Dowel Pin Question

[DMC]

Has anyone determined which Rams are more likely to have the dowel pin problem? Is it isolated to any batch of vin numbers, engine numbers or assembly plant? Does it have a noted history of number of miles before it falls into harms way? I know there's been alot of talk about this, so much that I'm beginning to worry. I bought my truck used and I'm starting to think I should pull the plate off to check it out.

Thanks Again

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D McGrady 1996 Club Cab 6BTA 5. 9 12 Valve All Stock Except K&N and Wrangler A/T 305/70/16 136 K and going strong.

 

[Joe G.]

As far as I know there is no way to tell which is more prone to the problem. It may fall out under warranty or wait until over 200K. Cummins should take care of it, but they are not.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,DTT TC/VB,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by Joe G. :
As far as I know there is no way to tell which is more prone to the problem. It may fall out under warranty or wait until over 200K. Cummins should take care of it, but they are not.

Dont hold your breath waiting for Dodge or Cummings to give you an honest answere. Fix it your self and get peace of mind. Going to inspect mine soon.

 

[MikeR]

I haven't looked at my '95 yet,but can I just remove this dowel pin? I don't use it to to set my valves,so I'd rather eliminate it. If not,then I'll do the mod when the jig makes its way to our next NW BOMBers meeting.

-Mike

 

[Joe G.]

Mike,

That is NOT the pin in question! The timing pin is made of plastic and just can't do the damage that the dowel pin can do. This pin hardened steel and is in the block to the passenger's side of the fan. It is used to locate the gear case on the block. If this pin falls out it falls into the gears in the gear case. It may tear up very expensive things or just cause a BAD oil leak. Even if that's all it does it costs an arm and a leg to get it fixed. BIG arm and BIG leg!

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,DTT TC/VB,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[illflem]

Even more than a big arm and leg most folks will have to have the dealer do the work which usually results in other things getting screwed up in the process, AC leaks, timing off,crooked bumper the list goes on. Not to mention getting stranded in the middle of nowhere on your vacation. Best to do one of the do it yourself fixes on your own before it happens.

 

[MikeR]

Ahh,okay. Guess it would help if I paid attention to what I was reading.

-Mike