Archived Kdp... ?

[BHiggins]

Killer Dowel Pin... ?

My last Cummins (a 1990 W250) went 304,000 miles without anything done about the "Killer Dowel Pin". I just bought a "new" Dodge, a 1992 W350 Dually with 75,000 original (lucky find, right place right time). My question is this... Should I be paranoid about the KDP or is this a rare occurance? I know about six or seven guys that live locally that have never had a problem with the KDP in their Cummins either, and many have high milage. I know most of you are going to reply "better safe than sorry", and I agree, but I don't have the money to stave off something that may never happen. How much should I worry, alot or a little?

 

[guava]

you said it! better safe than sorry.

Its a relatively simple fix that you can do yourself. If you were close to me, I'd help.

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i had my KDP tabbed last month, and it took the guy like 20 minutes. after he had studied my KDP, he told me it was not going to be very long and it would have fallen out!! i would deffintley get it done, ive heard its quite expensive if the pin falls out. just my . 02

 

[SRadke]

KDP occurrences are more rare in first gens but they do happen. An average jig job is about an hour and involves virtually no expense. A timing case replacement will cost you about $250 in parts (if nothing beside the case was damaged, ie best case scenerio) and will take upwards of 5 hours. I've done 1 and it took me way longer than 5 hours, I could do better the second time. As they said, better safe than sorry.



-Scott

 

[MUDDY]

and dont 4get to do the bolts. much damage if one should loosen and fall out.



ive seen result of a kdp in a 1gen and results of a bolt falling out in a 1gen. not a pretty sight. dont take a chance

 

[BHiggins]

Killer Dowel Pin... ?

Thanks for the suggestions, anyone know where I can get the jig set up? I live in Long Island , New York. Is it available to buy / rent?

 

[Joe G.]

You really don't want to depend on the jig for a 1st gen. They seem to be more vulnerable to screws falling out. There have been pictures posted on here that show the end of the cam busted off. The front main bearing cap has also been broken in some cases. It's much better to open it up and tab it. Check with the guys in the 1st gen forum for information about how to do it on yours. The tab is a little different than later engines.

 

[BHiggins]

Kdp

When you say "screws fall out", which screws are you talking about?

 

[Forrest Nearing]

the bolts that hold the timing case onto the block...



just pull the cover, clean-locktite-and torque the bolts and tab the kdp.



much better method than the jig IMHO.



Forrest

 

[BHiggins]

Kdp

Thanks for the advise, I think I'm going to do it right, tab the pin and loc-tite the bolts. Thanks again.