Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) KDP or something else???

[Cattletrkr]

Back in Feb. a friend of mine was toolin' down the freeway in his '94 2500 5spd when the engine came to a screeching halt. He coasted into a rest stop (lucky timing) and started making phone calls. Long story short, he ended up trading the 94 off for an '03 3500 dually that just happened to be available at a dealer 5 miles away. They allowed him $2500 for the '94, without knowing what exactly went wrong.



A couple weeks ago I finally called the dealer (they just so happen to be the dealer I bought both mine at) to find out what happened. Turns out he made the right decision by unloading it. A bolt fell into the timing gears, snapped the cam, sent pistons into the valves, and I don't know what else. Service rep said, "that's why when we tried to crank it over the injection pump was moving like and inch and a half!!!"



I don't know what the KDP is for sure, but does this sound like it could be one? He called me right after it happened and I said "it sounds like a KDP to me". Dealer hadn't heard of KDP in those terms so I don't know. Just curious if I was right.

 

[Joe G.]

It's very close to being the KDP. It sounds like one of the gear case screws that are behind the gear case cover. If the KDP (a slick dowell pin) falls out it usually breaks a hole in the gear case and does no other damage. Big oil leak and a bear of a job to fix. If a gear case screw falls out it will get caught up in the works and break things like the front main bearing cap and the end off the cam shaft.



This is just another warning to those of you who are hoping the KDP or the gear case screws don't get you. Email me at -- email address removed -- for instructions for installing a tab to prevent this from happening to you. The jig fix would not have prevented the failure reported in this post.

 

[Twisted Shifter]

WOW that sucks ... . but he does have a 03 now... .



I have a 94 that I am BOMBing and I have the front off to replace the cam so I am going to locktight every bolt I can while I am looking at it... ... .....

 

[TX Gooseneck]

It's very close to being the KDP. It sounds like one of the gear case screws that are behind the gear case cover. If the KDP (a slick dowell pin) falls out it usually breaks a hole in the gear case and does no other damage. Big oil leak and a bear of a job to fix. If a gear case screw falls out it will get caught up in the works and break things like the front main bearing cap and the end off the cam shaft.



This is just another warning to those of you who are hoping the KDP or the gear case screws don't get you. Email me at -- email address removed -- for instructions for installing a tab to prevent this from happening to you. The jig fix would not have prevented the failure reported in this post.

How big of an oil leak??

 

[DFerverda]

I got my 98. 5 24v tore down tonite,some of em have the KDP acording to lsfarms he was right as rain. The kdp was out allmost as far as the bolt head beside it!!! Joe G what is a good material to make the tab out of, I tried to peen the case a little to keep it in but think i will use a tab. I found 2 bolts under the cam gear, 1 by the kdp and 3 more at the bottom pass side, did i miss any??? They all were loose enough i took em out with a 1/4 drive ratchet. cleaned with brake kleen and used red locktite, i dont think they will come out now. Dirk

 

[Joe G.]

Just use a piece of mild steel. The tab isn't some hi tec gadget. It just gets in the way of the KDP getting out of the hole.

 

[DFerverda]

Thanks for the info on the tab. I see the torque on the bolts is 18 ft lbs is there a reason not tighter How tight is too tight? I snugged em down pretty tight , the locktight is still wet, I just got in the house 20 min ago,should i go for 18-20 or leave alone??

Thanks Dirk

 

[Andy Redmond]

Yes, Dirk, you can go too tight and crush the gear housing to block gasket and cause an oil length. You might be okay, so don't sweat it and pray for no leaks.



good luck

Andy