last issue of the TDR magazine, the bolts that hold the cam gear case to the block can work out causing damage. How often does this occur? I sure hate to have to tear into the engine, as I have to hire it out due to health issues. The use of the jig then is just a moot point if you still have to go internal to fix these bolts. There must be a lot of us running around with a false sense of security.

 

[LDPetersen]

I did mine about 9 months ago. My son in law did most of it, only 2 days after I had knee surgery so I was not much help. It took about 2 hours. Dowel pin was half way out and several bolts were loose. I would not take a chance on only doing the jig repair. The bolts were very loose in mine. Just my opinion.





95' ext. cab SLT 4x4 auto tst#6 BD transmission mag hy-tech. kdp caught just in time.

 

[SRehberg]

Do you have to take the radiator out as well? I guess it's just a little discouraging always having to put some fire out with this thing. It's good to know about them so we can be proactive, but it comes down to the original mfg. cutting corners to save a few cents per engine.



2hrs doesn't sound all that bad, so I guess I'll have to see what diesel shop I can take it to for the fix. I imagine it is just applying the appropriate Locktite after cleaning the threads?

I haven't had real good luck with hiring things out, so it makes me apprehensive on the quality of work that is out there. I know there are alot of good mechanics, but the ones who do less than great work are the ones who make it Russian roulette.



Then it involves replacing the crank seal etc. ?

 

[DSiemens]

The rad does not have to come out. Pull the fan and fan shroud out as one unit.

 

[SRehberg]

I appreciate the information, I'm going to see if my son would be interested in helping me with this one. I sure don't want to be on the road somewhere and have one of these bolts decide to ruin it for me!



What is the failure rate of these bolts; i. e. I know they are loose, but has anyone actually had a failure such as the dowel pin causes?

 

[CTait]

I have called two of the local shops to ask the price of taking care of the KDP. The first place said that they rarely fix one before the fact but have repaired as many as ten a month that have had the pin come out. He wouldn't tell me how he fixes it but when I asked him if he uses the tab method, he said that way was not any good. He said he charges 250. 00 for the method he uses. I found out from a friend that used to work for him that he uses the jig fix. The second shop said that they have never had anyone want to fix the KDP before it falls out. ( This shop advertises in the TDR register. Evidently they do not read any of the content. ) They also said that they average two trucks a month that have had the pin fall out. They would not give me a price up front and would only quote me their shop labor rate. I get the feeling that there is alot more money to be made after the fact than preventive so they both tried to down play the chances of the pin falling out. I am glad I found out their attitudes about the KDP because it will surely be a factor in where I will shop when the bombing begins.