Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) KDP (Killer Dowel Pin)

[JKeefe]

I have a brother who owns a 12V 1998 and who also has experienced the KDP taking out his timing gear case. 16 hours and a hand full of money and he had 'er all buttoned up again.



I have the 1999 24V, does any one know if this is subject to the same KDP problem?



I have read that this is usually associated with 94-98 year models.

 

[Fishin Guide]

I had heard at one time the only safe ones were '01. 5 and newer.



It would be worth the peace of mind to tab it and never have to worry.



Dave

 

[DieselMinded]

the KDP is only on 12V trucks



DM

 

[Fishin Guide]

the KDP is only on 12V trucks



DM

Sorry, that's not the case. There have been failures on 24Valve trucks as well.



Dave

 

[Holysmokes]

Are you 100% sure,no doubt in your mind,that there are KDP problems with the 24V?

 

[Fishin Guide]

Smokes, not all 24 Valve trucks. Seems that most were through '99 but I have seen some gear cases from 2000 and heard of one in 2001.



I belive it was to use all the old stock up. Again, not all the trucks, but think of it this way. If you pull it apart for the tab method, you can retoque all the bolts in the case. In my truck, when doing the cam, I found a few of the bolts to be loose.



Dave

 

[JOdell]

great and I thought I was in the clear with my '01 built in Sept. of '00 -Jason

 

[DieselMinded]

This is the first time Ive ever heard of KDP issues on a 24V motor .



DM

 

[Featherman]

apply to 1sr Gen

Does the KDP issue apply to 1st gens as well?

 

[JOdell]

how can you tell if you have this problem? I can make one of those steel tabs at work if I have this problem. -Jason

 

[DieselTweaker]

the only way you can tell is to pull the timing case cover off and look, very simple and fast to do even with hand tools, the only thing that might give you any trouble would be the fan, and while you have the cover off it's a good idea to go ahead and install a new crank seal and snug the visble t-case bolts just to make sure they are tight.

 

[ACoyle]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64325&highlight=99+kdp



There is or was a KDP jig that can be used without a teardown. It won't hurt if you do or do not have the problem.



AC

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Yes first gens can have KDP failures. Also, before about 1996 or 1997, the 5 bolts inside the case were not coated with sealer and they can and do vibrate loose. Since they re flanged head, they can get caught between teeth, which is even worse than the dowel that can only ride on top of the teeth and jam against the case. you can remove, clean, and loctite 4 of them and reach in through a window in the cam gear to tighten the 5th one.

 

[DieselMinded]

Thanks for the information . I had no clue this was an issue beyond year 1998 .



DM

 

[Vulcan]

Yup I have to get mine done here soon. I believe it was Rip that told me he has seen them as late as 01. What a PITA. With 211k I can just visulaize that thing just barely hanging in there.

 

[Fishin Guide]

There are arguments for both fixes for the KDP. Both the set screw method and the tab work.



I prefer the tab method even though there is more time involved. It gives you a chance to check out everything behind the cover and check all the bolts. Either fix is acceptable and it is relatively cheap.



And waaayyy cheaper than if the little bugger works it's way out.



Dave

 

[Riflesmith]

I checked mine several years ago on my '99. I had the improved timing case with the stepped dowel pin hole, so I did not need to do anything. If I would have had to deal with it, I was going to simply place a chisel over the dowel pin hole and hit it with a hammer. This would have staked the edges of the pin hole and trapped the pin in place. This would have eliminated the need for a tabbed washer. If the pin had been sticking out of the hole, I would have removed it with a pair of pliers and discarded it.



Keith

 

[Holysmokes]

Great! Just when I thought my cummins was completely BULLET PROOF. . uh... except for that lift pump thing... and that transmission dodge uses to push that beast,... ... :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[Fishin Guide]

Great! Just when I thought my cummins was completely BULLET PROOF. . uh... except for that lift pump thing... and that transmission dodge uses to push that beast,... ... :-laf :-laf :-laf

I know it, but I have addressed those issues too!



Dave

 

[Holysmokes]

U R the greatest Dave!