Living on the Edge of the KDP!

[Tony T.]

I have read some threads about the (Killer Dowel Pin) problem an have notified some CTD owners with the affected year models at the work place. I told them that if it was me, it would be a gamble to let it go and not check into it. Well today I talked to one of our shop mechanics an ask him if he had ever checked out his 98 CTD. His reply was "no" and was not wanting to tear into the motor. I told him even though I had not done one that it was what I though a simple procedure. So I guess my question is this a pretty common problem, or maybe would only happen to one out of a thousand trucks. When I usually tell some one about it, even though they never heard of it they just look at me as no big deal.

 

[Joe G.]

A guy who lives about a half mile down the road from me spent $2700 at the Dodge dealer to get KDP damage fixed a couple of years ago. If that's not a big deal then I guess fixing it is not all that important.

 

[BV]

It does seem to be random on who is effected and at what mileage but after pulling the cover on my 96 (88,000 miles) and seeing that the pin had worked it's way out about 3/16" - Glad I tabbed it before it walked all the way out and did it's damage.



Tabbing or Jigging the pin is like buying insurance - You pay a little now in hopes of not paying a lot later.

 

[strick]

Well lets see. I personally know of 4 kdp that did damage to a buddies various vehicles. Granted they were all turned up. One was even a first gen pumping unit that the kdp was on its way out the hole. So yeah I would definitely check it for piece of mind. And there are many many more on the TDR that will tell you worse. Happy kdp party. See ya, Jason.

 

[JLEONARD]

I do not know anyone personally who was affected, but I certainly have read about it.

That's why I fixed mine using the jig method.

I live in CT and borrowed a jig kit from Portland, OR (thanks Bob Beauchaine). I mentioned in the 1gen thread what I was doing, and we ended up with 4 trucks there... we all learned together and it was so easy that way... . better than that we all made some friends and had a nice day.

So there's really no excuse for not killing the KDP once you know about it.

Besides... if you post in here that you would like help doing it... . more than likely you'll get several volunteers!!!

Jay

 

[Tony T.]

Good Luck

This particular shop mechanic I told about in the first post is very, very particular about his truck, as is with the other trucks I've known he's owned. So it really has surprised me his reaction to telling him about the KDP. I'm done with him in my book, in fact the last time I ask him which was a couple of days ago he acted like it really pi$$ed him off, and I was a bother. I guess, I have a problem with warning some one of potential danger. From now own I'm going to mind my own business, and good luck to him with many trouble free miles.

 

[Blakers]

Guys... the NE KDP jig is available. If you live in the northeast part of the country and want on the list, send me a PM with your complete address, email address and phone number.



Blake

 

[Sticks]

About 6 months ago a guy I worked with started picking my brain about the Dodge Cummins, and the Pros and Cons with the different engines and trannies. His plan was for a truck to tow his race car with to the different area drags, and just wanted something for the hills.



I stressed the different problems (per his request) with the engines, and advised him to stay away from the auto.



He ended up with a 98 12 valve 5 speed. I told him that he needs to find out if the 5th gear nut had been fixed, and the KDP addressed.



Two months later I ask him if he looked into it, "No". I invited him to several TDR events (wrench days and dyno days) because there would be someone there that would know how to look to see if they have been done, and would help him take care of it. I also told him to join up with the TDR so he could get the questions answered, since I'm not that familiar with the 12v. He never showed, and has not joined. I checked with him again a couple of months ago and the answer is still no.



Fine, it's his truck, he's been warned. Ignorance is bliss, so maybe he will be one of the lucky ones that never has the problem. I just don't want to hear him whine if it does happen.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

In my experience:

a few KDPs won't ever come out

A few KDP's will come out by 50-75K miles

The rest will eventually come out.



"you gotta ask yourself, do I feel lucky today; well, do ya, punk" (Dirty Harry, first movie, 1972).

 

[MUDDY]

ive been preachin to folks bout the kdp and most do get em fixed. some act as if i know not of which i speak though. 1 guy i know has 2 late 70s fords with 1st gen cummins conversions. i explained in great detail. showed a pic of a busted 1st gen case. explained where to find the info on tdr so he can read wit his own eyes. told him we wld get em fixed at one of our many bomb parties here and even offered to haul em there on a trailer if he cant take a day off work to attend. and after speaking with him about this subj on many occasions he tells me,,,,,,,, ''i dont want to get involved with something i know nothing about. ''



what an ignorant guy as i said b4 they shld give intellagence tests to folks b4 they be allowed to own a cummins

 

[DKayser]

KDP

After lurking here for a few months, I joined up. But only after wasting $400 + at the DC store( Note I did not say *******) for a relay + solenoid. Had I jumped in sooner, I could have saved a wad of dough + learned something. When I finally got into some NW Bomber discussions, I was invited to a KDP party. Harold Bowers + Bob Beauchaine(sp) jumped on my truck & got it done before I knew what hit me. People LOVE these trucks, & can`t wait to play with them. Learn from them, & then share the info with others. Sort of a "Pay it forward" with info. Gotta wonder about people who ignore advice. DK.

 

[JohnE]

My last KDP assination was a 90 with a ton of miles (almost 200k I recall). I supervised the work while starting a GSK install. The crew came over and said they drilled the hole, but couldn't get the tap run in the full length. The hair stood up on my neck with that comment.

We pulled the jig and visible in the hole was the dowel pin. The pilot drill cleared, but the few hundreths added to diameter by tapping wouldn't pass. The dowel pin wouldn't lever back in with a screwdriver and I didn't bring a pin punch that day. We ended up grinding the threads off the blocking bolt just after the point where they cleared the cover and got it seated.

Suddenly my GSK project got delayed as the owner decided to do the KDP first.



Three (3) points to bring up on this one.

1. If Cummins doesn't know about the KDP why do they have a blocking tab AND a redesigned cover?
   
2. If Cummins knows about this silent killer their Customers know, too.
   
3. Auto makers are infamous for silent recalls and I believe D-C is the worst.
   
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