Newbie Questions: Auto transmission & Killer Dowel Pin

[RMidgett]

Greetings,

I have been reading the various posts with interest, & learning quite a bit. I'm new to the diesels & I have a couple of questions for the group concerning a 96 2500 diesel that I'm interested in. The truck has 125K miles on it & has the automatic transmission.

The current owner described a transmission problem that he had more than once last summer. He said on a few occasions the transmission would not engage properly when pulling away from a stop; he said it would engage slowly, seeming to slip as the truck started rolling. He described the problem as intermittent, & the local dealer was not able to reproduce the problem. The truck was not loaded at the time the problem occured, & had been in operation for more than an hour each time; the problem didn't show up when the truck was cold. Also, the problem has since dissappeared; he drove it regularly for another two weeks without incident. The truck has been sitting unused for 5-6 weeks now. What are likely causes of this intermittent transmission?



The other issue is the "killer dowel pin. " Is this a situation of very rare occurances (as Cummins states) or a situation of "if it hasn't happened, it will evantually"?

I plan to keep the truck for several years, so I'd like the opinions of the experienced before I lay out my $$. I do not have any heavy loads to haul currently, I just want a well built long lasting truck; hence my decision. The truck will not be driven daily on a regular basis.

Thanks,

Robin

 

[cumminsgetme]

I initially thought that the KDP problem rarely happened but it seems to keep turning up. I have replaced one gear case and am about to replace another (not my truck). However I know of probably a dozen that have had this problem. I wouldn't let the KDP be the deciding factor in buying the truck.

 

[JBoesl]

I have a 96 2500 4x4 with an auto trans. 109,000 miles. My transmission is currently torn apart on a table at the local dodge dealer while my extended warrenty company is not paying for it even though there contract says it is covered item. So If I were buying a used truck agian I would figure in to the cost a transmission from dtt right from the start. Buy the way it has been there for two weeks and cost me over $700. 00 just for them to to take it apart so they can look a cluch drum seal. It will most likly cost me over $4k before I can drive the thing agian.





Jason Boesl

 

[DieselDoghouse]

NOt a transmission mechanic but here's some ideas: Be sure to check fluid level, if the pump goes dry even for a second the torque convertor can balk. Check when the filter was changed cause it could cause restriction. I've had good luck with my 47RE transmission but I religiously change fluid and filter on schedule. On the KDP, it happens (unfortunately) but Cummins mechanic told me they see alot more engine damage cases from things like: getting part of the foil from the oil jug into the clean side of the filter (when prefilling it) and then pumping it into the engine!!

 

[Joe G.]

Robin,



The KDP problem is cheap to prevent. There are two methods to do it. Both work fine so that's no reason to turn down the truck. If the thing falls out it can cause a LOT of damage so preventing it is a gotta do thing if only for peace of mind.



The transmission is another story. It's not cheap to do it right, but it's worth it to get the best automatic transmission on the road. For example, the clutch drum seal Jason is spending money on is a known problem that is replaced with a DTT transmission upgrade. Get hold of Bill K. at DTT and discuss the situation. http://www.dieseltrans.com/DTTech/index.sht





Jason,



The stock clutch drum seal does not have enuff lip so it leaks.

 

[amsoilman]

RMidget,

I have a '94 Ram with the automatic, and now have over 134,000 on it. I installed a modified valve body(that allows the "line pressure" to be increased) and I have had good luck with the transmission. On the "Dowell" pin issue, I recently did the KDP modification using the KDP kit that is rolling around this TDR site. Just ask where oine is and get on the list to use the kit and modify so the pin can not get out. The kit is well designed and the instructions come with the kit, which are very detailed and easy to follow.



Wayne