Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) KDP precheck up

[jjahn]

I looked at a 98 12V, 148k yesterday and noticed an oily lower front engine. Around the AC/ compressor and sway-bar area were actual oil drops. Although I've noticed on Cummins with higher mileage an oily lower front engine. Any way to check for a cracked timing cover without a tear down. I'm a little reluctant to drop top dollar for something that may need more $$$ to fix.

 

[MLee]

KDP

Was there a puddle of oil under it? If the case is cracked this usually is the case. If its a bad crank seal some dripping would occur. if it is crusty oil dry looking, most diesels have this appearance, for some reason. point this out to the salesman and see if he will check it out or give a little price break. I would'nt give premo price either, but give him an offer pending this passable problem. If you do get the truck is not a hard fix to do. 4hrs of your time.

JJ whats your location??????????????????????

Marv.

 

[SRadke]

It's really a little difficult to tell. There are three common places for leaks:

Timing case cover

Front main seal

Timing case (if the KDP has struck)

The crack in the case would be above the front main seal and behind the fan bearing bracket if it had one. You just have to try to determine where the oil is coming from. The one cracked case that I repaired would leak out a puddle about 4" dia every time the truck was parked. Hope this helps.



-Scott

 

[jjahn]

there was no oil puddle. The truck is a 3500, black, QC, 4x4,148K, 5sp, exhaust brake, 3:54 (according to sticker and tag was turning 2100 rpm in 5th at 70mph ???) locaded in Montrose,CO. The seller is a mechanic. He said it was running a little hot pulling his camper last weekend. He's suspecting the fan clutch due to lack of fan noise when ingaged. Starter needs fix, needs drag link, front right tire shows more where then others. For his asking price of $16,500 he would fix the starter, drag link and cooling problem otherwise he'll nock of 500 bucks. I've done a Kelly Blue Book search and private resale is between about 13K and 15. 5K. Diesel trucks fetch top dollars like everything else here in Goldorado.

 

[SEmerson]

98 12v are very hard to find

 

[dberry]

A KDP that has struck is not always the end of the world, mine cracked my case 2 1/2 years ago, and it is still running great (uses more oil than I like). I have never lost oil pressure and have never had a big puddle under my truck. It uses about a quart every 1000 miles. Sometimes you can feel the crack on the top of the case behind the water pump pulley (I think?). I know my truck is the exception to the KDP rule, but it would be a good idea to find out before you buy!

 

[GRW]

On my truck there is an oil leak to-wards the front of the engine.

On the drivers side, just behind the timing cover and in front of the power strg res. It is not the KDP, I already fixed that, and the leak was there before I bought it. I have been told it is most likely the pump that runs the heater/ac controls. It is a real slow leak, but its messy looking. I though it was the power strg at first, but it seams to be the pump just in front of it.

By the way mine is a 98 12V QC.

 

[RT66DOC]

96s aren't half bad either, ya know.



Mine drips too. KDP is fixed. Maybe this is like the old Jag - "If it's not leaking, there isn't any oil in it. "

 

[dberry]

It is probably the seal between the vacum pump and the power steering pump, mine leaks too !