HELP, What to do???

[wrichards]

Well tonight I learned that you get what you pay for. I purchased a used 1998 12 valve 3500 2wd, drw, thought I practically stole it. When I bought the truck I knew that the front suspension and oil pan were replaced from an accident and that it was leaking some oil, I thought from the oil pan. Well today My mechanic for big jobs (to me such as replacing the pan) told me it was the timing case cover and that that would require removing case, gears, cam etc. Mechanic suggested I take to dealer and get opinion. Leak is from rear of cover where it meets the block at about 5 oclock position.



Question 1: Should I keep the truck or let someone else inherit the problems.



Question 2: Have any of you ever had the front case cover off, for KDP Etc. how much $ and are you happy you fixed it or having chronic problems now.



Question 3: What could cause a leak at this location, could something else bad under the cover? (my guess is accident)



Question 4: If I have it fixed will front end of motor be solid and reliable.



Sorry for the long post but this may be the difference between me owning a Cummins or not. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Joe Mc]

I'm not an expert, but I too inherited a few things when I purchased mine (used see signature). So for what it's worth, if it were mine and I really wanted to know what it needed and how much. I locate a Cummins shop don't be scared their labor rates are high but they know what they are doing, which most times can be cheaper in the long run. At least they should be able to tell you what it needs (in under an hour) and how much and how long it will take them to do it (CORRECTLY). Then you can make up you mind. No offense intended to your mechanic but these Cummins Techs are usually on top of these (in their minds little engines).



You say got the truck for a song, spend a little now and see what it needs - to make you happy?



Let us know the how you make out.

 

[wrichards]

I am going to do that tommorrow, my mechanic told me to, he said they would be able to do better job than him, and I appreciate his honesty. Thanks for the reply.

 

[DennyDay]

stole truck

If you really stole truck you should probably put some $$ in it and you will know what you have when you are done. Your mech. is correct about taking it to Cummins, you wont have to wait for parts, and they will fix it right! The body shop probably didn't touch the engine, unless the cover is new, you should be able to see iof the cover was hit hard. Most of what is behind the cover is tough, and if gears are damaged i'd look at motor mounts and trans mount. I really don't think you will find any serious problems like a damaged crank or cam. Gear for fuel pump drive maybe but not much else. I the previous owner had a wreck, you know the ins. co. took the cheap way out, and you should hit a home run. Shure would like to know how you made out, let me know!



Denny

 

[Joe G.]

wrichards,



If your KDP has done it's deed this site shows you where to look for the leak it causes and shows what has to be done to fix it:



http://www.flex.net/~triplem/new/dowelpin.htm

 

[wrichards]

I am going to call someone I know through a friend at a Cummins shop today. Will let you know how things go. thanks for the replies. Oh yeah is 10,000 for a 1998 12 valve w 48k good deal maybe I'm glamorizing it a bit.

 

[JR2]

Considering that I have a buddy that just bought a 98 12v dually with 34 k on it for 26K I think you got a good deal. You could put a new engine in it and still have a good deal.



Good luck getting it all fixed up.