How small is the DOWL PIN PROBLEM?

[mikepvg]

Hearsay on this site indicates that the dowl pin problem is quite widespread & random among the various years.
I think we should use the power the internet offers us & try to ascertain the extent of this defect.
Information is power & we have no quantifiable info on this.

According to an Email I just recieved from Cummins, this defect is so small it is not a problem:
"TSB information is supplied by Dodge and to our knowledge the percentage of engines that had dowel pin failures was so small that no TSB or recall was ever issued. You could contact Dodge for active TSB information. "
>
> Regards,
> Powermaster
> =============================================

Well?
Can we rally together & put some #'s on this thing?
I for one really would like to know whats going on here...

#ad

Mike

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94 2500HD 4X4 5sp w/GearVendors O. D. 4:10 L. S. D. , K&N Oval w/ Pre-Filter, Straight Exhaust, Geno's Fumotovalve, AW-Direct Idle Controller, DiPricol Boost/Pyro/Fuel w/ Kevlar BSS line, Mag-Hytec Rear, 126K miles. Halon Protected, NRA Member. V1=Anti-"pinch" protection.
Credit for my wise Cummins Diesel procurement must go to "Flash" (Quarter Horse/Appaloosa) & his 4 legged pals!

 

[SmokinCummins]

Sounds good to me, just look at how many people on here that have 12 valves have had this problem. I know two guys who aren't even on TDR and they have had the problem. I say we do it, they need to know!

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1994 2500 Regular Cab Longbed, 4x4 Red & Silver, Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, 2. 5" Skyjacker, tweaked afc & pump, BIG plate, HX35 w/16cm housing,no muffler or resonator, 16. 5x9. 75 Weld Rims, 33x12. 50 BFG Mud Terrians, 60 psi boost gauge, pryometer, J&J Stainless Steel rear 10" drop bumper w/backup lights, Westin pushbar, PIAA 90 Pro series lights, Weatherguard toolbox 27", Aluminum bed rails & tailgate protector, President Lincoln H. A. M. radio converted, 400 watt linear, Premier Pioneer stereo, *COMING SOON* 370 hp injectors,

 

[PROBE]

Just got my truck back from the dealers at the cost of $2,311! (This is after they tried to charge me for TWO housings and TWO gaskets. More than a $500 Whoops!)

We need to shake some cages here... I also have contacted Cummins and DC to no avail. I am going to write DC corporate next, just to get on record.

One thing we all should do, just to get on record, is to Email Cummins at Powermaster@Cummins.com to let them know THIS IS NO SMALL MATTER! (You too can receive the nice form leter explaining the regrets of our beloved Cummins manufacture. )

Later, Probe



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'94 RAM 2500 W/CUMMINS 5. 9... BANKS POWER PACK... K&N AIR FILTER... PRIMO OIL REFINER... AMSOIL SERIES 3000

 

[illflem]

Besides here on the TDR I've talked to one person who has had it happen and found one about to happen while using the dowel pin jig. Considering the number of non-TDR Dodge owners I've had contact with this equals a double digit percentage, way too much risk for the cost of the repair. Your odds in Las Vegas are better.

 

[bull1kevin]

This is a serious problem I had mine fixed under warranty but now I am having to go over every single nut and bolt the stupid dealership mechanic touched!!!

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97' 2500, 2x2, 5spd. tst#10,afc springkit,silencer ring & kitty missing, straight pipe

 

[mikepvg]

This is the letter I fired off to Cummins this morning:
<hr>
Excuse me? Is Cummins saying that this problem is so small it doesn't care?

First let me identify my position. The only reason I bought a Dodge truck is that it is the only manufacturer that offers a Cummins engine in a light duty truck. I've only been a Cummins owner for about a year & one half but in that time I've done a tremendous amount of reading & research regarding the Cummins engine. In that time I also have become a loyal & ardent Cummins follower. I have also come to greatly appreciate the fantastic parts support that I have experienced with Cummins Rocky Mountain. I prepared to purchase my next Cummins engine no matter what package it comes in. I believe Cummins is the premier engine manufacturer in the world & their diesel technology has a bright & exciting future, even in the EPA regulated one. I have been persuading all of my friends & acquaintances to purchase the mighty Cummins power plant in favor of all other diesel engine manufacturers.

Now, when I found out about the dowl pin design defect causing thousands of dollars damage on certain Cummins engines & Cummins was not supporting their customers, I was in disbelief. Shocked even. Say it ain’t so? I am now embarrassed to have taken such a stance & fear this dowl pin problem might rear its ugly head on one of the people I have persuaded to buy a Cummins product. A design flaw of this nature (a pressed “fit for life” dowl pin that just happens to fall out) should never happen, period. And if it does the manufacturer should have the balls to admit it & support their loyal customers. I don’t care if it only happened to one customer, that’s one customer too many. I find it hard to believe that Cummins would risk its reputation, in this highly competitive industry, just for the sake of a few dollars when Cummins could easily remedy the problem at minimal cost. (i. e. how about a redesigned timing cover with bosses to block /support the dowl pin, reinstalled by the dealer or one sold at cost to the customer. Some kind of support, not the typical “lets sweep it under the rug attitude” displayed by American companies. There are even more cost effective "fixes". Just ask all the intelligent CTD owners who are implementing them. )

I was prepared to totally abandon my Japanese brand loyal buying practices in favor of buying American products, particularly Cummins products. When my Toyota truck engine expired due to a design defect (many years & 100,000 miles out of warranty!) they did not hesitate to rebuild my motor at their expense with the correctly designed parts. That’s totally excellent product support that would generate complete brand loyalty. Out of loyalty, I waited many years for their new full truck to come out. But unfortunately it turned out to be too small for my current needs & I had to reevaluate my next purchase, which brought me to Cummins. But, if I am totally on my own & I personally have to be financially responsible for obvious design & or manufacturing defects from Cummins, I will be forced to reevaluate my next purchase decision. Do you really think that the competition’s technology of variable cam timing & pneumatic valves enabling custom tailored power increases just by changing software will not be an attractive alternative?

