Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Killer Dowel Pin

[Beaty]

Has anyone herd of a problem with the timing case dowel pin on 2002 models ? What year did the factory fix this problem?

 

[RCrosby]

A few months back, i ordered the (kdp) kit to do my truck. Tore down front of engine. The dowel pin was about 1/8" in block. I was told that i had the new front gear housing. That the pin could not come out.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Has anyone herd of a problem with the timing case dowel pin on 2002 models ? What year did the factory fix this problem?

I am interested to know, too.

 

[odieub]

as far as i know nothing 2nd gen is safe. there is a thread on here some where were the guy has a cummins work order (might been dodge) from a 2002 that the dowl fell out and destroyed the motor.

 

[Ncostello]

It is possible, however very unlikely, that a 2002 needs a dowel pin fix. The problem was "corrected" with the introduction of the ISB 24V engine model. The fix was simply adding a ridge of material around the inner diameter of the dowel pin bore in the case casting.



Problem is that Cummins had a supply of previous design castings that would work just fine with a VP44 bolt pattern machined into it. There was no rhyme or reason as to which cases were put on which trucks.



My 99 built in 98 had the improved cover. Yet some 2000 and up trucks have suffered dowel pin failures.



So... with all that being said... I would never trust anything. I would remove the front covers of any 24V engine and check the pin is there, ping it back as far as possible, wick green loctite in there, punch a few dents in the inner bore and install a new gasket and crank seal. Done forever then. Peace of mind.



Its an easy one afternoon job. Even if I find I had the new case... I'd still do all the above while I'm in there. I don't want the pin to move. Also remove and loctite all case bolts behind the cover. Tighten the ones you cant fully remove.



NOBODY can tell you with 100% absolute certainty you have the improved case. Not even Cummins. They are the ones who told me old cases were mixed with new ones in the machine process. Same part number.

 

[Beaty]

Thank You!



I will check it out.