Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Is this what a leaking Vacuum Pump Seal Looks Like?

[CCiatteo]

I guess I should introduce myself first. My name is Chris and I bought my 1997 2500 EXT Cab 4x4 5spd (all stock, except for a 4in stainless exhaust) in May with 160k on the clock. Its my first diesel and I couldn't be happier. But I am still new and trying to read as much as I can about the motor and its weak points. So far no major problems, only a fuel shut off solenoid that died (Thanks to this board and Larry B for providing the info and the parts to solve that issue. )



But, yesterday I was changing the oil and noticed alot of oil around the drain plug along the bottom of the pan and thought maybe the drain plug was failing or loose, but I traced the oil trail to the pan rail then up to the power steering pump. The level in the power steering pump was fine, so this stuff is definitely engine oil. After some searching on this board I think I have a leak between the vacuum pump and the power steering pump, but would like some confirmation before I start ordering parts. Looking at the pics, is this reasonable? My second question, is the seal kit a good solution or a band aid type fix? It doesn't look like its a very easy job due to space constraints, but a new pump is quite expensive.....



Any input on the seal kit and its ease of installation would be greatly appreciated. Searching old threads, seems like this would be the way to go, but just looking to be sure.



Thanks

Chris

 

[JFaughn]

When it comes to oil leaks , I like to use either the forecent die & lite to look for and or power wash the area .
My computor died so I do not have all my old faivorites to link you to , but there is a couple places that sell kits with DVDs that show you how , the last few I saw were on ebay .
It may not last as long as a new or rebuilt unit but I think is well wurth it .

 

[KAlder]

yea thats the vacuum pump seal. they're not to bad to do. the seal kits are good. make sure you get the skinny o-ring on the pump body in place, i've had one fall out of place and had to do it all over again and get a new kit. un bolt the power steering pump but leave it on the vacuum pump untill you get the whole assembly backed out and ready to come out as there isn't much room behind the p/s pump. they used to not have a kit, you had to buy the pump. not cheap!

 

[Mundgyver]

As long as your in there working the vacuum pump, you might as well do a good pm on the power steering as well.

 

[MLee]

Welcome Chris!!!

just a suggestion, While your in there getting your hands dirty, you might do the Dowel pin to, that the 97's are notrious for loosing. You can read till your eye balls are resting on your cheeks with this one to. If it has already been done then no worry. Good luck with your new toy. ENJOY

Marv.

 

[RVPILOT]

leak

bought my seal kit from cummins, about 7. 00 bucks. includes a double lip seal, two o rings and mounting gasket. stormy

 

[wildmanben]

Just did this to mine not too long ago. I found it way easier to remove the vacuum pump and P/S pump as a unit and them start replace seals and cleaning. Do a search and you can find the cummins p/n for the seal kit. The kit also comes with instructions. Takes about 1. 5 hours to do the whole works. And yeah, check your KDP... .

 

[fishjack1]

Chris - might also want to check the timing pin o-ring and seal. . If your timing (TDC) pin is leaking oil it is really easy to R/R with the vacuum pump and PS pump off the truck. .



Just did my vacuum pump R/R took me FIVE times. . the new seal kept leaking no matter what I did. As it ended up the power steering pump shaft had some play in it causing the new seal to leak. Got a reman PS pump and finally got the leak stopped - AND like a lot of others here I had to go through two reman power steering pump to find one that worked.



I can now R/R the vacuum pump in well under one hour with all my practice...



Remove battery - remove intercooler tube, remove small PS pump bracket (10mm bolt to engine block), high pressure and return p/s lines, oil feed line to vacuum pump, vacuum line, oil pressure sensor connector, TPS connector - two bolts that mount the assembly to the gear case. . (most bolts/nuts are 15mm - the H/P P/S line is 18mm) pretty sad that I know that by heart. . :-laf

 

[LHastings]

Check out my sig. for the seal kit p/n. If you have and aux transmission cooler the cooler line will be in the way so you can't drop it out the bottom.

 

[CCiatteo]

Thanks for the play by play and the cummins part #, it looks like I'll be doing it over the holiday weekend... Hopefully not to much excitement...

 

[surfbeetle]

I have a question. I replaced the vacuum line that goes up from the vacuum pump and after a couple of months, it has oil in it again. I have checked the pump and it is the one with the built in check valve. I also have the oil all over like CCiatteo does. If I repair the pump, does this also fix the issue with oil getting into the vacuum hose? I need to do the power steering pump so I may as well do the vacuum pump at the same time. Thanks

 

[CCiatteo]

Remove battery - remove intercooler tube, remove small PS pump bracket (10mm bolt to engine block), high pressure and return p/s lines, oil feed line to vacuum pump, vacuum line, oil pressure sensor connector, TPS connector - two bolts that mount the assembly to the gear case. . (most bolts/nuts are 15mm - the H/P P/S line is 18mm) pretty sad that I know that by heart. . :-laf

I followed your suggestions, but was able to separate the P/S pump and leave all the line attached, allowing me to snake the pump out the top. All in all an easy job really, took more time to remove the battery, intercooler tube (those rubber elbows were stubborn) than anything else. I ended up getting the kit (actually came with good destructions and pics)from my local dodge dealer $70 :{ , the cummins dealer near me was closed for the holiday and I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather here in the NJ (65 and sunny) cause the bad weather is coming.



Thanks for everyone's input and the KDP is next, the dealer didn't have the front crank seal so I think I'm just gonna get the kit from TST and tackle it next weekend.



I did take pics of the process so if anyone is curious as to what's involved, let me know and I can forward them or post them.