Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Killer Dowel Pin

[RMHanes]

Have a 98. 5 with about 70K miles on it. Is there a way to see if the KDP is in this engine without tearing it apart? Will be making a few long trips soon and can spend the time doing other upgrades to the truck. Then again, do not want to get stuck out on the highway also. There are mentioned in other posts of a "kit" that can be purchased to fix this KDP once and for all. Does anyone know of the place to purchase this kit and the price? How long would it take to just take care of the KDP alone?

 

[Ncostello]

There is no simple answer to this. Your truck has a KDP no doubt about it. But is the pin contained is what you wanna know. Early 24V's either had a KDP problem or did not. No engine serial number can determine this. Its located in a spot unsuitable for viewing unless you have a high dollar fiber optic scope with a light. Even then I have my doubts on whether or not you could get to it much less determine if the KDP bore in the front case has the bore lip which prevents total movement out of the bore.



Quickest way is to spend an afternoon to remove the cover and take a look. The improved bore front gear case will have a slight raised edge around the bore hole. You almost need a hooked scratch awl to feel for it. If your awl snaggs the edge of the hole around the circumference your OK. If not you can tap the pin to make sure its seated firmly and apply green loctite after cleaning well. Then you can punch a heavy burr in the bore so the pin cant squeeze out. That will stop the KDP as the bore/pin tolerances are tight.



The tab method works on most trucks. Jig/drill method also works if you dont wanna disassemble but you have to obtain one. I personally dont recommend the jig/drill method unless your positive you dont have the bossed bore... . which required disassembly to me. To me blindly drilling along the edge of a bossed pin hole creates other issues like metal shavings into the engine. But thats just my thoughts.



I would really suggest reading the sticky KDP threads in the 12V section. Tons upon tons of good information there.

 

[HeavyHauler]

I thought that only the 12V motors had problems with the dowel pin. I've never heard of a 24V having a problem with it. I guess I'm wrong again.

 

[ecpeters]

I had to have my 99 pin pined when AUTO WURKS DIESEL was installing my PIERS cam & found the pin hanging out ready to drop any day. Best dollars I ever spent on a upgrade. The cam that is more gp power & fixed KDP all in one job. Was able to tell wife look at all the money I saved by finding the bad pin before it damaged the engine.

 

[stacerbob]

me too

Mine is an 1999 built middle of 1998. Guess I need to pull it down to see. I know the cover was pulled off before I bought it but don't know why.