Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil leak??

[Kalaehina]

Hey guys, I have a friend with a 2001 3500, he's had his truck in the shop on 3 separate occasions for an oil leak. When it first happened he had oil all over his engine compartment, took it to the dealer and they replaced his front seal. Same day he picked it up, oil allover the place again, took it back and they basically did the same thing. Now, the third time it's happened again, and today they informed him that they found a "groove" on his crank shaft, sorry I don't have all the details yet, I still have to talk to my friend, but does it sound like that groove could have been caused the previous work done to his truck? Does this problem sound familiar? I told him if it were a 12 valve I think it was a KDP right from the start, but I'm very 24 valve illiterate so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[rowilson]

There was someone on here that got Cummins to warranty his worn crank for the same reason. If it were me I would have them put a speedy sleeve on it and another new seal and that will usually fix it. Most small blocks have the same problem and this is how they fix them too. Cheap and easy if you are already into it.

 

[Kalaehina]

What is a speedy sleeve? And was his crank damaged in the same manner? Thanks for the reply... .

 

[rowilson]

Speedy sleeve is a thin wall metal sleeve that goes over the snout of the crank to bridge accross the worn groove in the crank. High mileage engines usually show this wear or ones that have been operated in a dusty area. The dust sticks to the oil mist around the seal and turns to sandpaper cutting right into the crank. It seems that the other guys crank was damaged the same way.

 

[Kalaehina]

Hey thanks for the info, interesting. I forgot to mention that my friends truck has 40,000 miles, if that helps.

 

[BBliss]

cummins has an oversize front seal with a wear sleeve included. part #3802820 By the way the right way to replace the seal is to remove the front cover and replace seal with cover off the engine, then slide the cover over the sleeve with the installer that comes in the kit.