Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help with install

[Wyatt 1]

Guys as you can see by my sig I have some parts on order, and the order of installation is what I am needing help with. Is there a sequence to installing these parts that would make it easier, or does it matter. I have the head off already getting some work done as we speak, this might sound stupid but I have never worked on a cummins before, first time, I have worked on cars and trucks my whole life but not diesel, my father in law is a cummins tech for a dealer and will be helping me and is very knowledgable but I dont know if he has installed the trick stuff or if there is that much difference between them, just getting anxiuos and trying to gather info, thanks for all your help

 

[Jefff929]

imo gauges first Oo.

 

[Wyatt 1]

received guages about two days ago, they will be installed ASAP,

 

[RacinDuallie]

Guys as you can see by my sig I have some parts on order, and the order of installation is what I am needing help with. Is there a sequence to installing these parts that would make it easier, or does it matter. I have the head off already getting some work done as we speak, this might sound stupid but I have never worked on a cummins before, first time, I have worked on cars and trucks my whole life but not diesel, my father in law is a cummins tech for a dealer and will be helping me and is very knowledgable but I dont know if he has installed the trick stuff or if there is that much difference between them, just getting anxiuos and trying to gather info, thanks for all your help

Wyatt 1,

Relax, you have motor working skills- so you'll be fine, but truthfully- it sounds like you better be nice to the in-laws . It also sounds like you'll have a nice ride when the two of you get done... ... ... ...

 

[Wyatt 1]

Thanks I appreciate the kind words, and I guess with the replies it really doesnt matter the order for the install but I was unsure and really want a smooth install, any tricks for the install of the cam? Father in law has done this before so that is a plus, he pretty slick when it comes to the Cummins, thanks

 

[PC12Driver]

The cam is easier than you'd expect. The hard part for me was getting the gear back on the new cam. I tried the "bake the gear in the oven" trick and it didn't drop on like I was led to believe it would (guess they're all a bit different). I ended up taking it back to the machine shop that pressed it off in the first place and spent another $6 to have them put it back on the new one (much quicker).



I made my own kit to hold up the tappets (dowel rods, rubber bands, and a PVC pipe cut in half length-wise just in case one dropped while the cam was out). I did not replace my tappets, per Van Haisley's advice. He said that at my mileage, providing the cam looked good, I didn't have to replace them. That was fine with me, since I didn't want to risk dropping one in the pan.



Misc stuff: While removing/installing the cam, the only soft cam bearing in the block that you really need to watch is the front one, since that's the only one. Of course the radiator, intercooler, and bumper will need to be removed, but the A/C condensor can just be swung to the side. And stuff a rag into the bottom of the front gear case so you don't drop one of the bolts for the cam retainer plate into the pan.



Enjoy the mods!

 

[Wyatt 1]

Thanks for the info, I was told I would have to remove the AC therefor having to recover and recharge the system, this helps. The little bits of info like the rag trick and the homemade tappet chopsticks those are the tips that are really helpful, I appreciate it

 

[RJPotts]

I wish I had the money to do all that at once, I'm jealous.

Otherwise, no real order in which things need to go on.

If I had to give an order for ease of installation I'd say...

gauges, head, cam, turbos, the rest is up to you.

Keep us posted.

-R. J.

 

[Wyatt 1]

I wish I had the money to do all that at once, I'm jealous.

-R. J.

I have a good job that I have been at for two years, no kids and understanding wife, I aint gonna lie things are good now. Iwas thinking the same way R. J. just seems like it would flow that way you know. I dont want to seem like I am rubbing it in or anything just really excited, GOT THE TWINS YESTERDAY!!! Oo. Oh yeah the cluthch and fly wheel to!! I will let you know how it goes, thanks Henry,