Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Leak

[CBeard]

Tonight I noticed something wet looking on my front axle. Upon investigation I see what appears to be oil all over the underneath of my truck, all the way back to the rear axle. I routinely empty the blow by catch bottle so I do not think that is the source of the oil. Any other suggestions to my problem. If anyone knows of a good diesel shop in my area please let me know. I live in Martinsburg, WV. Thanks for any help

 

[obert]

Is the oil on any particulr side? Check front seal, oil cooler, oil filter, oil pan, timing cover to start. The fan blows evrything around and there may be fluid nowhere near the source, but if the leak is fairly decent, os has beeen going on long enough, there will be a clean, or "washed" area at the leak source where the fluid washes away the ambient dust, grime, salt, etc. Or steam clean (hot power washer with soap) the engine area thuroughly and run a little while. The fluid should be easy to spot at it source.

 

[THenningsen]

might be the vacuum pump seal. mine threw quite a bit of oil onto the drivers side.

 

[Mundgyver]

Ditto on the Vacuum Pump Seal. Check that first. There is a kit made by a member on TDR with is way cheaper than buying a new pump. Takes about an hour to do the fix, if it is the vacuum seal for the pump. The symptoms you descripe are what I had when mine went out.

 

[CBeard]

I checked this morning and most of the oil seems to be from the driver side to the center of the truck. I checked the vaccum pump and I think that may be my problem. The oil is down on the steering box. I can see some drips on a line running into the vaccum pump. However it appears to be alot of oil being lost. I checked the engine oil and it is full. I guess a little oil makes a big mess.



Chris

2000 EX Cab LB 2500 CTD Banks Exhaust

 

[Mundgyver]

Bingo Your looking at about $30 to fix it yourself.

 

[CBeard]

Mundgyver Where might I get this $30 dollar fix. I 'm going to degrease everything before I make my final conclusion.

 

[Mundgyver]

It has been a couple of years since I did mine and I paid $24 I think. The prices have probably gone up. This link should get you what you need to do the repair. The biggest hassel for me was getting the pump out of the truck. Pull the pump and power steering as a unit. It is easier.



http://www.fixinrams.com/id21.html



This last site is one you want to read and look at



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=78992&highlight=Vacuum+pump

 

[Neibe]

You can get a kit at Cummins for about $8. 00 that's what I did go to the nearest Cummins Service center and tell them you need the rebuild kit for the vacuum pump.

 

[Mundgyver]

That is even better, I was unaware that Cummins made a kit for this.

 

[CBeard]

Today if finally stopped raining enough to go outside and confirm the vacuum pump was my problem. Cleaning everything allowed me to lay underneath and see the oil leaking where the power steering pump and the vacuum pump couple together. Here is the kicker. When I bought the truck 2 yrs ago I bought a aftermarket warrenty. So they are hopefully going to fix the truck. Stopped by my dealer and Dodge wants $1600 for a new pump, however the diesel tech knew of the gasket kit. He said you had to be very carefull when removing the vaccum pump so not to get it out of time????? Having never worked on my diesel is the timing of the vacuum pump an issue? My other option is to get a reman pump from Delphi at $300. Any thoughts on the reman parts?

 

[Mundgyver]

Out of time I don't think so How does one get a gear driven pump out of time There is no timing involved as this is a very simple rotary vane pump. You have two bolts on the pump that hold it to the case and 1 bolt back under near the PS pump that acts as a brace. All you need is a brass drift and go gentle after you get the two seperated. Takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Hardest part is unhooking the lines and getting to case bolt between the vacuum pump and against the block. If they will cover it on a warranty, that will make life easy for you in that you won't have to do a crawling around.

 

[nps]

Are you sure you want a mechanic working on your truck that thinks the vacuum pump needs to be timed?

 

[CBeard]

Being a first time CTD owner I haven't worked on the vehicle much. I've owned the vehicle about 2 yrs. You would think A Dodge tech would know what he was doing. Sounds like he was blowing smoke up my rear. He probably was trying to make more $$ on this job. The warrenty I have pays by the service book. Thanks for putting a stop to the timing scheme. Does anyone know of a good Diesel shop in my area. I live in Martinsburg WV. Winchester VA is 25 miles south of me and Hagerstown MD is 20 miles north of me and I can be in PA in 35 to 40 min.

 

[Neibe]

Is there a Cummins service center by you that is the only mechanics that I let touch my engine.

 

[DMcPherson]

there are cummins in, fairmont wv, south charleston wv. hope this helps.

 

[CBeard]

Well after several gripe sessions with the warrenty company and a not so compettent dealer I think I will fix the vaccum pump myself. While I have the PS pump off is there something I can do to improve the steering of my truck? I have read some posts about changing the fluid you put in the PS pump. Does this help. I want to flush the power steering pump out before reinstallation.

 

[obert]

What do you want to inmprove? If its the typical "loose" feeling, check your track bar and all the tie-rod ends & ball/socket jonts. Theyre probly getting loose, especialy th track bar.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Try this thread I started:



http://turbodieselregister.com/foru...047&highlight=possible+low+power+steering+fix



Page three near the end has a good set of pictures.



If you do it, let us know if your filter is clogged and the results.

 

[CBeard]

My steering problem occurs when it is cold and at low RPM. Does the PS pump have something to do with the braking system? My brakes are very touchy as of late. Ever since I found my oil leak.