Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) KDP Advice

[JRichard]

Okay, so ive got the feared 99, where whether or not i have the updated timing case is as determinable as the roll of the dice, so .....



Heres what i want to know, what gaskets, seals, specialty tools, etc will i need when removing the timing cover to do the KDP fix. I have all the hand tools i could ever need, just wondering if im lacking specialty ones.



Also, i dont completley like the idea of tabbing the KDP and im against the jig completley (not to start a flame war). So would it be possible to remove the pin, add some nice loctite, and then stake the KDP bore a bit, or maybe just take the KDP out of the engine (maybe a stupid question).



Jake

 

[JFinke]

Once you have the cover off you can drill and tap the case for the Jig type fix. I don't have the jig but I just pull the cover off and drill and tap the hole with someone holding a shop vac right there to catch all the filings. As far as anything special all you should need is a 90* agngle drill if you do this. There are no special tools involved in pulling the cover. I always install the new seal into the cover before putting the cover back on. It's not the way the book says, but it's much easier, and you still use the allighnment tool to center the cover. I've done about 20 and can do one in about 2 hrs if my phone does'nt ring. Jake

 

[JFinke]

You'll need a timing cover gasket, seal, and antifreeze. The seal comes with the instalation tool.



Don't remove the dowel and leave it out, as it supports the case right below where it's holding the weight of the VP44, and keeps the gasket from moving around. I doubt that you could ever get it out if it's still in place as they are recessed into the case if they haven't started coming out. Just try to drive it back in to make sure it's seated. Also check that the bolts are tight behind the cam gear and down by the oil pump drive gears. Jake

 

[JRichard]

Thanks for the reply, can i get the seal at autozone or napa, or is that a cummins part?



Also does the radiator have to come out to do the job? You said antifreeze so im assuming so.



Jake

 

[rashwor]

The radiator does not have to come out, but the fan does, so you at least have to take the top radiator hose off = anti-freeze.

 

[JFinke]

Napa can get the seal but not the gasket... at least here. Best bet is from Dodge or Cummins. I get the stuff through Dodge and it costs me about 45. 00 for the gasket and seal, but I have a wholesale acct. Yes you do pull the radiator. I also use the barring tool to hold the motor when I retoque the dampner bolts, but it can be done without. Jake

 

[Jetson]

Cummins Southern Plaiins said no gasket, just RTV. I used their silver RTV. My '99 had the new stepped cover, so all I did was snug the bolts and put in a new crank seal