Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
OK, I haven't seen the leak myself, but I would like to get some opinions on what it may be.
Here's the situation, I am currently looking at a '94 5spd. , dually with 210K on the odo. I talked to the guy and he has done a lot of upkeep on the truck recently... . new upper & lower ball joints, tie rod ends, new tires (6), has had the truck since 14*K, and has changed the oil every 3K. Well, we got to talking on the phone for a while and the truck seems to be perfect for a '94, but I asked him about the dowel pin and he said he didn't know anything about it. I told him what it was and what happens when it falls out and he said, "Well, that you mention it it has starting using oil the last couple of weeks and the front cover looks like it has been leaking. But, it can set in a spot for a day or so and never leak any oil on the ground. "
He drives the truck 120miles a day and says that he had to put a quart in every week for the past couple of weeks.
Should I be concerned? I mean, when I buy it, I am trailering it home and pulling the front cover ASAP. Also replace the crank seal and pull the head to get checked at the machine shop. Probably put a marine head gasket back on. Think I should be worried?
Also, around here there are a lot of 12V owners and a few of them usually spin a main bearing at around 200K. (neighbor spun his a month ago). Any procedures I can do to have "peace of mind" from this happening?
I appreciate any help guys, I can do just about all the work myself. I have worked on Cat's & Cummins before, but not a 5. 9 but they are really all the same when it comes down to it.
JD
P. S. Oh... I got to have this truck, besides having new tires, practically new front end, 5 spd. , 4. 10 LS, front brush guard, gooseneck hitch, and brake controls, he is asking $6,000 for the truck and it seems like a really good deal. Just hate to drive 5 hours to look at it, if someone thinks there is severe engine damage.
Here's the situation, I am currently looking at a '94 5spd. , dually with 210K on the odo. I talked to the guy and he has done a lot of upkeep on the truck recently... . new upper & lower ball joints, tie rod ends, new tires (6), has had the truck since 14*K, and has changed the oil every 3K. Well, we got to talking on the phone for a while and the truck seems to be perfect for a '94, but I asked him about the dowel pin and he said he didn't know anything about it. I told him what it was and what happens when it falls out and he said, "Well, that you mention it it has starting using oil the last couple of weeks and the front cover looks like it has been leaking. But, it can set in a spot for a day or so and never leak any oil on the ground. "
He drives the truck 120miles a day and says that he had to put a quart in every week for the past couple of weeks.
Should I be concerned? I mean, when I buy it, I am trailering it home and pulling the front cover ASAP. Also replace the crank seal and pull the head to get checked at the machine shop. Probably put a marine head gasket back on. Think I should be worried?
Also, around here there are a lot of 12V owners and a few of them usually spin a main bearing at around 200K. (neighbor spun his a month ago). Any procedures I can do to have "peace of mind" from this happening?
I appreciate any help guys, I can do just about all the work myself. I have worked on Cat's & Cummins before, but not a 5. 9 but they are really all the same when it comes down to it.
JD
P. S. Oh... I got to have this truck, besides having new tires, practically new front end, 5 spd. , 4. 10 LS, front brush guard, gooseneck hitch, and brake controls, he is asking $6,000 for the truck and it seems like a really good deal. Just hate to drive 5 hours to look at it, if someone thinks there is severe engine damage.
