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.

 

[illflem]

I could be as simple as one of the bolts holding the rear part of the cover backing out. Or the case could be cracked from a loose KDP or the accident. If the case needs to be replaced figure around $1500, mostly labor because the front of the truck needs to be removed. The part that cracks isn't the cover, but rear part of the case, the gears and cam must be removed to replace the case. Hard to say without looking if the gears are damaged. The repair should hold up with no other side effects.

 

[Don M]

Where do you live, R U close to Dallas or Houston?



Don~

 

[Cummins Corvette]

If I was in your shoes, and wanted to fix it, I would get the thing to a Diesel Dynamics shop and have them put one of their cams it it. My opinion is: if you're going to replace something, replace it with something better. Seriously, you are going to pay almost as much to just get the thing fixed with the stock cam put back in. Just something to think about.

 

[wrichards]

I have found a friend who know a manager at a Cummins shop in NYC near where I live so I will let you know what he says. What will a different cam do for me? I got the truck for $10000 with 48k but the accident looming over me so I think I am willing to spend another 1500 at least to make it right.

 

[wrichards]

update

Well I finally got the truck back today. $1400. 00 and new gaskets, KDP fixed, no more leak. I spoke with the mechanic who did the job and he told me that he did not have to pull the cam to get the gear case off. The Cummins shop has a puller to pull the gear off with. Than they heat it up to put it back on. They than put it back together, adjusted the valves and timed the pump, everything o. k. without having to take the front of the truck off. What do you guys think? Heating a good/bad thing?

 

[LarryB]

I think you're finished, good job, nice price on the truck. From what I have been reading, that method of case R&R is the way most are doing it now.

 

[wrichards]

Oh yeah, the Cummis shop says they work on hundreds of B-series in gen sets and marine applications. Mechanic says that this gasket failure is common. Thought I would pass that on.

 

[Deezul1]

I talked to the mechanic foreman at the local Cummins shop and he told me they remove the gear just like yours did so it seems its a good fix

 

[Extreme1]

Stupid question: Why wasn't that covered by the warrantee?



(Ignorant warrantee-less question asker)

 

[wrichards]

The warranty for some reason is voided. When the vin is run all that returns to the computer is "no warranty". Anybody got ideas why?? I figured it was because of the accident. The oil pan was replaced by a non Cummins shop because they use RTV sealant.

 

[RON'S RAM]

I think you should pursue the warranty issue, with that low a mileage. Keep going higher till you get results. If someone tells you they won't warranty it, have them put it in writing and move on. Was the case cracked, or just a bad gasket?

You can get all the proof you need about the kdp problem right here on this site. Good luck. Ron...

 

[pathaymond]

My 98 had the same exact problem at about 36k miles the dealer fixed it no questions asked had the thing tore to pieces and actually showed me the Gasket it seems when installed the gasket was not in the proper place which left alot of gasket outside the sealing area and over time theres a nasty leak. I have to compliment my dealer for there efforts to fix my problem for no charge at all even did a oil change fuel filter no charge. No problem since I would pursue the warranty issue for sure. Just my two cents good luck Patrick

 

[wrichards]

The Cummins shop said they have seen alot of leaks at that 5 oclock position. The gasket they used to replace it is noticibly thicker. Maybe new part #? Anyway I should have pursued the warranty but due to the fact it was in an accident I thought I would'nt be able to. Thanks for the info on this I hope the truck serves me well for the next 100,000 or so!

 

[pathaymond]

That truck will be just broken in nice at that time I had a 93 cummins it was in the 545k range when I sold it I kept it maintained and never ever turned a wrench to the engine other than valve adjust and oil fuel filters Oh new valve cover gaskets thats it and that sucker was still running strong when I let it go never burnt oil never was real black either these cummins engine im my opinion are the finest available for our use despite the problems we may experience I would never have any other engine again cummins rules period. . lets see a flower poke give that kind of service!!! Patrick

 

[wrichards]

Sounds great!! I'm just skeptical because I have'nt driven it much yet. As soon as the next 25,000 hit the clock I am sure it will be the most reliable truck I have owned.

 

[pathaymond]

Keep the faith friend these machines are the best I know of. Good luck Patrick