Sincerely
Mike Nowicki
President
High Plains PSM Inc.

<hr>
OFF the record: I just love this dam engine, but w/ Cummins attitude on design defects & NVG's attitude on design defects (5th gear fiasco) & Dodges attitude of "lets charge 'em just to breath when they walk in" my new brand loyalty is being challenged!

Yes, I might be whining just a tad, but I know Toyota wouldn't treat me this way. The truth is the truth & people gotta know.

Yes, I'm afraid to even drive my truck, fearing it could grenade at any time, (knowing the money to fix such a potential problem is not in the bank. )

Yes, I will be tearing into the timing cover this w/e. The mighty CTD won't move until I do. (At least I have that luxury. )
What about the people that have to depend on their truck daily for a living & are not a TDR member?

On the bright side:
If it wasn't for this GREAT TDR SITE #ad
, I know I'd be totally toast. I for one, greatly appreciate the tech support offered here & especially any "matter of FACTNESS!". Not the candy coated cr&% I've seen on some topics.

PS I'll never give up my Cummins, its still way better than the competition! Now, I gotta go fix it...
#ad

Mike


[This message has been edited by mikepvg (edited 05-16-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

Good letter Mike. I just hope it reaches the right person and some secretary doesn't just respond with, " Thank you for your concern but... "

 

[46mech]

Mike,
I sent an e-mail to Cummins yesterday with just about the same sentiment, wording etc. I have at least received a response from them stating they received my e-mail and that someone may be getting back to me.
And I think it's so true, we ALL need to notify Cummins about our great concern over this issue, and it might even be productive when it's done tactfully and in numbers.

 

[mikepvg]

Oops, almost forgot.
If u would like to write your own letter & I would encourage everyone to do so, u should direct your email here:

Powermaster@Cummins.com

It can only can help everyone, if u write a good letter...

#ad

 

[Bill Lins]

Originally posted by mikepvg:
What about the people that have to depend on their truck daily for a living & are not a TDR member?

What about those of us who depend on our trucks to make a living and ARE TDR members?

Seriously, you wrote a great letter. Mine is on the way. Hopefully, if enough of us contact Cummins, they will understand that they cannot just walk away from their mistakes any more than I can in my business.


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Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

[waynep]

Mike,
That has got to be the best response, to date, that we've seen concerning this dowell pin issue. You absolutely hit the nail on the head. Everyone who reads these threads ought to send Cummins and DC exactly the same type of letter... but be nice about it. Everyone should also encourage anyone they encounter who drive these trucks to do so as well. I know we are all thinking the same thing, but you said it best. Thanks.

Wayne
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'96 3500 ext cab, 2wd, auto, SLT Laramie, all stock, all black, 100k+ miles

 

[Sled Puller]

Sorry,
Plato and I are out of the risk factor, we used CPFF's jig.
Gene

 

[Simon]

Would this be covered under warranty for those of us that still has less than 100,000 on the drive train? I also wrote a small statement to Cummins to voice my concerns. The other letters you guys sent, hit the nail perfact on the head. GREAT JOB!!!!!!

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96 2500 SLT auto. 4X4, Banks Stinger Plus, Gear Vender Over and Under Drive, Pac Brake, Aero tanks tool box, Pioneer CD player, 700 watt vortex amp, 2 6x9 Infinity 3 way speakers, 2 Infinity 2 way speakers, 2 tweeters and a 8" Punch sub woofer, Fiber glass running boards and wheel flares, Pressureloc with mystery switch and NO KITTY.

 

[Sled Puller]

Just got an e-mail from a Cummins shop in Ohio-
"Yes, we fix at least one of these a month if not more. "

Time to make lots of NOISE.

If I wanted to drive a hand grenade, I would have bought a 6. 5 Chevy.

Gene

 

[Bill Littlefield]

I agree with all of your concerns. My letter has been sent.



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Bill Littlefield
95 XCab, 2500, LB, 5sp

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by SmokinCummins:
Sounds good to me, just look at how many people on here that have 12 valves have had this problem. I know two guys who aren't even on TDR and they have had the problem. I say we do it, they need to know!

I have already asked on this site for all that own 97 trucks who have had the dowl pin damage their engine while under the 100,000 mile warranty to contact me at my personal E-mail address. cl2repair@yahoo.com. So far only 3 replys but they were from people with 95,96 trucks and one who knew of 97 buss fleet with failures. We need Dealer names, engine numbers and so forth. Dodge told me that no 97 trucks in my class had this failure. I know I can prove them wrong and the Cummings corp needs to know that our numbers are growing in protest of this defect!! I feel every member on this site should take some time out and write. like the man said, make enough noise and you will be heard!

 

[Driftwood Ram]

We just did the CPFF fix on 6 trucks on Saturday and none of their pins had moved out.

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96 2500 4x4 Driftwood auto DTT TC & VB Smart Controller Pac Brake Stan's 4" exhaust turbo to tail Warn 4x boards pyro,boost,trans temp on a piller, mag hytec trans pan, Reese 15k 5th wheel hitch Pulling 200 Alfa Ideal 31RL